Configuring Layer 2 Interfaces

Configuring Ethernet Interfaces

Configuring Ethernet Interfaces

The section includes the following topics:

Configuring a Layer 3 Interface on a Cisco Nexus 5500 Platform Switch

On Cisco Nexus devices, you can configure a Layer 3 interface.

You can change a Layer 3 interface into a Layer 2 interface by using the switchport command. You can change a Layer 2 interface into a Layer 3 interface by using the no switchport command.

Note

Procedure

 

Command or Action

Purpose

Step 1

switch# configure terminal

Enters configuration mode.

Step 2

switch(config)# interface ethernet slot/port

Enters configuration mode for the specified

 

 

interface.

Step 3

switch(config-if)# no switchport

Selects the Layer 3 interface.

Step 4

switch(config-if)# no shutdown

Restarts the interface.

This example shows how to configure a Layer 3 interface:

switch# configure terminal switch(config)# interface ethernet 1/2 switch(config-if)# no switchport switch(config-if)# no shutdown

Configuring Unified Ports

Before You Begin

Confirm that you have a supported Cisco Nexus switch. Unified Ports are available on the following Cisco Nexus switches:

Cisco Nexus 5596T

Cisco Nexus 5548UP

Cisco Nexus 5596UP

Cisco Nexus 5548P switch with an installed Cisco N55-M16UP expansion module

 

Cisco Nexus 5000 Series NX-OS Interfaces Configuration Guide, Release 5.2(1)N1(1)

10

78-26881-OL

Page 22
Image 22
Cisco Systems N5KC5596TFA manual Configuring Ethernet Interfaces, Configuring Unified Ports, Switch# configure terminal

N5KC5596TFA specifications

The Cisco Systems N5KC5596TFA is a high-performance data center switch designed specifically for modern architectures requiring low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity. As part of the Nexus 5000 series, the N5KC5596TFA addresses the needs of virtualized environments, cloud computing, and highly dynamic workloads, making it an essential choice for enterprises and service providers.

One of the standout features of the N5KC5596TFA is its impressive port density. The switch offers 48 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) ports and 4 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE) uplinks, providing flexibility to connect a variety of devices and ensuring high throughput across the network. This port configuration is ideal for connecting multiple servers and storage devices, making it perfect for environments with significant data traffic.

The switch supports a range of advanced technologies such as Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) for improving scalability and multi-tenancy in data center networks. VXLAN encapsulates Layer 2 Ethernet frames within Layer 4 UDP packets, allowing for a larger address space and effective overlay networking, which is crucial for cloud deployments.

Another notable aspect of the N5KC5596TFA is its support for Data Center Bridging (DCB), which enhances the reliability and performance of Ethernet networks. DCB features like Priority Flow Control (PFC) and Enhanced Transmission Selection (ETS) help to minimize data loss and ensure Quality of Service (QoS) for various types of traffic, including storage and regular data, which is critical in a converged infrastructure.

Security is also a priority with the N5KC5596TFA, as it comes equipped with features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and port security, helping to safeguard the network from unauthorized access and potential threats.

In terms of management, the switch offers integration with Cisco's Data Center Network Manager (DCNM), providing tools for monitoring, management, and automation, which simplifies operational tasks. Additionally, it supports Cisco's Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), enabling a more comprehensive and application-focused approach to networking.

Overall, the Cisco Systems N5KC5596TFA is engineered for organizations looking to build robust, highly efficient, and secure data center environments. Its combination of high density, versatile connectivity options, and advanced networking technologies makes it a powerful solution for meeting the demands of today’s enterprise workloads.