For a successful deployment on Cisco UCS, do not rely on the standard VMware ISO. The Cisco Custom Image for ESXi 7.0 U3 provides the essential drivers required for the installation to proceed without errors. By following the steps above to download from the official Cisco portal and verifying the checksum, you ensure a secure and stable foundation for your virtual environment.
To download the Cisco custom image for ESXi 7.0 U3, you must now navigate the Broadcom Support Portal, which hosts all VMware-related software following the acquisition. Verified custom images are essential for Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) hardware to ensure that critical drivers, such as those for the Cisco Virtual Interface Card (VIC), are pre-integrated into the bootable media. Step-by-Step Download Instructions
Follow these steps to locate the verified Cisco ISO through the official Broadcom Support Portal:
Log In: Sign into your account on the Broadcom Support Portal. If you do not have one, you must register using your Broadcom Site ID to access licensed software.
Navigate to VMware Cloud Foundation: Select VMware Cloud Foundation from the dropdown menu (typically located next to your username).
Search for vSphere: Go to the My Downloads section in the left-hand sidebar and search for VMware vSphere.
Select Your Version: Choose your entitlement (e.g., VMware vSphere - Enterprise Plus) and select the major version as 7.0.
Access Custom ISOs: Locate the Custom ISOs tab at the top of the download options. This section contains vendor-specific images for Cisco, HPE, and Dell.
Filter and Download: Search for "Cisco" within the search box. Expand the entry for ESXi 7.0 Update 3 to find the specific build you need (e.g., Cisco Custom Image for ESXi 7.0U3 Install CD). Why Use a Cisco Custom Image?
Standard VMware images often lack the specific drivers required for Cisco UCS and HyperFlex hardware. The verified Cisco custom image includes:
VIC Drivers: Updated nenic and nfnic drivers for the Cisco Virtual Interface Card.
Hardware Compatibility: Pre-tested configurations verified against the Cisco Hardware Compatibility List (HCL).
Optimised Performance: Specific enhancements that reduce the risk of PSOD (Purple Screen of Death) or networking disconnects. Alternative: Building a Custom ISO
If you require a specific driver version not included in the standard custom image, you can use the vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM) within vCenter to build your own verified image: Navigate to Lifecycle Manager > Software Depot.
Import the desired Cisco VIC drivers (downloaded from the Cisco Product Support site).
Create a New Image, select the ESXi 7.0 U3 base version, and add the imported Cisco components. Export the resulting configuration as a bootable ISO. Cisco custom ESXi Images | VMware vSphere download cisco custom image for esxi 70 u3 verified
The official Cisco Custom Image for VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 3 can be found on the Broadcom Support Portal. Following the acquisition of VMware, these images are now hosted under the "Custom ISOs" tab within the VMware vSphere download section. Verified Download Steps
Access the Portal: Log in to the Broadcom Support Portal with your registered credentials.
Navigate to Downloads: Click My Downloads on the left menu and select VMware vSphere.
Locate Custom ISOs: Select the Custom ISOs tab at the top of the version list (ensure you have selected version 7.0). Verify the Image:
The latest verified version typically listed is 7.0 Update 3o (e.g., VMware-ESXi-7.0.3o-22348816-Custom-Cisco-4.3.2-a.1.iso).
Verification: Before downloading, hover over the file to view the MD5 or SHA512 checksum. After downloading, use certutil -hashfile in Windows Command Prompt to match it against the portal's value. Implementation Strategy (Draft Paper)
Title: Deployment and Verification of Cisco Custom ESXi 7.0 U3 Images for UCS Environments
Abstract:This paper outlines the standardized procedure for acquiring and validating Cisco-specific VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 3 installation media. It addresses the transition of software hosting to the Broadcom Support Portal and emphasizes the necessity of hardware-specific driver integration.
1. IntroductionCisco UCS servers require customized ESXi images containing critical drivers (e.g., fnic, ncnic) for optimal performance and hardware compatibility. 2. Acquisition Methodology
Source: The primary repository is now the Broadcom Support Portal.
Selection: Administrators must select the "Custom ISO" corresponding to their UCS firmware version (e.g., Cisco 4.3.2-a.1) to ensure inter-module reliability.
3. Integrity VerificationVerification is a critical security step. Administrators must use cryptographic hashing (SHA512) to ensure the downloaded image has not been tampered with or corrupted during transit.
4. Alternative: Customization via vLCMIf a specific patch level (like 7.0 U3q) is required but a custom ISO is unavailable, administrators can create a "synthetic" custom image using vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM).
Process: Import the base VMware ESXi image and add the Cisco UCS Vendor Add-on.
Benefit: This allows for immediate application of security patches while maintaining Cisco-certified driver levels. For a successful deployment on Cisco UCS, do
5. ConclusionA verified deployment path requires alignment between the ESXi build, the Cisco Custom Add-on, and the underlying server firmware. VMWare ESXi 7.0U3p Cisco Custom Image
Prerequisites:
Step 1: Create a Cisco account (if you don't have one)
If you don't have a Cisco account, create one on the Cisco website.
Step 2: Go to the Cisco Support website
Log in to the Cisco Support website using your Cisco account credentials.
Step 3: Search for the custom image
In the Cisco Support website:
Step 4: Download the custom image
Step 5: Verify the custom image
To ensure the integrity of the downloaded image:
Step 6: Upload the custom image to your ESXi host
You can upload the custom image to your ESXi host using:
Step 7: Create a new VM and install ESXi 7.0 U3 with the custom image
Step 8: Complete the ESXi installation
Follow the standard ESXi installation process.
Verification
To verify that the custom image was successfully applied:
How to Securely Download Cisco Custom ESXi 7.0 U3 Images Getting your hands on a verified Cisco-customized ESXi 7.0 Update 3 (U3) image is critical for ensuring your Cisco UCS hardware has the correct drivers and vibs right out of the box. Since the transition of VMware to Broadcom, the download process has changed. Here is how to find and verify the legitimate images for your environment. 1. Where to Find Official Downloads
The primary source for all VMware-related downloads, including vendor-specific custom images, is now the Broadcom Support Portal Broadcom Support Portal : Log in with your registered account. Navigate to My Downloads on the left menu. VMware vSphere from your entitled products. Look for the Custom ISOs
tab. This is where Cisco-specific images are hosted for different vSphere versions, including ESXi 7.0 U3. Broadcom Community 2. Verify Your Image Details
Cisco custom images follow a specific naming convention that often includes the ESXi build number and the Cisco UCS bundle version. For example, a verified release might look like: Filename Example VMware-ESXi-7.0.3o-22348816-Custom-Cisco-4.3.2-a.1.iso UCS Specifics : For HyperFlex users, the filename may start with
HX-ESXi-7.0U3-23307199-Cisco-Custom-7.3.0.18-install-only.iso Cisco Community 3. Alternative: Create Your Own Custom Image
If a pre-packaged ISO for your specific patch level (like 7.0 U3q) isn't yet available as a single download, you can build a verified one yourself using vCenter Lifecycle Manager (vLCM) Add Components : In vLCM, select the base ESXi 7.0 U3 version. Select Vendor Add-on : Choose the Cisco UCS Add-on for your firmware level (e.g., version 4.3.2-a.1).
: Save the combined image as a bootable ISO or offline bundle. Cisco Community 4. Important Checks Before Installing Firmware Alignment
: Ensure your server's firmware matches the version listed in the ISO name (e.g., UCS firmware 4.3.2 for a 4.3.2-a.1 custom image) to prevent hardware compatibility issues. Verification : Always cross-reference your hardware on the VMware Compatibility Guide
to ensure ESXi 7.0 U3 is supported for your specific Cisco server model. Cisco Community UCS firmware version you should use for your current server model? Solved: Re: VMWare ESXi 7.0U3p Cisco Custom Image
Once you have the verified ISO, here is a fast-track deployment checklist:
For a fresh installation or host reimaging, download the .ISO file.