To configure a port channel on a single-homed FEX with a remote NAS server, follow these steps. Note that the exact commands and configuration might vary depending on the specific model of the Nexus switch and the NX-OS version that you are using. Here is a general guideline:
- Enter Global Configuration Mode:
switch# configure terminal
- Assign an ID for the FEX and Configure Basic FEX Parameters:
switch(config)# fex 100
switch(config-fex)# description Single-homed FEX to NAS
switch(config-fex)# exit
- Configure the Physical Interfaces: Choose the physical Ethernet interfaces on the Nexus switch that will connect to the FEX, and configure them. You need to add these interfaces to a channel group.
switch(config)# interface ethernet 1/X - 1/Y
switch(config-if-range)# switchport mode fex-fabric
switch(config-if-range)# channel-group 200 mode active
switch(config-if-range)# no shutdown
switch(config-if-range)# exit
Replace 1/X - 1/Y with the actual interface numbers that you will use for the port channel, and 200 with the number you want to use for the port channel. The mode active setting indicates that LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) is used, if applicable.
- Configure the Port Channel Interface: Configure the port channel interface and associate it with the FEX ID that you configured earlier.
switch(config)# interface port-channel 200
switch(config-if)# switchport mode fex-fabric
switch(config-if)# fex associate 100
switch(config-if)# no shutdown
switch(config-if)# exit
- Configure Host Interface Ports: If the FEX has interfaces connected to the NAS server, configure those ports and assign them to a virtual port-channel (vPC) if vPC is in use.
switch(config)# interface Ethernet100/1/1 - 100/1/2
switch(config-if-range)# switchport mode trunk
switch(config-if-range)# switchport trunk allowed vlan X
switch(config-if-range)# channel-group 200 mode active
switch(config-if-range)# no shutdown
switch(config-if-range)# exit
Replace Ethernet100/1/1 - 100/1/2 with the actual interfaces on the FEX that connect to the NAS, and X with the VLAN(s) allowed on the trunk.
- Verify Configuration: Lastly, check the configuration using the
show command.
switch# show fex
switch# show port-channel summary
switch# show interface port-channel 200
This configuration assumes that you are familiar with basic Nexus switch configuration principles. It is crucial to replace placeholders with the actual IDs, port numbers, and other configuration details pertinent to your specific environment.
The NAS server side should also be configured accordingly with its network interfaces set up for LACP if being used. Ensure that the switch and NAS LACP settings correspond correctly. If the NAS doesn't support LACP, you may need to configure the channel-group mode as on instead of active, forming a static port-channel.
