Hi Kris

burkholderr · ‎12-27-2015

We have a vSphere 5.5 environment running on Cisco UCS B-series blades. Currently, a Nexus 1000v is used to manage virtual networking. We are debating removing the Nexus 1000v.

My question is, in terms of the UCS, are there any benefits of using a Nexus 1000v? Vice versa, would there be any negative impact of migrating to a vCenter managed vDS?

Kirk J · ‎12-27-2015

Greetings.

VMware has filled in quite a few holes in the features list in the 5.5 DVS versions.

However, the Nexus 1000V (advanced version) generally has the following advantages:

Mechanism to separate the Network and server management
Security>Cisco Integrated Security Features (ISF): DHCP snooping, IP source guard, and Dynamic ARP Inspection,Cisco TrustSec SGA support, Cisco VSG
Other virtual services: Cisco ASA 1000V, vWAAS, etc.
ACLs, quality of service (QoS), and VXLAN
ERSPAN

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/switches/nexus-1000v-switch-vmware-vsphere/index.html

Thanks,

Kirk..

Walter Dey · ‎12-28-2015

Hi all

My 2c

To be open and vendor neutral (if that exists at all), one has to be aware of

Cisco Nexus 1000V - End of Availability

http://www.vmware.com/ch/products/cisco-nexus-1000V

VMware is announcing the End of Availability (EOA) for the Cisco Nexus 1000V SKU and its associated support SKUs from VMware effective February 2, 2015. This notification has NO IMPACT on existing use of the Nexus 1000V in a VMware vSphere 5.x or older environment. It also has NO IMPACT on support already purchased from VMware for the Nexus 1000V. VMware recommends that the Nexus 1000V users move to the VMware vSphere Distributed Switch as it simplifies operations (e.g., upgrade) and provides advanced monitoring capabilities plus a broader feature set. VMware will also offer migration assistance to make this change. For additional details, please contact your VMware account team or support representative. Customers that use the Nexus 1000V already do so in conjunction with VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus Edition and have the correct licensing in place to make this change. Customers who want to buy additional licenses and support for the Cisco Nexus 1000V after February 2, 2015 can buy those licenses directly from Cisco. - See more at: http://www.vmware.com/ch/products/cisco-nexus-1000V#sthash.IaaMw8f8.dpuf

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I know many customers, that have migrated from N1k to DVS, due to misc. issues.

Fact:

N1k is mainly managed by networking guys !

DVS is mainly managed by server / virtualization guys !

And if you want to do NSX, the prerequisite is DVS !

Kirk J · ‎12-28-2015

Hi Walter.

To confirm, the VMware link is VMware's statement of support for bundled support of the N1k being sold from Vmware specifically, that they are ending.

The N1K for VMware continues to be compatible with Vsphere and continues to be supported by Cisco directly.

I wanted to make sure someone taking a fast glance at our posts didn't come away thinking the 1000V was being discontinued/unsupported.

Thanks,

Kirk..

Walter Dey · ‎12-28-2015

Hi Kirk

I clearly stated that this is VMware's statement. In the past I had many N1k customer problems, even Cisco claiming support.

Walter.

see eg.

https://blog.teamix.de/2015/02/04/cisco-nexus-1000v-supported-in-vsphere-6/

VMware’s official announcement below:
—————————————————————————————————

I wanted to address some recent questions I have seen on this topic. Below is VMware’s official position:

– The testing and certification of Cisco Nexus 1000V with vSphere 6.0 has not yet been completed

– For vSphere 6.0, VMware intends to support the versions of Nexus 1000V that are currently supported with vSphere 5.5 (Nexus 1000v versions 4.2(1)SV2(2.x) and 5.2(1)SV3(1.x)) with functionality equivalent to that supported in vSphere 5.5, in traditional Nexus 1000V mode (i.e. leveraging Virtual Supervisor Module – VSM). AVS mode – as in vSphere 5.5 – is not and will not be supported.

– These versions are currently intended to be supported no later than the vSphere 6.0 U1 release, currently planned for 6-9 months after the vSphere 6.0 general availability. Support may potentially be accommodated earlier, pending initial testing results and timelines.

Please also remember that VMware has stopped offering both the Nexus 1000V SKUs and support as of 2/2/15. This information should have already been communicated to you. It is important to note that we can still process Q1 orders as needed and that this announcement has no impact to existing product use or support.
Let me know if you have additional questions.

Thanks,

KRIS PATE · ‎02-12-2016

Hi Walter,

I am building a new UCS/Vmware platform with vSphere 6. Is the recommendation from Cisco to use Nexus 1000V or vDS?

I know VMware would rather us use the vDS.

The reason I even ask is because I recently took a ACI hands on lab and they are now integrating with vDS instead of Nexus 1000V. They used to integrate with the 1000v.

Just looking for clarity.

Kris

Walter Dey · ‎02-12-2016

Hi Kris

If you use ACI and would like to integrate vSphere, you use actually VMware DVS, see e.g.

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/cloud-systems-management/application-policy-infrastructure-controller-apic/118965-config-vmm-aci-ucs-00.html

however, in the context of ACI, there is also a N1k derivate which they call AVS (application virtual switch), where the VSM is replaced by APIC.

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/switches/application-virtual-switch/index.html

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/application-virtual-switch/datasheet-c78-733605.html

Walter.

KRIS PATE · ‎02-14-2016

Hi Walter,

Yes. The AVS....that is what we used.

For non-ACI Vmware 6.0 installations do you guys recommend the 1000V or the VMware DVS?

Kris

Walter Dey · ‎02-14-2016

Hi Kris

This is a very delicate and political question ?

If you are Cisco and/or Cisco partner, obviously N1k

However, there are other issues to consider ? I add my personal opinion in brackets, according to the order in front

- who is managing the ESXi networking: server or network team ? -> DVS, N1k

- are you using (Hyper-V , KVM )in addition to ESXi ? -> N1k, DVS

- are you planning Essential or Advanced Edition of N1k -> DVS, N1k

Walter.

KRIS PATE · ‎02-16-2016

Thanks Walter,

We are doing only ESXi. I have been a big fan of the 1000v but it seems like there is a lot of confusion on the Cisco side with regards to its future.

Kris

vDS vs. Nexus 1000v Cisco UCS and vSphere 5.5