Cisco Catalyst - Configure StackWise Virtual
Hello! ๐ In this blog post we’ll see how to configure virtual stackwise on Cisco Catalyst 9000
Why?
In the realm of network infrastructure, high availability, scalability, and simplified management are paramount. Ciscoโs StackWise Virtual (SV) technology addresses these critical needs by allowing you to stack two physical switches into a single logical entity. Letโs delve into the reasons why configuring SV on your Cisco Catalyst 9000 switches is a smart move.
Benefits
High Availability and Resilience
StackWise Virtual allows you to cluster two physical switches into a single logical entity. These switches operate as one, sharing the same configuration and forwarding state.
By creating a loop-free topology, SV reduces the risk associated with loops in your network. From a STP point of view, the StackWise Virtual pair as one bridge node, enhancing high availability.
In case of a failure, the redundant chassis with Stateful Switch Over (SSO)-enabled supervisors ensures non-stop business communication.
Increased Bandwidth
Thanks to SV, Multi-chassis EtherChannel (MEC) is supported, allowing aggregated bandwidth across the switches
Simplified Management and Fewer Failure Points
With SV, you manage two Cisco Catalyst 9000 switches as a single logical switch, reducing operational complexity. Configuration errors are minimized, and First Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRP) like HSRP, GLBP, and VRRP can be eliminated.
Scalability and Maintenance
SV enhances scalability by allowing you to add more switches to the virtual domain. Maintenance tasks become simpler since you manage a single configuration.
Disclaimer
DYOR (Do Your Own Research). Test the procedure before apply changes into your production environment.
Hardware and Software
For that test I’m using a Catalyst 9606X SUP-2 with 17.12.3
Cabling
Here is the connectivity matrix for our test:
DEVICE_1 | INTERFACE | DEVICE_2 | INTERFACE | TRANCEIVER | PORT_SCOPE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SST-CORE-1 | Fif2/0/48 | SST-CORE-2 | Fif2/0/48 | SFP-10G-SR-S | Dual Active Detection Link |
SST-CORE-1 | Hu1/0/23 | SST-CORE-2 | Hu1/0/23 | QSFP 100G SR4 | StackWise Virtual Link |
SST-CORE-1 | Hu1/0/24 | SST-CORE-2 | Hu1/0/24 | QSFP 100G SR4 | StackWise Virtual Link |
Configuration
Here is the configuration of Switch_1
conf t
stackwise-virtual
domain 10
exit
interface HundredGigE1/0/23
stackwise-virtual link 1
description SVL_1
interface HundredGigE1/0/24
stackwise-virtual link 1
description SVL_2
interface FiftyGigE2/0/48
stackwise-virtual dual-active-detection
description DAD
end
copy run start
Here is the configuration of Switch_2
switch renumber 2
Do not reload the switch yet:
conf t
stackwise-virtual
domain 10
exit
interface HundredGigE1/0/23
stackwise-virtual link 1
description SVL_1
interface HundredGigE1/0/24
stackwise-virtual link 1
description SVL_2
interface FiftyGigE2/0/48
stackwise-virtual dual-active-detection
description DAD
end
copy run start
Now, reload Switch_1 and after 10 seconds Switch_2.
Change Priority
When the devices come up, one of them will be elected as “active”. In order to manually assign the active and Standby role, you can configure the priority per each switches. Here are an example:
Please, note that the Console will be active only in the “Active” switch:
switch 1 priority 15
switch 2 priority 10
Then, save and reload
Verify
After the procedure, here is the output from “show switch” command:
SST-CORE-1#show switch
Switch/Stack Mac Address : 481b.a4b4.9b80 - Local Mac Address
Mac persistency wait time: Indefinite
H/W Current
Switch# Role Mac Address Priority Version State
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*1 Active 481b.a4b4.9b80 15 V02 Ready
2 Standby 481b.a4b4.84c0 10 V02 Ready
Great! Nowyou can take all the advantages of having a this technology and design! ๐
Thanks for your time I hope that you’re enjoying my blog!
If you have some questions, please drop me a message through social networks!๐
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Riccardo