Transitioning Your Network: Embrace the Power of Cisco Nexus Dashboard
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, ensuring agility, consistency, and compliance in your network infrastructure is crucial. If you're currently using a standalone Cisco Nexus 9000 Series setup, it's time to consider the transformative benefits of a controller-based deployment with Cisco Nexus Dashboard.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the transition smoothly.
Step 1: Discover the Benefits of Cisco Nexus Dashboard
The Cisco Nexus Dashboard offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to elevate your network management:
- Agility and Consistency: Streamline operations and achieve network-wide consistency with centralized control.
- Scalability and Complexity Management: Effortlessly manage large-scale deployments without compromising on performance.
- Compliance: Ensure your network meets industry standards and regulations with ease.
- AI-Driven Insights: Leverage advanced analytics for proactive alerts, baselining, and troubleshooting.
- Intersight Integration: Enhance your data center visibility, streamlined management, and improved troubleshooting capabilities.
For more detailed insights, explore the following resources:
Step 2: Deploy the Virtual Cisco Nexus Dashboard
Start your journey by downloading and deploying the virtual Cisco Nexus Dashboard. Here’s a quick guide to getting started:
- Download and Installation: Access this page and refer to this Cisco Nexus Dashboard Installation Guide for the next two bulletpoints.
- Enable Services: Activate the fabric controller and insights services for enhanced functionality.
- Smart Licensing: Register Cisco Nexus Dashboard for Smart Licensing, which utilizes existing switch licenses.
- Claim Your Cisco Nexus Dashboard Instance: Complete your registration by claiming your Cisco Nexus Dashboard instance.
Step 3: Onboard Existing Fabrics to Cisco Nexus Dashboard
Integrating your existing fabrics is seamless with Cisco Nexus Dashboard.
- Managed Mode (NDFC): Utilize this Cisco NDFC user guide for guidance.
- Monitor Mode (NDI Capabilities): Refer to this NDI user guide to monitor your network effectively.
- Fabric Guides: Whether you have VXLAN or Classic LAN Fabrics, these detailed guides are available to assist you:
Step 4: Partner with Cisco CX for Production Deployment
As you prepare to move your solution into production, the Cisco Customer Experience (CX) team is here to support you. Explore the range of services available to ensure a smooth and successful deployment.
By following the above steps, you can unlock the full potential of your network infrastructure with Cisco Nexus Dashboard. Embrace the future of network management and take the next step in your digital transformation journey today.
Looking to unlock more Cisco Nexus Dashboard key benefits?
Check out this webinar recording "Nexus Dashboard & NDFC - Key benefits unlocked" to see how Cisco NDFC provides centralized fabric management for visibility and control, enhances automation via integrations like Ansible for efficient operations, and ensures scalability with high availability using a three-node active-active Nexus Dashboard cluster for reliable data center networking. The recording shows you how to download the controller for free to start realizing the value and benefits NDFC provides.
