Can a 6120 control a 2248

[ZyEdge SMARTnet]

Is it possible to connect a 2248 downstream from a 6120 and have it act as a fex or is that not supported?

[Robert Burns]

Not supported unless you're using the 2248 for UCS C-Series integration only.

It will not operate as a standalone FEX for any device to connect into.

Regards,

Robert

[ZyEdge SMARTnet]

Just to verify the FEXs can only connect to 5ks or 7ks.

Thanks,

ZyEdge

[Robert Burns]

For purposes of connecting any 1G end networking devices to - Yes.

The same hardware (2248) just happens to be used for UCS C-Series integration, but this is strictly for Cisco Rack servers when used with the 6x00 Interconnects.

Regards,.

Robert

[skint]

Robert,

The C460 M2 is not currently supported on the latest UCSM version.  If you have 6120's with the 2248 to support the C-Series integration, can the C460 M2 be connected to this environment or will we need to wait until 2.0(2).  Seems like a such a waste to devote 2248's to just LOM functions and not be able to do anything else with them.

-ryan

[Robert Burns]

Ryan,

Completely valid points.  The C460 (being a completely different architecture) will only be supported with UCS MR1 aka 2.0.(2).  Also in this release we enter the next phase towards single-wire management.  Previously with C-Series integration we required the 2248 for 1G LOM, and 10G data path uplinks (CNA) directly to the 6100's.  In 2.0(2) we add support for the 2232 - in which both LOM and Datapath connect directly to.  This in turn uplinks to the 6100's.  This helps reduce the # of licensed FI ports required for C-Series integration for better scaling. 

We understand it's not where it needs to be yet, but this phased approach gives the functionality while allowing us to develop & test single wire data+management.  Muxing Management and the datapath over a single adapter is very complex.  Unlike the B Series which has the out of band CIMC controller for management.

For what it's worth, the 2248's and 2232's can always be re-used as regular FEXs for N5K and N7K if you had these in your environment.

Regards,

Robert

[skint]

Thanks Robert, that clears up a lot.  I understand 1H this year is the release date, do you think that means closer to June or do you expect the release date to be any earlier?

-ryan

[Robert Burns]

We're tracking tentatively around the end of March, but I would expect the release to be sometime between early-mid April. High confidence it will be released well before June.

Regards,

Robert