connecting nexus 2k to 5k to 7k

[Dragomir]

I only have 1 nexus 7k but I have 2 nexus 5k and 4 nexus 2ks

how many uplinks should i connect from each 5k to the 7k? 2 links or 4 links per 5k?

I want to use the vpc feature so that both links are active via both switches. 

any suggestions?

[Reza Sharifi]

Usually, 2 10Gig links per 5k is sufficient. You cal also add more link if you need to in the future.

HTH

[Dragomir]

hi

how should i setup the management interface on the 5k when its connected to the 7ks? Should I be using vrf contect manangement or SVI? 

mgmt0 is meant for out of band management right? if so where should the management interface be connected to?

[Reza Sharifi]

Hi,

mgmt0 is meant for out of band management right? if so where should the management interface be connected to?

Correct, mgmt0 is for out of band and it should connect to a different switch.

You do the same for the7ks as the 5ks.

OOB is in its own vrf and should connect to a different switch.

HTH

[Dragomir]

I am planning to use the mgmt0 interfces between the 2 5ks for peer keep alives. 

1. So does that mean I cannot use mgmt0 for out of band management? 

2. Does peeer keep alives need to be L3?

3. If it does need to be L3? What do I set the default route and gw to be?

[Reza Sharifi]

1-You can use the management interface for both out of band and peer keep-alive.

2-Yes, it has to be layer-3

3-The default route is whatever switch you are connecting your 5k's mgmt port to.

lets say you have a 3750 switch. You connect the OOB from both 5ks to the 3750 and default route point to whatever address you pick for the SVI interface on the 3750.

example:

5k-1 mgmt address 192.168.1.2

5k-2 mgmt address 192.168.1.3

3750 address on the SVI 193.168.1.1 (vlan 100)

HTH

[Dragomir]

hi

I dont have another switch for oob. What do you suggest? 

[Reza Sharifi]

You have lots of options.  If you have the budget 3850, 3560, 3650

If your budget is limited go with a 2960-X.  They all work and get the job done. It is just a matter of preference.

here is datasheet for the 2960x

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-2960-x-series-switches/data_sheet_c78-728232.html

HTH.

[Dragomir]

what do you think of this?

1. connect the mgmt0 on both 5ks directly to the upstream 7k?

2. dont use oob and connect both mgmt0 on both 5ks together?

but if I connect both mgmt0 together for peer keepalives, do I need L3?

Thank you

[Reza Sharifi]

Have a look at this doc.  That is how VPC and keep-alive should be designed.

Also, see figure-4

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/nexus-5000-series-switches/configuration_guide_c07-543563.html

HTH

[Bilal Nawaz]

Hello, depends on bandwidth requirements if its for production environment. But yes 2 will be enough to use/practice vpc feature.

hth

Bilal - CCIE #45032

[Dragomir]

can i manage the 5k and 7k as separate devices or do I have to go through the 7k? 

[Reza Sharifi]

The 5ks and 7ks are completely separate devices.  So you have to manage them separately.

HTH