Executive Summary:

In a data center project, our goal was to improve network redundancy and load balancing. We implemented Virtual Port Channel (vPC) technology to utilize redundant links between switches and servers without causing loops or blocking ports. By configuring vPC peer links, keepalive links, and port channels on the switches, we ensured proper load balancing and failover functionality. This implementation increased network resiliency and allowed for more efficient use of available bandwidth.

Introduction:

Data center networks require high availability and efficient use of available bandwidth. Traditional Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) blocks redundant links, which may lead to underutilized resources. Virtual Port Channel (vPC) technology addresses this issue by allowing the use of redundant links without causing loops or blocking ports. In this scenario, we implemented vPC technology in a data center to enhance redundancy and load balancing.

Implementation Steps:

1. Preparing switches for vPC: We ensured that the two Nexus switches were running the same NX-OS version and had compatible vPC configurations. We also verified that the switches had unique system MAC addresses and system priorities.
2. Configuring vPC domain: We configured the vPC domain on both switches, along with a unique domain ID and system priority:

switch(config)# feature vpc
switch(config)# vpc domain 1
switch(config-vpc-domain)# system-priority 1000

3. Configuring vPC peer keepalive link: We set up a dedicated keepalive link between the switches to exchange heartbeat messages, ensuring that both switches were operational:

switch(config-vpc-domain)# peer-keepalive destination 192.168.100.2 source 192.168.100.1 vrf management

4. Configuring vPC peer link: We configured the vPC peer link between the switches using a Port Channel, which bundled multiple physical links into a single logical link:

switch(config)# interface port-channel1
switch(config-if)# switchport mode trunk
switch(config-if)# vpc peer-link
switch(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan all

switch(config)# interface ethernet1/1-2
switch(config-if-range)# channel-group 1 mode active

5. Configuring vPC member port channels: We created vPC member port channels on both switches to connect servers or other network devices:

switch(config)# interface port-channel10
switch(config-if)# switchport mode trunk
switch(config-if)# vpc 10
switch(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan all

switch(config)# interface ethernet1/3
switch(config-if)# channel-group 10 mode active

6. Verifying vPC functionality: We verified the proper operation of vPCs by checking the vPC status, peer link status, and port channel status:

switch# show vpc
switch# show vpc peer-keepalive
switch# show vpc consistency-parameters
switch# show port-channel summary

Outcome:

By implementing vPC technology in the data center, we were able to utilize redundant links between switches and servers without causing loops or blocking ports. This resulted in enhanced redundancy, proper load balancing, and more efficient use of available bandwidth. The use of vPCs increased network resiliency and provided a more robust and scalable solution for data center networking.