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Prepare to install the switches - Cisco Nexus 9364D-GX2A

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Before installing Cisco Nexus 9364D-GX2A switches as part of a new AFX 1K or AFX 2K system installation, you should understand aspects of the switch and its installation by reviewing the applicable Cisco switch documentation and ONTAP systems documentation, understanding the RCF versions supported for AFX systems, and considering the use of Smart Call Home.

Step 1: Review the Cisco switch documentation

You should review the following Cisco install and setup documents so you are familiar with the switch release notes, safety information, installation options, initial software configuration, and command references.

All of the Cisco documents are available on the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches Support page.

Step 2: Review the NetApp systems documentation

You should review the following NetApp systems documentation so you are familiar with the AFX 1K or AFX 2K system installation, ONTAP release information, and hardware configuration and compatibility requirements.

Step 3: Understand the supported RCF versions

The version of ONTAP running on your AFX system and version of NX-OS on your switches determines the supported versions of RCF for your switches. RCF versions have preset port speed configurations that determine how many switch ports are in breakout mode (4x100GbE) and non-breakout mode.

Note

For the current list of supported RCF versions, see the NetApp Cisco Ethernet Switches page.

Switch port information can also be found in the NetApp Hardware Universe.

  • If you have an AFX 1K system, RCF 10.0 and later is supported.

  • If you have an AFX 2K system, RCF 10.1 and later is supported.

  • RCF 10.0 has one file and it supports shared switches, Cluster-HA-Storage AFX RCF_10.0.

    For example, the following table shows the preset groupings of the switch ports, their port speeds, and usage for this RCF file.

    Switch port groups Port speeds and usage

    Ethernet1/1/1-4 to Ethernet1/62/1-4

    4x100GbE mode for cluster, HA, and storage connections

    Ethernet1/63, Ethernet1/64

    400GbE ISL

  • RCF 10.1 has different files for different use cases for AFX 1K and for AFX 2K systems. Depending on how you plan to use the switches in your AFX 1K or AFX 2K system configuration (shared, storage only, or cluster and HA only), you choose the applicable RCF file.

    For example, if you are using your switches as shared switches in an AFX 2K system, you use the RCF file appropriate for that use case. The appropriate RCF file could be named similarly to RCF-v10.1-NX9364D-GX2A-CL1-ST1-100GBR31-400G31.txt. The following table shows the preset groups of the switch ports, their port speeds, and usage for this RCF file.

    Switch port groups Port speeds and usage

    Ethernet1/1/1-4 to Ethernet1/31/1-4

    4x100GbE mode for Intra-cluster, HA, and storage shelf connections

    Ethernet1/32 to Ethernet1/62

    400GbE mode for Intra-cluster, HA, and storage connections

    Ethernet1/63, Ethernet1/64

    400GbE Intra-cluster ISL connections
    Note

    You can change the preset groups to adjust the number of switch ports in breakout mode (4x100GbE) and 400GbE mode when you need to accommodate a different port speed configuration for your AFX system.

    You do this later, as part of the RCF installation procedure.

Step 4: Consider using Smart Call Home

ONTAP supports Ethernet switch health monitoring (CSHM) to monitor the AFX cluster switches, as well as the ability to collect switch diagnostic logs.

Cisco's Smart Call Home is an option to provide proactive support and help you resolve any issues that might arise with the switches.

More information about Smart Call Home can be found in the Configure Smart Call Home documentation.

What's next?

After you've prepared to install your switches, you install the switches.