Are there any concerns with running Cisco VSS in a MS Hyper-V Environment?

[Terence Lockette]

Hello,

I'm in the process of purchasing dual 6807-XL switches that will run in a VSS configuration and I was wondering if there are any concerns or items I should be cognitive about?  We are a MS Hyper-V shop in the arena of server virtualization.  Although I don't work on any of the servers as I handle all network-related operations, I would still like to know of any "gotchas" before I install/configure our new chassis.  I guess what I'm looking for is interoperability issues in relation to a VM environment when running a network core using VSS.  Thanks in advance!

Regards,

TLock

[Reza Sharifi]

Hi Terence,

Are you connecting the VM environment directly to the core or you have data center switches i.e 2k, 5k, 7ks, etc.. and they will connect to the core?

Have not seen many posts on this forum about 6800 series.  There was one post (can't find it now) complaining about the VSL link getting discounted randomly. Anyway, I would test the VSS really good in the lab before putting it in production, as you don't want any surprises when it is in .production.

Also, read the release notes carefully for whatever version of IOS you are going to be using.

HTH

[Reza Sharifi]

I found the link:

https://supportforums.cisco.com/discussion/12438571/6880x-vss-vsl-link-down

This issue is on 6880 and not 6807, but its always good to know.

HTH

[Terence Lockette]

Reza,

I will be connecting the VMs to 3750-X switches that will, in turn, connect to the 6807s.  Also, thanks for providing the link to the other issue.  I'll indeed test this out.

[Terence Lockette]

Reza,

I have another question regarding VSS I thought I'd post here rather than to a new DB.  According to Cisco, "If for some rare reason all VSL connections are lost between the virtual switch members leaving both the virtual switch members up, the VSS will transition to the dual active recovery mode (http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-6500-virtual-switching-system-1440/prod_qas0900aecd806ed74b.html)."  How does this affect traffic for switches connected via MEC?  Will it began using STP/MST, if configured, for switches with dual links to different chassis?  Just curious.  I plan on testing various scenarios prior to putting these chassis into production by simulating some of the common network outages we've had in the past.  Thanks in advance!

Regards,

Terence Lockette