Unlocking Network Security: A Deep Dive into the Cisco ISE Supported Hypervisors Datasheet

Unlocking Network Security: A Deep Dive into the Cisco ISE Supported Hypervisors Datasheet

For any organization looking to deploy Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) in a virtualized environment, understanding the compatible hypervisors is paramount. This is where the Cisco ISE Supported Hypervisors Datasheet becomes an indispensable resource. It provides crucial information to ensure a smooth and secure integration, guaranteeing that your network access control policies are effectively enforced across your virtual infrastructure.

Understanding the Cisco ISE Supported Hypervisors Datasheet and Its Application

The Cisco ISE Supported Hypervisors Datasheet is a vital document that outlines the specific virtualization platforms on which Cisco ISE can be deployed and reliably operated. Think of it as a compatibility guide for your network security software. When you're running your core network security services on virtual machines, it's essential to know which hypervisor technologies your ISE deployment will work seamlessly with. This datasheet helps administrators avoid potential conflicts, performance issues, and security gaps that could arise from an unsupported configuration.

These hypervisors, such as VMware ESXi and Microsoft Hyper-V, are the foundational software that allows multiple operating systems to run on a single physical server. Cisco ISE, when deployed virtually, runs as a virtual machine (VM) on one of these supported platforms. The datasheet details:

  • Specific versions of hypervisors that have been tested and validated by Cisco.
  • System requirements for running ISE on each hypervisor, including CPU, RAM, and disk space recommendations.
  • Important considerations for network configuration and management within the virtualized environment.

The importance of consulting this datasheet before deployment cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the stability, performance, and overall security posture of your network access control.

Using the Cisco ISE Supported Hypervisors Datasheet ensures that your deployment aligns with Cisco's best practices and support policies. When you select a hypervisor and ISE version that are explicitly listed as supported, you benefit from:

  1. Guaranteed functionality and feature set compatibility.
  2. Access to Cisco's technical support for any issues encountered.
  3. Optimal performance and resource utilization for your ISE deployment.

For those planning to integrate Cisco ISE into a virtualized data center, here's a glimpse of what you might find:

Hypervisor Supported Versions
VMware ESXi 6.7, 7.0, 8.0 (check datasheet for exact patch levels)
Microsoft Hyper-V Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 (check datasheet for exact versions)

To ensure your Cisco ISE deployment is robust and supported in your virtualized environment, meticulously review the official Cisco ISE Supported Hypervisors Datasheet. This document is your definitive guide to achieving a secure and reliable network access control infrastructure.

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