topic Re: Cisco Catalyst Center - Supplicant-Based Extended Node (SBEN)-C920 in Cisco Catalyst Center

Cisco Catalyst Center - Supplicant-Based Extended Node (SBEN)-C9200

anilraj_003 — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 11:15:13 GMT

Hello Expert,

Support is needed regarding a clear view of Supplicant-based Extended Nodes (SBEN) and their feasibility. I'm unsure how the physical connectivity should be arranged between SBEN and Edge nodes. Can we directly connect SBEN to a Border node, or should the Border node be a dedicated Border box (e.g., a C9500-48Y4C model)? Alternatively, if the Border node supports border, edge, and WLAN capabilities in one hardware, can we refer to it as Fiber in a Box (FIAB-C9300X)?

**Topology Description:**

We have two border/edge/WLAN (FIAB box - Model C9300X) nodes, both running in active-standby fashion using HSRP. A dedicated Edge node (Model C930048UN) is connected to the FIAB box. The SBEN node, which is a C9200CX model, is connected to the Edge node and also connected to another SBEN. Currently, one connection towards the Edge node is down, and that SBEN is unreachable.

How should the standard process look if we have multiple SBEN switches (9200 model) and a Border node that is a 9300 model? The Edge nodes are also 9300 models. all are running 17.9.3 IOS XE release.

I've gone through the Cisco documentation, but it's not clear on the configuration for this specific setup. What is the best practice for resolving the unreachable SBEN issue and ensuring proper connectivity in this topology? Please advise.

Re: Cisco Catalyst Center - Supplicant-Based Extended Node (SBEN)-C920

Torbjørn — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 12:40:09 GMT

Am I interpreting this correctly? The SBEN node in question is connected to an edge and another SBEN which is again connected to another edge switch? If so that topology isn't permitted.

Extended nodes can only be connected to a single (logical) fabric node that has the edge role enabled. If redundancy is required you can add more links to the portchannel, if your usecase requires chassis redundancy you will need to configure the upstream edge node as a stack.

Excerpt from the SDA design guide: "Extended nodes and Policy Extended Nodes can only be connected to a single fabric edge switch. They should not be dual-homed to different upstream edge nodes. Daisy chaining is not supported by the zero-touch Plug and Play process used to onboard these switches."

Re: Cisco Catalyst Center - Supplicant-Based Extended Node (SBEN)-C920

anilraj_003 — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 13:27:19 GMT

Hello Again ! Please review my topology again !

In topology, SBEN-1 is connected to the edge-1 node (link is red/down) and another link to SBEN-2. I got your point, only edge to sben is feasible. not SBEN to SBEN as a secondary link, meanwhile we have dual link one is towards edge and another is towards another SBEN. That would not be correct ?

The final question is, as seen in the above diagram, we are using a FIAB box. This means that, based on requirements, we can connect SBEN directly to the FIAB box if the site is small?

Diagram : Figure1.0