NX-OS 9.3 on N9K-9396TX without 'vrf member' and without 'ip address' capabilities on interfaces configuration

[duran_tci]

Dear community,

Sorry for this very basic question, I'm a beginner and I think that I'm missing something very basic

I have a N9K-9396TX on my home lab with NX-OS version 9.3(6), I'm trying learning about VRF and I'm trying to configure some interfaces on the switch. But when I try to execute the command 'vrf member' on an interface the command is missing, the same when I try to execute 'ip address' in order to set an IP address over an interface... Someone know why?

I was searching on the web without solution, all internet resources show me that those commands are available on the Nexus 9300 family, I don't know why they are not available on my N9K-9396TX. Perhaps because it is a pretty old?

Here is the examples of my execution:

switch(config)# show vrf
VRF-Name VRF-ID State Reason
default 1 Up --
management 2 Up --
switch(config)# vrf context vrf_test
switch(config-vrf)# show vrf
VRF-Name VRF-ID State Reason
default 1 Up --
management 2 Up --
vrf_test 5 Up --
switch(config-vrf)# interface ethernet 1/12
switch(config-if)# vrf member vrf_test
^
% Invalid command at '^' marker.
switch(config-if)# ip address ?
^
% Invalid command at '^' marker.
switch(config-if)# ip ?
access-group Specify access control for packets
port Port policy

switch(config-if)#

Thanks for your help and advices in advance

Warm regards! & Merry Cristmas!!!

[Georg Pauwen · Accepted solution]

Hello,

the only thing I can think of is that these physical ports are layer 2 only, and that you have to create an SVI (Vlan interface) and associate the physical port with that Vlan. Then set the 'vrf member' command and IP address on the SVI.

[duran_tci]

Hi Georg,

I think as you the same :(. I hope that this switch has the L3 capabilities on physical interfaces, but I think that perhaps they are only L2...

Do you know where I can review the documentation in order to be sure this switch only allow L2 on their interfaces?

Thanks for your very very fast response

Nice Christmas!

[balaji.bandi · Accepted solution]

nexus by default all are layer2 ports

1. if you want to configure you need to issue no swtchport to configure IP address

2. then you can associated with VRF

3. then you can configure the IP address.

VRF is seperation of routing instance.   if these ports have no ip on them the vrf is pointless , routing must be enabled on the device and the port must have an ip on it for vrf to work.

[duran_tci]

Hi Balaji,

That's the trick!!!!!

After configure the port with 'no switchport' command all comands like 'vrf member' and 'ip address' are now working

Thank you very much!! Now I understand vrf a little more better

Have a very nice day colleague!

Warm regards!