Nexus 7700 as a Border Node

[kkaminsk]

Hi folks,

The SDA Compatibility Matrix calls out that the Nexus 7700 SUP2E/3E with M3 line cards can be used as an external border node only.  In 1.3 when you configure a border node you then select internal, external, or both.

Does the N7700 support only a border node with external? No internal or both then?

If yes, why? what is the limitation on the Nexus 7700 platform that is preventing this?

Thanks, 

[tahuja · Accepted solution]

N7700 supports External Border role only.

For Internal Border role, the import route functionality is needed. The N7K code do not support it with Fabric, as of now.

[ChuckMcF]

We bought a 7706 when we were initially setting up our SDA network. The intention was to use the 7706 as the Ext Border Node/Control Plane Node. In the end we bought two 9500-16X switches and made them the EBN/CPNs and made the 7706 our Internal Router/Core Switch (Legacy network outside of SDA A).

At the time (a little over two years ago) support for SDA was behind the Catalyst switching platforms. It’s a mix of the NXOS platform and the focused direction of the Cisco SDA team. 

I assume these limitations still exist in some ways. IMHO I’d look to place the 7706 outside of the network and use a 9K series switch for your SDA network. Just my $0.02 but I hope it helps. 
Chuck