Configuring Virtual Port Channels

Configuring vPCs

A Fabric Extender can be a member of a Host Interface vPC topology or a Fabric Extender vPC topology but not both simultaneously.

You must configure both vPC peer switches; the configuration is not automatically synchronized between the vPC peer devices.

Check that the necessary configuration parameters are compatible on both sides of the vPC peer link.

You may experience minimal traffic disruption while configuring vPCs.

You should configure all the port channels in the vPC using LACP with the interfaces in active mode.

When the peer-switchcommand is configured and vPC keepalive messages exchanged through an SVI instead of a management interface, additional Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) configuration is required. STP needs to be disabled on the dedicated link that carries the keepalive traffic between the vPC peers. You can disable STP on the dedicated link by configuring STP BPDUfilter on the both ends of the dedicated link. We recommend that the VLAN of the vPC keepalive SVI be allowed on only the interconnecting dedicated link and disallowed on all other links, including the peer link.

Configuring vPCs

Enabling vPCs

You must enable the vPC feature before you can configure and use vPCs.

Procedure

 

Command or Action

Purpose

Step 1

switch# configure terminal

Enters configuration mode.

Step 2

switch(config)# feature vpc

Enables vPCs on the switch.

Step 3

switch# show feature

(Optional)

 

 

Displays which features are enabled on the

 

 

switch.

Step 4

switch# copy running-config

(Optional)

 

startup-config

Copies the running configuration to the startup

 

 

configuration.

This example shows how to enable the vPC feature:

switch# configure terminal switch(config)# feature vpc

Disabling vPCs

You can disable the vPC feature.

 

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

80

78-26881-OL

Page 92
Image 92
Cisco Systems N5KC5596TFA manual Configuring vPCs, Enabling vPCs, Disabling vPCs, Switch# copy running-config

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.