Nexus 1000v Creating Port channels Manually

[dumlutimuralp]

Hi,

On Nexus 1000v we usually create a port channel under a port-profile.

Like :

port-profile systemtestuplink

switchport mode trunk

switcport trunk allowed vlan x,y,<

channel-group auto mode on

When we add the ESX host to the VSM, we choose the related port-profile for the vmnics on that ESX host. (actually we HAVE to choose a port-profile, otherwise vCenter does not allow us to add those vmNICs on that ESX host onto the VSM) Since we created the port-channel with "auto" argument under port-profile, a port channel number is automatically assigned whenever we add Ethernet interfaces (the actual vmNICs on ESX hosts) to that port profile.

I noticed that on Nexus 1000v we could also create manual port channels. But I couldnt figure out how in a real life situation would I need this ? Cause I am gonna have to add Ethernet interfaces to a port channel. However it wont mean anything, cause when I add vmNICs (Ethernets on 1000v) to VSM through vCenter . I have to choose a port-profile.

May be I am asking for a really unnecessary condition but it just bugs me

Ayn comments are more than welcome

Cheers all.

[Ganesh Hariharan]

Hi,
On Nexus 1000v we usually create a port channel under a port-profile.
Like : 
port-profile systemtestuplink
switchport mode trunk
switcport trunk allowed vlan x,y,<
channel-group auto mode on
When we add the ESX host to the VSM, we choose the related port-profile for the vmnics on that ESX host. (actually we HAVE to choose a port-profile, otherwise vCenter does not allow us to add those vmNICs on that ESX host onto the VSM) Since we created the port-channel with "auto" argument under port-profile, a port channel number is automatically assigned whenever we add Ethernet interfaces (the actual vmNICs on ESX hosts) to that port profile. 
I noticed that on Nexus 1000v we could also create manual port channels. But I couldnt figure out how in a real life situation would I need this ? Cause I am gonna have to add Ethernet interfaces to a port channel. However it wont mean anything, cause when I add vmNICs (Ethernets on 1000v) to VSM through vCenter . I have to choose a port-profile.
May be I am asking for a really unnecessary condition but it just bugs me 
Ayn comments are more than welcome 
Cheers all.

Hi,

Etherchannel or port channel is to increase the bandiwdth pipe between the switches,check out the below link for detailed configuration of port channel in nexus1000V

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/datacenter/nexus1000/sw/4_0/interface/configuration/guide/if_5portchannel.html

Hope to Help !!

Ganesh.H

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[dumlutimuralp]

Hi,

I am aware what port channel is. The thing is, it is not meaningful to create a port channel without using a port profile on a Nexus1K. Because for the uplinks, I have to create a port profile from the vCenter GUI. I am asking for the scenario which points out the need to create a port channel without using a port profile ?

thanks.

[Sebastian Helmer]

I would say there is no need to configure a port-channel without a Port-Profile.. But thats just my point of view..I never tried it..

regards,

Sebastian