If you’re like me and had a difficult time at first understanding how to present separate VSAN fabrics to a server in a single vPC, I hope this post helps you out. I’ll be covering this exact scenario, as well as multihop FCoE with Nexus 5K switches in two topologies – Without NPV/NPIV and with NPV/NPIV. (more…)
Nexus
FabricPath for CCIE DC
We’re all cut from the same cloth, or in other words, fabric. It only makes sense that we connect with each other in the most immediate way, with all lines of communication open and inviting. In this blog post I’ll be looking at FabricPath, it’s purpose and how it pertains to the CCIE Data Center lab exam. I’ll also run through a configuration, observing behaviors along the way. For those just looking for a sample config, a full config is provided at the bottom of this post. (more…)
Configuring BFD on Nexus NX-OS
BDF is listed in the CCIE Data Center Lab Blueprint as, “1.2.c – Implement BFD for dynamic routing protocols”. In this blog post, I’ll be explaining BFD and going over it’s relevance for dynamic routing protocols. Without further ado.
Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD) is a protocol designed to quickly detect failures in the forwarding-path, and notify the configured protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, HSRP, etc) immediately, before they’ve even had an opportunity to be aware of the failure themselves. This results in expedited, sub-second detection of failed forwarding-paths, leading to quicker convergence. (more…)
Configuring Netflow on Nexus NXOS
This post is a part of my CCIE:DC studies, but will be useful for anyone needing to quickly configure NetFlow in NXOS. For CCIE:DC purposes, an understanding of how NetFlow is configured in NXOS cannot hurt, especially since it is mentioned in the blueprint (1.5.b – Implement Netflow). (more…)
Configuring Nexus SAN Admin Role
If you’re in a company that uses Nexus 5Ks to run both LAN and SAN, and for some strange reason your SAN Administrator wants access to the 5Ks for zoning, just deny it. Okay, okay, I guess that won’t fly, so let’s configure role-based access control (RBAC) to lock down what the SAN Administrator has access to.
Good thing about Nexus 5K is there is a built-in role called san-admin that we can use for this purpose. Let’s take a look at the role privileges:
Configuring Nexus vPC – Part 2 – Parameters
This is a continuation of the previous blog “Configuring Nexus vPC – Part 1“. In this blog I’m taking a look at some of the best practice vPC parameters. (more…)
Configuring Nexus vPC – Part 1
My favorite command in all of NX-OS – no feature vpc
Kidding! It’s actually not that bad once you’re aware of how it works, what are the caveats, and how to troubleshoot if you run into an issue. There are an incredible amount of excellent vPC guides out there that I highly recommend you read, such as the vPC Best Practices Design Guide on Cisco.com. Below are some of my notes on setting vPC up in preparation for my next lab study – OTV (hint hint). I’m assuming you have already read the configuration guides and have a general understanding of vPC. (more…)
