=/v1.7/docs/setup/getting-started/#download>Download the Istio release</a></li><li>Perform any necessary <a href=/v1.7/docs/setup/platform-setup/>platform-specific setup</a></li><li>Check the requirements <a href=/v1.7/docs/ops/deployment/requirements/>for Pods and Services</a></li><li>Virtual machines must have IP connectivity to the ingress gateway in the connecting mesh, and optionally every pod in the mesh via L3 networking if enhanced performance is desired.</li></ol><h2 id=prepare-the-guide-environmen