high speed DNA fabric connection

[gnijs]

Hello,

If i wanted to connect a high-speed end-system to the fabric, for example, using a 40GE Access port, what are my options ?

1) Do i need to use 2x 9300 in stack with a 2x dual 40GE network modules ? (2 links for uplink to Fabric and two links for a "high-speed" end-system ?

2) Or can i connect to the "distribution" level if these distribution level switches are Cat 9500 ?
        In this case, the Cat 9500 distribution must just route the underlay for connected Access switches, plus it must play Edge switch itself for some of its high speed ports (10/40/100GE). Is this supported ?

regards,

Geert

[Liam Kenneally]

Hi gnijs, 

Option 1 is not very scalable. 

With regards to option 2, SDA has three roles(well four if you include the control plane). Edge Node, Intermediate Node and Border/Default Border Node. 

As you are aware, Intermediate nodes are just routed devices to provide reachability. However, if you use Catalyst 9000 (9500-24Q for example) as the intermediate node, it can also be an edge node. Therefore I would recommend you look at a design as follows: 

9500-24Q (BN/DN/CP) ------ 9500-24Q (Intermediate/EN) ----- 9300 (ENs)

Hope this helps, 

Liam