NDFC data interface connectivity option

[p.falconi]

If NDFC is configured for out-of-band Management over ND management interface,
is it possible connect ND data interface directly to a couple of leaf of the managed fabric
just for Endpoint Locator purpose, or Data interface adjacency is required to bring up the cluster ?

[M02@rt37]

Hello @p.falconi 

Yes, if your NDFCis set up OoB management using the ND management interface, it is indeed possible to connect the ND data interface directly to a pair of leaf switches in the managed fabric solely for EPL purposes. This setup allows you to gather endpoint information without requiring a full adjacency for the data interface within the managed network.

In tht case, the primary role of the data interface connection would be to provide endpoint visibility and tracking, enabling the NDFC to monitor endpoint movements and locations. The data interface would communicate directly with the specified leafs, where endpoint data can be gathered effectively without requiring the NDFC’s data network to form an adjacency with the entire fabric. This setup enables the EPL feature without altering the OOB management configuration.

Please note that when high availability or redundancy within the NDFC cluster is required, adjacency over the data network typically becomes necessary. However, in your case, since management and cluster communication have been established over the OOB management interface, there is no need for the data interface to establish adjacency with the fabric. Instead, it serves as a dedicated connection for endpoint tracking only.

Configure only the essential routing and VLAN parameters on the data interface that directly support EPL traffic. As this interface is not involved in managing the fabric or providing redundancy, additional peering or adjacency setups on the data network are not required, keeping the configuration streamlined for endpoint tracking purposes.

[p.falconi]

ok thank you ,

I was in doubt,, because NDFC deployement guide says data interface is used  also for clustering purpose

[M02@rt37 · Accepted solution]

@p.falconi 

Your approach is sound for now!

NDFC deployment guide specify that the data interface can be involved in clustering, especially when using an in-band (data-plane) management approach. For OOB management, the ND management interface handles cluster control, but for in-band management, the data interface typically handles both fabric management and clustering tasks.

In your case, since you're using OOB management over the ND management interface, the data interface doesn't necessarily need adjacency to all other nodes in the cluster for clustering purposes. Connecting it directly to a couple of leaf switches in the fabric for EPL purposes should work fine. However, if you later decide to use the data interface for more comprehensive fabric management functions or in-band management, you might need a more extensive setup to ensure full clustering support.

So, just be sure that any future requirements for clustering are compatible with this setup if the role of the data interface changes.

[p.falconi]

ok thank you very much