Description
Installation and Configuration of Fabric Module
The N7K-C7018-FAB-1 is a hot swappable switch fabric module for the Cisco Nexus 7000 series switches. Installing and configuring this module requires a number of steps to ensure it operates correctly within the switch.
Preparation: Before installing the N7K-C7018-FAB-1, it is important to review the installation and configuration documentation from Cisco, as well as to familiarize yourself with the physical installation of the module in the switch.
Physical Installation: To install the N7K-C7018-FAB-1, follow these steps:
- Power down the switch and remove all cables
- Remove the blank faceplate from the slot where the module will be installed
- Align the module with the slot and gently push it in place until it clicks into place
- Replace any cables that were removed
Configuration: After the module is physically installed, it needs to be configured using the Cisco Nexus 7000 command line interface (CLI). The following steps will help you configure the module:
- Connect to the switch using a console cable
- Log in to the switch and enter enable mode
- Verify the module is recognized by the switch by running the “show module” command
- Assign the module to a switch number by running the “module switch-number module-number” command, where “switch-number” is the number of the switch and “module-number” is the number of the module.
- Configure the module with the appropriate commands, such as “feature fabricpath” to enable the FabricPath feature, or “interface port-channel x” to create a port channel.
It is important to follow best practices when installing and configuring the N7K-C7018-FAB-1, as improper configuration can result in unpredictable behavior and loss of network connectivity. It is recommended to have a backup of the configuration and to thoroughly test the configuration before implementing it in a production environment.
Integration with other Network Components and Devices
The N7K-C7018-FAB-1 is a hot swappable fabric module that is used in the Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Switches. It is designed to provide a high-density, high-performance switching fabric for use in data center and service provider environments.
The N7K-C7018-FAB-1 integrates with other network components and devices through its Ethernet ports. The module has 18 40-Gbps full-duplex Ethernet ports and supports both native 40-Gbps Ethernet and 10-Gbps Ethernet protocols.
In a Nexus 7000 Series switch, the N7K-C7018-FAB-1 operates as the switching fabric, connecting to the line cards in the switch and forwarding traffic between them. The line cards contain the interfaces for connecting to the network devices and servers.
The N7K-C7018-FAB-1 also integrates with other Cisco Nexus 7000 Series modules, such as the N7K-M108X2-12L, which is a line card module that supports 40-Gbps and 10-Gbps Ethernet interfaces. This line card module provides additional connectivity options for network devices and servers.
Scalability and Capacity Planning
The N7K-C7018-FAB-1 Cisco Nexus 7000 Hot Swappable Switch Fabric Module is a high-performance and scalable switch fabric module that offers a capacity of up to 120 Gbps of non-blocking switching capacity. It is designed for use in large data centers and enterprise networks that require high performance, reliability, and scalability.
Scalability:
- The N7K-C7018-FAB-1 switch fabric module is designed to be easily scalable, allowing organizations to expand their network infrastructure as their needs grow.
- The module supports a wide range of switch modules and line cards, which can be added as needed to expand the network capacity.
- The switch fabric module also supports Cisco’s Virtual Device Context (VDC) technology, which enables organizations to create multiple virtual devices within the same physical switch, further increasing scalability and network flexibility.
Capacity Planning:
- The N7K-C7018-FAB-1 switch fabric module provides 120 Gbps of non-blocking switching capacity, making it suitable for large data centers and enterprise networks that require high performance and scalability.
- When planning for capacity, organizations should consider factors such as the number of ports required, the type of line cards used, and the overall network traffic patterns.
- Cisco provides tools and guidelines to assist organizations with capacity planning and design, such as the Nexus 7000 Series Architecture and Design Guide and the Cisco Network Assistant tool.
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: Cisco Systems, Inc
- Manufacturer Part Number: N7K-C7018-FAB-1
- Type: Networking
- Brand Name: Cisco
- Product Name: 18 Slot Fabric Module
- Product Type : Switch Fabric Module
- Form Factor : Hot-Swappable
- Application/Usage: Data Networking
- Environmentally Friendly: Yes