NDFC 2.1.2e ... cannot change switch role to spine

[dan.laden]

I have a new install for my education (lab, virutal N9Kv).  I have four N9K switches.  Been discovering them, removing , discovery again.  I have gotten myself into a position where i cannot switch a leaf switch to a spine.  The only message i see is the following.  What are the requirements to switch a leaf to a spine?   I did not see it in the docs where the switch roles were discussed.

Switch [MSITE-EAST-S201/xxxxx]: Role change from leaf to spine is not permitted

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/dcn/ndfc/1212/configuration/fabric-controller/cisco-ndfc-fabric-controller-configuration-guide-1212/lan-switches.html#concept_u13_hf2_1rb

Also note the documentation states a discovery is needed to have the new role reflected in the role status.  This seems to be incorrect and its listed immediately not in effect until recalculate and deploy.

There is no option for NDFC for a label?

[Tarakesh Jetti · Accepted solution]

Hi, 

Leaf to Spine is a negative case. Not supported.

You can shift the switch role from existing to required role if there are no overlays on the switches. Click Recalculate and Deploy

 to generate the updated configuration. The following shifts are allowed for the switch role:

• Leaf to Border

• Border to Leaf

• Leaf to Border Gateway

• Border Gateway to Leaf

• Border to Border Gateway

• Border Gateway to Border

• Spine to Border Spine

• Border Spine to Spine

• Spine to Border Gateway Spine

• Border Gateway Spine to Spine

• Border Spine to Border Gateway Spine

• Border Gateway Spine to Border Spine

Refer below link for more information

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/dcn/dcnm/1151/configuration/lanfabric/cisco-dcnm-lanfabric-configuration-guide-1151/control.html#concept_tjj_sjt_2gb

If you find my reply solved your question or issue, kindly click the 'Accept as Solution' button and vote it as helpful.

You can also learn more about Cisco NDFC (previously known as DCNM) through our live Ask the Experts (ATXs) session. Check out this ATXs Resources [https://community.cisco.com/t5/data-center-and-cloud-knowledge/cisco-aci-ask-the-experts-resources/ta-p/4394491] to view the latest schedule for upcoming sessions, as well as the useful references, e.g. online guides, FAQs.

Thanks and regards,

Tarakesh Jetti 

Customer Success Specialist - CX Team.

[dan.laden]

Thank you.  Good information to have.  My current understanding after all this is I have one chance to set a newly discovered switch into spine mode.  If I set it leaf, I cannot recover.  I would need to remove the switch from the fabric and rediscover and assign as a spine.  This had been the scenario I played out in the simulators.