I have spent last weeks configuring our new Cisco Nexus 5596UP switches in two data centers. The decision to use configuration synchronization feature (also known as Switch Profile) seemed logical as our new DC infrastructure design dictates to use Dual Homed FEXes with Active/Passive NIC teaming topology. This scenario (like any Dual Homed) requires almost all configuration to be identical on both switches that are part of vPC domain. Overall, I like this neat feature. In my humble opinion, Cisco had to come up with it years ago. It works like a charm if you are working on a clean deployment and follow Cisco guidelines. But… when it comes to the migration from Legacy configuration mode to the Switch Profile mode with both vPC domain switches already being pre-configured separately… well, you’ll definitely face some issues! I personally have spent few days trying to solve one puzzle that driven me nuts! Read more …
vPC Domain Configuration Synchronization Guidelines
Configuration synchronization, also known as Switch Profiles, is a new feature that has been introduced by Cisco to primarily support Nexus vPC Domain topologies in modern data centers, specifically the Dual-Homed FEX scenarios. One of the main requirements in Dual-Homed FEX topologies is configuration consistency across both Nexus 5K switches. Remember that vPC domain switches represent one logical switch. Thus, must be consistent from QoS-, VLAN-, Spanning-Tree- and, in some cases, FEX interfaces- configuration perspective. Switch Profiles, if well understood, can help to lessen administration overhead. Read more …