Nexus 7004 integration with Cisco 6500 catalyst

[Diana Mascarenhas]

Hi,

I am planning to redesign the DC by replacing the

existing 6500 catalyst cores with Nexus 7004

and introducing an  access layer with multiple 6500 catalyst , nexus 5500 and nexus 2200 as access switches.

Are there any known issues for Nexus 7004 as core integration with 6500 catalyst as accesss ?

Any limitations to be considered while adding access-layer to Nexus 7004 ?

Regards

Diana

[Andras Dosztal]

I don't think you'll have any problems, however a more detailed topology would help to be sure. Also, here's a whitepaper about N7k vPC integration with Cat6.5k VSS.

[Oleksandr Nesterov]

Hi DIana.

There shouln't be any incompatibility issues.

Just be sure that you have checked switch data-sheets to be aware abut capabilities of the devices:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps9402/products_data_sheets_list.html

and plan your topology properly.

HTH,

Alex

[Diana Mascarenhas]

Hi ,

Thanks for your reply.

Actullay I am planning to setup a pair of Nexus 7004 each with M2 series 24-port card. Connect them via VPC and configure them as L3 Core switches. Downstream to these cores , I have plans to connect 4 x 6500 catalyst as access switches and 2 pairs of Nexus 5548 with Fex associated on them.again as access switches.

I see no problems with Nexus 5500 integration with Nexus 7004, but not sure how well the 6500 catalyst can integrate with Nexus 7004.

Thanks in Advance

Diana

[Oleksandr Nesterov]

Hi Diana.

What do you mean under the term "integration".

If you are concerned about LACP, STP, VTP and routing protocols - there shouldn't be any issues.

VPC from the cat 6k side will be considered as standart port-channel - cat6k won't see that behind it there are 2 nexus.

Just be aware which topoligies are supported for VPC. For example you cannot run routing protocol over VPC links.

HTH,

Alex 

[jkilleda]

Hello Diana,

Nexus 7004 integration with Cisco 6500 catalyst

There won't be an issues related to the topology mentioned below , it's a simple topology but just be careful about the configuration that you do on it , may be you can refer/crosscheck with a configuration guide for it .