Prepare to install the switches - Cisco Nexus 9808
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Before installing Cisco Nexus 9808 switches as part of a new 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 reference configuration file (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.
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Cisco Nexus 9000 Series NX-OS Release Notes (choose the release notes for the NX-OS release installed on your switches)
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Regulatory Compliance and Safety Information for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series
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Cisco Nexus 9808 NX-OS Mode Switch Hardware Installation Guide
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Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switch Software Configuration Guides (choose the guide for the NX-OS release installed on your switches)
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Cisco Nexus 9000 Series NX-OS Command Reference
Provides links to the various command references provided by Cisco.
Step 2: Review the NetApp systems documentation
You should review the following NetApp systems documentation so you are familiar with the AFX 2K system installation, ONTAP release information, and hardware configuration and compatibility requirements.
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AFX systems documentation Describes how to install NetApp hardware.
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ONTAP documentation Provides detailed information about all aspects of the ONTAP releases.
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NetApp Hardware Universe
Provides NetApp hardware configuration and compatibility information. -
What additional information do I need to install my equipment that is not in HWU?
Provides more information about storage system installation 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.
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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. |
For your AFX 2K system, RCF 10.1 and later is supported.
For example, the following table shows the preset groups of the switch ports, their port speeds, and usage based on RCF version 10.1.
| Switch port groups | Port speeds and usage |
|---|---|
Ethernet1/1/1-4 to Ethernet1/14/1-4 |
4x100GbE mode for Intra-cluster, HA, and storage shelf connections |
Ethernet1/15 to Ethernet1/30 |
400GbE mode for Intra-cluster, HA, and storage connections |
Ethernet1/31, Ethernet1/32 |
400GbE Intra-cluster ISL connections |
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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.
After you've prepared to install your switches, you install the switches.