Configuring 4500-X with VSS but used as access layer

[DannyHuston]

Hi all

I have two 6509-Es configured as non-VSS and running MSTP so that one 6509 is root bridge for Instance 1 and the second 6509 is rooto bridge of Instance 2.   I want to attach a pair of 4500-X switches configured for VSS to uplink into these 6509s but they will be access layer.   Are there any catches or can they be configured like any normal access layer switch hooking up to my cores?

[Reza Sharifi]

Hi,

When you enable VSS, you are configuring one switch not 2.  So, in this case, you don't need to configure one instance on one switch and other instance on the other one.  It is all one.

As for your access layer VSS, if your end devices are connected via only one link to the 4500X, there in no benefit in VSS. VSS is only good for data centers where the servers connect dully to both 6500 switches (VSS) or as a distro/core where your access switches connect to both VSS.

HTH

[DannyHuston]

I'm actually using these VSS enabled 4500s to terminate my ASA firewalls' Inside interfaces to (they are configured for 9.0 clustering).  As far as spanning tree goes would the configuration remain the same? IE

6509-A

spanning-tree mode mst

!

spanning-tree mst configuration

name SiteA

revision 10

instance 1 vlan 1-10

instance 2 vlan 11-20

!

spanning-tree mst 0-1 priority 8192

spanning-tree mst 2 priority 16384

6509-B

spanning-tree mode mst

!

spanning-tree mst configuration

name SiteA

revision 10

instance 1 vlan 1-10

instance 2 vlan 11-20

!

spanning-tree mst 0-1 priority 16384

spanning-tree mst 2 priority 8192

4500-X with VSS

spanning-tree mode mst

!

spanning-tree mst configuration

name SiteA

revision 10

instance 1 vlan 1-10

instance 2 vlan 11-20

[Reza Sharifi]

That is correct.  The 6500 VSS is just the same as your 4500 VSS.  You configure one device.

6509-VSS

spanning-tree mode mst

!

spanning-tree mst configuration

name SiteA

revision 10

instance 1 vlan 1-10

instance 2 vlan 11-20

!

spanning-tree mst 0-1 priority 8192

spanning-tree mst 2 priority 16384

HTH

[DannyHuston]

Thanks. I actually dont want the 6500 on VSS yet.  They will remain apart in non-VSS mode.  I was just making sure there aren't special considerations needed for MST on the 4500s when i hook up the etherchannels into the 6500s (my first time working with VSS).

[Reza Sharifi · Accepted solution]

Then yes, your config in correct for both 6500. 

HTH

[DannyHuston]

Thanks!