topic Re: Smallest/cheapest FiaB hardware? 9200? in Software-Defined Access (SD-Access)

Smallest/cheapest FiaB hardware? 9200?

Tony Rosolek — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 13:29:29 GMT

Hello world,

I'm looking for an appropriate SD-Access solution for very small sites. Like 5-15 LAN ports. Looking into Fabric in a box deployment with hosts directly connected to it. Could I use a small 9200 switch as FiaB in this scenario? Or even a 9200CX?

SD-Access ordering guide mentions 9300 as "lowest" FiaB plattform. Also the compatibility matrix is not showing 9200 as Control Plane/Border Node. 9200 switches are only listed as Edge Nodes.

Can I use 9200 switch as FiaB? If not, why not? What could be the alternative? Is it a 9300 24 port switch?

I know that there are specific limitations for 9200 and Fabric enabled Wireless. Especially with embedded WLCs.

Thanks in advance
Tony

Re: Smallest/cheapest FiaB hardware? 9200?

Andrii Oliinyk — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:49:38 GMT

do u need to have (fabric) APs on hypothetical location? or do u have it connected with SDA-transit?
If no, on you place, i'd stop thinking about bringing LISP/VXLAN burden into the single box & free'ed up myself with platform selection for traditional networking.

Re: Smallest/cheapest FiaB hardware? 9200?

balaji.bandi — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 19:55:26 GMT

9300 is best option for Fabric in a box.

Re: Smallest/cheapest FiaB hardware? 9200?

Tony Rosolek — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 20:43:38 GMT

Please share more details/insight. Why is 9300 "the best option"?

Re: Smallest/cheapest FiaB hardware? 9200?

Tony Rosolek — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 20:46:03 GMT

Fabric APs at some sites yes, other sites not (yet). SDA-Transit probably yes.

Idea is to have similar setup/configuration for all 50 sites. Having a mix of SDA and traditional networking would add additional complexity.

Re: Smallest/cheapest FiaB hardware? 9200?

jedolphi — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 01:09:59 GMT

Per the compatibility matrix C9200 does not support the Border Node role, thus cannot be a FIAB. FIAB = BN + CP + EN. C9300 is the minimum switching platform capable of performing FIAB function. Best regards, Jerome

Re: Smallest/cheapest FiaB hardware? 9200?

balaji.bandi — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 05:57:35 GMT

Look at the below guide what features need for the FIAB (so Cat 9200 does not support some features) - hence 9300

Fabric in a Box Site Reference Model

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/solutions/CVD/Campus/cisco-sda-design-guide.html#FIAB_Site_Reference