Chapter 1. Overview

- Overview

- Deployment Options

- Cohosting of NDFC Managed mode with Nexus Dashboard Insights

- Deployment Profile Simplification

- Layer 3 Reachability Between Cluster Nodes

Overview

Note

Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) is renamed as Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC) from Release 12.0.1a.

Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller is the comprehensive management solution for all NX-OS deployments spanning LAN Fabric, SAN, and IP Fabric for Media (IPFM) networks in data centers powered by Cisco. Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller also supports other devices, such as IOS-XE switches, IOS-XR routers, and non-Cisco devices. Being a multi-fabric controller, Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller manages multiple deployment models like VXLAN EVPN, Classic 3-Tier, FabricPath, and Routed based fabrics for LAN while providing ready-to-use control, management, monitoring, and automation capabilities for all these environments. In addition, Cisco NDFC when enabled as a SAN Controller automates Cisco MDS Switches and Cisco Nexus Family infrastructure in NX-OS mode with a focus on storage-specific features and analytics capabilities.

Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller primarily focuses on Control and Management for three primary market segments:

- LAN networking including VXLAN, Multi-Site, Classic Ethernet, and External Fabrics supporting Cisco Nexus switches running standalone NX-OS, with additional support for IOS-XR, IOS-XE, and adjacent Host, Compute, Virtual Machine, and Container Management systems.

- SAN networking for Cisco MDS and Cisco Nexus switches running standalone NX-OS, including support for integration with storage arrays and additionally Host, Compute, Virtual Machine, and Container Orchestration systems.

- Media Control for Multicast Video production networks running Cisco Nexus switches operated as standalone NX-OS, with additional integrations for 3rd party media control systems.

Previously, DCNM was an application server running on a VM deployed via OVA or ISO, a physical appliance deployed via ISO, or software installed on a qualified Windows or Linux machine. Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller, Release 12 is available as an application running exclusively on top of the Cisco Nexus Dashboard Virtual or Physical Appliance.

Virtual Nexus Dashboard deployment with OVA is also referred to as virtual Nexus Dashboard (vND) deployment, while the deployment of Nexus Dashboard on physical appliance (Service Engine) is known as physical Nexus Dashboard (pND) deployment. To deploy Nexus Dashboard based on your requirement, refer to Cisco Nexus Dashboard Deployment Guide.

Beginning with Release 12, Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller has a single installation mode. Post installation, it supports selection from multiple personas at run-time. After the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Release 12.1.2e is installed, you can choose from one of the following personas:

- Fabric Discovery—Discover, Monitor, and Visualize LAN Deployments.

- Fabric Controller—LAN Controller for Classic Ethernet (vPC), Routed, VXLAN, and IP Fabric for Media Deployments.

- SAN Controller—SAN Controller for MDS and Nexus switches. Enhanced SAN Analytics with streaming telemetry.

Note

For any given instance of Nexus Dashboard, only one version of NDFC service will be active. On the active NDFC service, you can configure only one persona at any given instance.

All features/services are modularized, broken into smaller microservices, and the required microservices are orchestrated based on the feature set or feature selections. Therefore, if any feature or microservice is down, only that microservice is restarted and recovered, resulting in minimal disruption.

In contrast to the previous DCNM Active-Standby HA model, Cisco NDFC introduces Active-Active HA deployment model utilizing all three nodes in a cluster for deploying microservices. This has significant improvement in both latency and effective resource utilization.

From Cisco NDFC Release 12.1.2e, you can run NDFC on top of virtual Nexus Dashboard (vND) instance with promiscuous mode disabled on port groups that are associated with Nexus Dashboard interfaces where External Service IP addresses are specified. Recall that vND comprises a management interface and a data interface. By default, for LAN deployments, two external service IP addresses are required for the Nexus Dashboard management interface subnet. Similarly, by default, for SAN deployments, two external service IP addresses are required for the Nexus Dashboard data interface subnet.

Before the NDFC Release 12.1.2e, if Inband management or Endpoint Locator or POAP feature was enabled on NDFC, you were required to enable promiscuous mode for the Nexus Dashboard data or fabric interface port-groups. This setting was mandatory for these features to work correctly. Again, as mentioned earlier, enabling promiscuous mode is no longer required for any port-groups associated with the vND. In fact, it is recommended to disable promiscuous mode for the port-groups post upgrade to ND 2.3.1/NDFC 12.1.2, in case customers are coming from previous versions.

Note

- Disabling promiscuous mode is supported from Cisco Nexus Dashboard Release 2.3.1c.

- You can disable promiscuous mode when Nexus Dashboard nodes are layer-3 adjacent on the Data network, BGP is configured, and fabric switches are reachable through the data interface.

- You can now disable promiscuous mode even when Nexus Dashboard interfaces are Layer-2 adjacent on the Management and Data networks.

Note

Default option for promiscuous mode on VMware ESXi environments is Reject, meaning promiscuous mode is disabled.

Cisco NDFC Release 12.1.2e supports hybrid cloud connectivity between on-prem and public cloud networks. Using Cisco Nexus Dashboard Orchestrator, connectivity is orchestrated between NDFC managed VXLAN fabric and Cloud Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (cAPIC) deployed on public cloud.

For more information, see Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (Formerly DCNM).

Change History

The following table shows the change history for this document.

Change History

Date

Description

31 January 2023

Release 12.1.2e became available.

Deployment Options

The following deployment options are available for Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller:

- NDFC on Single node (non-HA Cluster)

On Single node Nexus Dashboard, you can deploy NDFC with the following personas:

- Fabric Discovery for lab/non-production environments (<= 25 switches)

- Fabric Controller for lab/non-production environments (<= 25 switches)

- Fabric Controller in IP Fabric for Media controller mode for production environments

- SAN Controller for production environments (<= 80 switches)

Note

Fabric Controller/Fabric Discovery deployment is for Lab purposes only. Do not deploy this in your production environment.

- NDFC on a 3-node Cluster (Active-Active HA mode)

On 3-Node Nexus Dashboard, you can deploy NDFC with the following personas:

- Fabric Discovery

- Fabric Controller

- SAN Controller with or without SAN Insights

- NDFC on a 5-node virtual Nexus Dashboard (vND) Cluster (Active-Active HA mode)

On 5-Node Nexus Dashboard, you can deploy NDFC with the following personas:

- Fabric Discovery

- Fabric Controller

- NDFC on a 3-node/4-node/5-node physical Nexus Dashboard (pND) Cluster (Active-Active HA mode)

On a 4-node or 5-node Nexus Dashboard, you can deploy Nexus Dashboard Insights (NDI) along with NDFC with the following personas:

- Nexus Dashboard Insights and NDFC in Fabric Discovery persona (NDFC-Monitored mode) – 4 pND nodes

- Nexus Dashboard Insights and NDFC in Fabric Controller persona (NDFC-Managed mode) – 5 pND nodes

- NDFC on a Nexus Dashboard running on top of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

From Release 12.1.1e, on a 1-node or 3-node Nexus Dashboard on the RHEL server, you can deploy NDFC with the following personas:

- SAN Controller with or without SAN Insights

- NDFC on a virtual Nexus Dashboard (vND) with KVM hypervisor

From Release 12.1.1e, on a virtual Nexus Dashboard with KVM hypervisor, you can deploy NDFC with the following personas:

- Supports Fabric Controller, Fabric Discovery, and SAN Controller personas.

Refer to Nexus Dashboard Capacity Planning to determine the number of switches supported for each deployment.

In the 3-node and 5-node deployment, there are 3 Nexus Dashboard master nodes. In the 5-node deployment, the additional 2 nodes serve as worker nodes. The 3-node or 5-node cluster deployment is an active-active solution, that is, all nodes are utilized to run micro-services of Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller. When a node fails, microservices running on the node, are moved to the other nodes. Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller functions normally in a one-node failure scenario. However, it is expected that there will be a brief disruption to services that must be migrated on node failure. After the migration of services is complete, the supported scale will continue to be supported albeit at degraded performance. To restore optimal NDFC performance, a system running with one failed node is not the desired situation and must be rectified at the earliest. A 3-node or 5-node cluster cannot tolerate the failure of two Master nodes or all NDFC services will be disrupted.

Note

Nexus Dashboard cluster federation is not supported with Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller.

Cohosting of NDFC Managed mode with Nexus Dashboard Insights

From Release 12.1.1e, you can host NDFC Fabric Controller persona and Nexus Dashboard Insights on the same Nexus Dashboard Cluster in Managed mode to manage fabrics and Nexus Dashboard Insights to monitor the same fabrics. Note that NDFC in Fabric discovery mode, that is, monitored mode with NDI on the same Nexus Dashboard cluster is supported with NDFC Release 12.0.2f. Cohosting requires 4 physical Nexus Dashboard nodes for a maximum scale of up to 50 switches. This functionality is also supported on NDFC Release 12.1.1e with the corresponding paired Nexus Dashboard Insights release.

Note

Nexus Dashboard deployed on KVM doesn’t support cohosting NDFC and Insights service on the same Nexus Dashboard cluster.

Note

For cohosting NDFC and Insights on the same Nexus Dashboard cluster, the Nexus Dashboard nodes must be Layer 2 adjacent. Support for Layer 3 adjacency for cohosting deployments will be introduced in future releases.

The following table shows the compatible versions for Nexus Dashboard and services.

Services

Compatible Version

Nexus Dashboard

2.3.1c

Nexus Dashboard Insights

6.2.1

Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller

12.1.2e

The following table shows the system requirements for Nexus Dashboard.

Specification

Supported Scale

Number of physical Nexus Dashboard nodes

5

Number of switches supported

50

Number of flows supported in Nexus Dashboard Insights

10000

Installation of NDFC and NDI on the same Nexus Dashboard

Cisco NDFC can be cohosted with Nexus Dashboard Insights on the same Nexus Dashboard.

Before you begin

- Ensure that you’ve installed the required form factor of Cisco Nexus Dashboard. For instructions, refer to Cisco Nexus Dashboard Deployment Guide.

- Ensure that you meet the requirements and guidelines described in Prerequisites section.

- The Cisco DC App Center must be reachable from the Nexus Dashboard via the Management Network directly or using a proxy configuration. Nexus Dashboard proxy configuration is described in Cisco Nexus Dashboard User Guide.

- If you are unable to establish the connection to the DC App Center, skip this section and follow the steps described in Installing Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Service Manually section.

- Ensure that the services are allocated with IP pool addresses on the Cisco Nexus Dashboard. For more information, refer to Cluster Configuration section in Cisco Nexus Dashboard User Guide.

Installing Nexus Dashboard

Install the required form factor of Cisco Nexus Dashboard. For instructions, refer to Cisco Nexus Dashboard Deployment Guide.

Installing NDFC

Refer to Installing Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller.

Configure NDFC sites on Nexus Dashboard. Refer to the Adding Sites section in the Cisco Nexus Dashboard Deployment Guide.

Installing NDI

On the same Nexus Dashboard set up, install the Nexus Dashboard Insights service. Refer to Cisco Nexus Dashboard Insights Deployment Guide, for more information.

Post Installation

After installing compatible versions of NDFC and NDI on the 5-node physical Nexus Dashboard, launch NDFC as Fabric (LAN) Controller. Create Fabric, discover and import switches on NDFC fabric. Nexus Dashboard automatically identifies the NDFC fabric and lists on the Sites page as entities.

Note

You must provide the password for each of the sites in the Nexus Dashboard site manager.

Deployment Profile Simplification

Nexus Dashboard deployment profile simplification is intended to help streamline the onboarding of services against a given deployment scale and relieve the task of remembering the cross-connect of deployments.

Beginning with Cisco Nexus Dashboard Release 2.2.1h, resource profile selection has been reduced to several more intuitive parameters directly related to your deployment use case. These parameters, such as number of switches or flows describe the fabric size and use case intent, and allow the cluster to intelligently determine the resources needed for the service. The parameters are categorized as Network Scale.

NDFC selects an appropriate profile from among the predefined set of profiles to match the scale.

Note

You must restart the services on the Nexus Dashboard after modifying the network scale parameters.

To view or modify the Network Scale parameters on Cisco Nexus Dashboard, perform the following steps:

1. Choose Nexus Dashboard > Cluster Configuration > Network Scale.

2. Click the edit icon to modify the network scale parameters.

3. In the Number of Sites field, provide the target number of sites for your deployment that this Nexus Dashboard cluster will manage.

4. In the Number of Switches field, provide the target number of switch nodes for your deployment.

5. In the Flows per second field, provide the target number of flows across sites for LAN/IPFM/SAN-Insights deployments or scale supported by NDFC/NDI cohosted setup.

From Release 12.1.1e, NDFC deployment profiles use a different naming convention for these deployment profiles which is more in line with the scale numbers that each profile supports.

On the fresh install of Nexus Dashboard, the Network Scale is empty. We recommend that you define the number of sites, switches, and flows per second in the Network Scale. In such a scenario, the service selects a default profile based on the number of cluster nodes.

If the available cluster compute capacity is less than the desired Network Scale, Cisco NDFC installation displays an error. You must resolve the network scale values on Nexus Dashboard and proceed to install NDFC. Note that the recommendations specified in the error message provide useful suggestions about remedial action.

Nexus Dashboard assigns profile names for supported scale values with NDFC. For validated scale numbers, refer to Cisco NDFC Verified Scalability, Release 12.1.1e.

When you upgrade to NDFC 12.1.1e, the individual containers are restarted and the newly spawned 12.1.1e containers start with new resource requests and limit values.

Layer 3 Reachability Between Cluster Nodes

From Release 12.1.1e, NDFC can be deployed as a service on Nexus Dashboard with Layer 3 adjacent nodes. A sample NDFC Layer 3 adjacent Physical Connectivity topology is as shown in the following image.

When using Layer 3 adjacency between the Nexus Dashboard nodes on which the NDFC service is running, the persistent IP addresses are advertised using the Nexus Dashboard Data or Fabric interface. The Layer 3 Persistent IP subnet pool must be unique and will be advertised to the fabric using BGP on Nexus Dashboard. Cisco NDFC pods, such as EPL/SNMP Trap/SCP that requires Persistent IPs, are advertised as /32 BGP entries with the next hop of Nexus Dashboard Data Interface. Also, the BGP session between the Nexus Dashboard node and the uplink switches must be configured using directly connected links.

For information about persistent IP addresses, see Persistent IP Requirements for NDFC.

To deploy Layer 3 cluster connectivity, Nexus Dashboard nodes use BGP local and remote autonomous system configuration, along with Data Network gateway of the node to establish eBGP sessions with neighboring routers over the Data interface. As Nexus Dashboard nodes use gateway IPs to establish sessions, during Nexus Dashboard cluster configuration, the neighboring BGP peers must be Layer 2 adjacent. Peers without Layer 2 adjacent connectivity are not supported. You must configure the BGP network correctly to ensure that the Nexus Dashboard routes are transmitted correctly.

Upgrade or modification from an existing Layer-2 adjacent Nexus Dashboard cluster to a Layer-3 adjacent cluster is not supported. When using Layer 3 adjacency, NDFC service is supported only when the switch connectivity is through the Nexus Dashboard Data interface. Choose NDFC UI > Settings > Admin tab. From the LAN Device Management Connectivity drop-down list, select Data.

Nexus Dashboard uses eBGP to publish up-to-date reachability of /32 routes for reaching NDFC features using external service IPs obtained from the Persistent IP subnet. If a node or network fails, the external IPs are not reachable until recovery is complete (if the network can recover itself). After the microservices on the failed node are brought up on one of the existing nodes on the cluster, the eBGP peering from that node will automatically advertise the corresponding /32 persistent IP reachability to the rest of the network, by that means, autorepairing the service disruption.

The following table provides information about different scenarios about Layer 3 adjacent cluster nodes connectivity.

Network details

Support provided

Modify or upgrade from Layer 2 adjacency to Layer 3 adjacency

Not supported; the cluster must be redeployed if necessary.

Modify or upgrade from Layer 3 adjacency to Layer 2 adjacency

Not supported; the cluster must be redeployed if necessary.

NDFC to Switch connectivity over the management interface

Supported

(The traffic initiated by the switch to NDFC is routed via the Data Interface)

NDFC to Switch connectivity over Data interface

Supported

Nexus Dashboard BGP traffic over the management interface

Not supported

Cisco Nexus Dashboard BGP traffic over Data interface

Supported

Nexus Dashboard BGP peer L2-Adjacent

Supported

Nexus Dashboard BGP peer L3-Adjacent

Not supported

See Cisco Nexus Dashboard User Guide for more information.

Appendix

The following images show different NDFC connectivity

Chapter 2. System Requirements

- System Requirements

System Requirements

This chapter lists the tested and supported hardware and software specifications for Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller architecture. The application is in English locales only.

The following sections describes the various system requirements for the proper functioning of your Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller, Release 12.1.2e.

Note

We recommend that you do not upgrade any underlying third-party software separately. All the necessary software components will be updated during the inline upgrade procedure. Upgrading the components outside of Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller upgrade causes functionality issues.

- Cisco Nexus Dashboard Version Compatibility

- Nexus Dashboard Server Resource (CPU/Memory) Requirements

- Nexus Dashboard Networks

- Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Ports

- Supported Latency

- Supported Web Browsers

- Other Supported Software

Cisco Nexus Dashboard Version Compatibility

You must have Cisco Nexus Dashboard cluster deployed and its fabric connectivity configured, as described in Cisco Nexus Dashboard Deployment Guide before proceeding with any additional requirements and the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller service installation described here.

Nexus Dashboard Server Resource (CPU/Memory) Requirements

The following table provides information about Server Resource (CPU/Memory) Requirements to run NDFC on top of Nexus Dashboard. Refer to Nexus Dashboard Capacity Planning to determine the number of switches supported for each deployment.

Cisco Nexus Dashboard can be deployed using number of different form factors. NDFC can be deployed on the following form factors:

- pND - Physical Nexus Dashboard

- vND - Virtual Nexus Dashboard

- rND - RHEL Nexus Dashboard

Server Resource (CPU/Memory) Requirements to run NDFC on top of Nexus Dashboard

Deployment Type

Node Type

CPUs

Memory

Storage (Throughput: 40-50 MB/s)

Fabric Discovery

Virtual Node (vND) – app OVA

16 vCPUs

64 GB

550 GB SSD

Physical Node (pND)

(PID: SE-NODE-G2 and ND-NODE-L4)

2 x 10-core 2.2G Intel Xeon Silver CPU

256 GB of RAM

4 x 2.4 TB HDDs

400 GB SSD

1.2 TB NVME drive

Fabric Controller

Virtual Node (vND) – app OVA

16 vCPUs

64 GB

550 GB SSD

Physical Node (pND)

(PID: SE-NODE-G2 and ND-NODE-L4)

2 x 10-core 2.2G Intel Xeon Silver CPU

256 GB of RAM

4 x 2.4 TB HDDs

400 GB SSD

1.6 TB NVME drive

SAN Controller

Virtual Node (vND) – app OVA

(without SAN Insights)

16 vCPUs

(with physical reservation)

64 GB

(with physical reservation)

550 GB SSD

App Node (rND)

(without SAN Insights)

16 vCPUs

(with physical reservation)

64 GB

(with physical reservation)

550 GB SSD

Data Node (vND) – Data OVA

(with SAN Insights)

32 vCPUs

(with physical reservation)

128GB

(with physical reservation)

3 TB SSD

Data Node (rND)

(with SAN Insights)

32 vCPUs

(with physical reservation)

128 GB

(with physical reservation)

3 TB SSD

Physical Node (pND)

(PID: SE-NODE-G2 and ND-NODE-L4)

2 x 10-core 2.2G Intel Xeon Silver CPU

256 GB of RAM

4 x 2.4 TB HDDs

400 GB SSD

1.6 TB NVME drive

Nexus Dashboard Networks

When first configuring Nexus Dashboard, on every node, you must provide two IP addresses for the two Nexus Dashboard interfaces—one connected to the Data Network and the other to the Management Network. The data network is typically used for the nodes' clustering and north-south connectivity to the physical network. The management network typically connects to the Cisco Nexus Dashboard Web UI, CLI, or API.

For enabling the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller, the Management and Data Interfaces on a Nexus Dashboard node must be in different subnets. Different nodes that belong to the same Nexus Dashboard cluster can either be Layer-2 adjacent or Layer-3 adjacent. Refer to Layer 3 Reachability Between Cluster Nodes for more information.

Connectivity between the Nexus Dashboard nodes is required on both networks with the round trip time (RTT) not exceeding 50ms. Other applications running on the same Nexus Dashboard cluster may have lower RTT requirements and you must always use the lowest RTT requirement when deploying multiple applications in the same Nexus Dashboard cluster. Refer to Cisco Nexus Dashboard Deployment Guide for more information.

Management Interface

Data Interface

Persistent IPs

Layer 2 adjacent

Layer 2 adjacent

One of the following for LAN:

- If using default LAN Device Management Connectivity (set to Management):

- 2 IPs in management network for SNMP/Syslog and SCP services

- Plus one IP per fabric for EPL (if enabled) in data network

- Plus one IP for Telemetry receiver in management network if IP Fabric for Media is enabled

- If LAN Device Management Connectivity is set to Data:

- 2 IPs in data network for SNMP/Syslog and SCP services

- Plus one IP per fabric for EPL (if enabled) in data network

- Plus one IP for Telemetry receiver in data network if IP Fabric for Media is enabled

For SAN:

- 2 IPs in data network for SNMP/Syslog and SCP services

- Plus one IP per Nexus Dashboard node in data network if SAN Insights receivers is enabled

Layer 3 adjacent

Layer 3 adjacent

For LAN:

- LAN Device Management Connectivity on NDFC must be set to Data

- 2 IPs for SNMP/Syslog and SCP/POAP services

- Plus one IP per fabric for EPL

These IPs must be part of a subnet that is different from Nexus Dashboard management and Nexus Dashboard data subnets associated with any of Nexus Dashboard nodes. These IPs must belong to the Layer-3 External Persistent Service Pool.

Note

SAN Controller and IP Fabric for Media modes are not supported in this deployment.

Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Ports

In addition to the ports required by the Nexus Dashboard (ND) cluster nodes, the following ports are required by the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC) service.

Note

The following ports apply to the Nexus Dashboard management network and/or data network interfaces depending on which interface provides IP reachability from the NDFC service to the switches.

Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Ports

Service

Port

Protocol

Direction

In—towards the cluster

Out—from the cluster towards the fabric or outside world

Connection

(Applies to both LAN and SAN deployments, unless stated otherwise)

SSH

22

TCP

Out

SSH is a basic mechanism for accessing devices.

SCP

22

TCP

Out

SCP clients archiving NDFC backup files to remote server.

SMTP

25

TCP

Out

SMTP port is configurable through NDFC's Server Settings menu.

This is an optional feature.

DHCP

67

UDP

In

If NDFC local DHCP server is configured for Bootstrap/POAP purposes.

This applies to LAN deployments only.

Note

When using NDFC as a local DHCP server for POAP purposes, all ND master node IPs must be configured as DHCP relays. Whether the ND nodes' management or data IPs are bound to the DHCP server is determined by the LAN Device Management Connectivity in the NDFC Server Settings.

DHCP

68

UDP

Out

SNMP

161

TCP/UDP

Out

SNMP traffic from NDFC to devices.

HTTPS/HTTP (NX-API)

443/80

TCP

Out

NX-API HTTPS/HTTP client connects to device NX-API server on port 443/80, which is also configurable. NX-API is an optional feature, used by limited set of NDFC functions.

This applies to LAN deployments only.

HTTPS (vCenter, Kubernetes, OpenStack, Discovery)

443

TCP

Out

NDFC provides an integrated host and physical network topology view by correlating the information obtained from registered VMM domains, such as VMware vCenter or OpenStack, as well as container orchestrators, such as Kubernetes.

This is an optional feature

Note

The following ports apply to the External Service IPs, also known as persistent IPs, used by some of the NDFC services. These External Service IPs may come from certain subnet pools, depending on the type of deployment:

- For LAN deployments, these External Service IPs may come from the Nexus Dashboard management subnet pool or the data subnet pool, depending on the configured settings.

- For SAN deployments, these External Service IPs come from the Nexus Dashboard data subnet pool.

Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Persistent IP Ports

Service

Port

Protocol

Direction

In—towards the cluster

Out—from the cluster towards the fabric or outside world

Connection

(Applies to both LAN and SAN deployments, unless stated otherwise)

SCP

22

TCP

In

SCP is used by various features to transfer files between devices and the NDFC service. The NDFC SCP service serves as the SCP server for both downloads and uploads. SCP is also used by the POAP client on the devices to download POAP-related files.

The SCP-POAP service in NDFC has a persistent IP that is associated with either the management or data subnet. This is controlled by the LAN Device Management Connectivity setting in the NDFC Server Settings.

TFTP (POAP)

69

TCP

In

Only used for device zero-touch provisioning via POAP, where devices can send (limited jailed write-only access to NDFC) basic inventory information to NDFC to start secure POAP communication. NDFC Bootstrap or POAP can be configured for TFTP or HTTP/HTTPS.

The SCP-POAP service in NDFC has a persistent IP that is associated with either the management or data subnet. This is controlled by the LAN Device Management Connectivity setting in the NDFC Server Settings.

This applies to LAN deployments only.

HTTP (POAP)

80

TCP

In

Only used for device zero-touch provisioning via POAP, where devices can send (limited jailed write-only access to NDFC) basic inventory information to NDFC to start secure POAP communication. NDFC Bootstrap or POAP can be configured for TFTP or HTTP/HTTPS.

The SCP-POAP service in NDFC has a persistent IP that is associated with either the management or data subnet. This is controlled by the LAN Device Management Connectivity setting in the NDFC Server Settings.

This applies to LAN deployments only.

BGP

179

TCP

In/Out

For Endpoint Locator, per fabric where it is enabled, an EPL service is spawned with its own persistent IP. This service is always associated with the Nexus Dashboard data interface. NDFC EPL service peers with the appropriate BGP entity (typically BGP Route-Reflectors) on the fabric to get BGP updates needed to track endpoint information.

This feature is only applicable for VXLAN BGP EVPN fabric deployments.

This applies to LAN deployments only.

HTTPS (POAP)

443

TCP

In

Secure POAP is accomplished via the NDFC HTTPS Server on port 443. The HTTPS server is bound to the SCP-POAP service and uses the same persistent IP assigned to that pod.

The SCP-POAP service in NDFC has a persistent IP that is associated with either the management or data subnet. This is controlled by the LAN Device Management Connectivity setting in the NDFC Server Settings.

This applies to LAN deployments only.

Syslog

514

UDP

In

When NDFC is configured as a Syslog server, Syslogs from the devices are sent out toward the persistent IP associated with the SNMP-Trap/Syslog service pod

The SNMP-Trap-Syslog service in NDFC has a persistent IP that is associated with either the management or data subnet. This is controlled by the LAN Device Management Connectivity setting in the NDFC Server Settings

SCP

2022

TCP

Out

Transport tech-support file from persistent IP of NDFC POAP-SCP pod to a separate ND cluster running Nexus Dashboard Insights.

The SCP-POAP service in NDFC has a persistent IP that is associated with either the management or data subnet. This is controlled by the LAN Device Management Connectivity setting in the NDFC Server Settings

SNMP Trap

2162

UDP

In

SNMP traps from devices to NDFC are sent out toward the persistent IP associated with the SNMP-Trap/Syslog service pod.

The SNMP-Trap-Syslog service in NDFC has a persistent IP that is associated with either the management or data subnet. This is controlled by the LAN Device Management Connectivity setting in the NDFC Server Settings

GRPC (Telemetry)

33000

TCP

In

SAN Insights Telemetry Server which receives SAN data (such as storage, hosts, flows, and so on) over GRPC transport tied to NDFC Persistent IP.

This is enabled on SAN deployments only.

GRPC (Telemetry)

50051

TCP

In

Information related to multicast flows for IP Fabric for Media deployments as well as PTP for general LAN deployments is streamed out via software telemetry to a persistent IP associated with a NDFC GRPC receiver service pod.

This is enabled on LAN and Media deployments only.

Supported Latency

As Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller is deployed atop Cisco Nexus Dashboard, the latency factor is dependent on Cisco Nexus Dashboard. Refer to Cisco Nexus Dashboard Deployment Guide for information about latency.

Supported Web Browsers

Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller is supported on the following web browsers:

- Google Chrome version 101.0.4951.64

- Microsoft Edge version 101.0.1210.47 (64-bit)

- Mozilla Firefox version 100.0.1 (64-bit)

Other Supported Software

The following table lists the other software that is supported by Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Release 12.1.2e.

Component

Features

Security

- ACS versions 4.0, 5.1, 5.5, and 5.8

- ISE version 2.6

- ISE version 3.0

- Telnet Disabled: SSH Version 1, SSH Version 2, Global Enforce SNMP Privacy Encryption.

- Web Client: HTTPS with TLS 1, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3

Chapter 3. Prerequisites

This chapter provides release-specific prerequisites information for your deployment of Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller.

- Prerequisites

Prerequisites

This section provides detailed information about the prerequisites that you must complete before launching Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller.

Nexus Dashboard

You must have Cisco Nexus Dashboard cluster deployed and its fabric connectivity configured, as described in Cisco Nexus Dashboard Deployment Guide before proceeding with any additional requirements and the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller service installation described here.

Note

The Fabric Controller service cannot recover from a two master node failure of the Nexus Dashboard cluster where it is deployed. As a result, we recommend that you maintain at least one standby node in your Nexus Dashboard cluster and create regular backups of your NDFC configuration, as described in the Operations > Backup and Restore chapter of the Cisco NDFC-Fabric Controller Configuration Guide for your release.

If you run into a situation where two master nodes of your Nexus Dashboard cluster fail, you can follow the instructions described in the Troubleshooting > Replacing Two Master Nodes with Standby Nodes section of the Cisco Nexus Dashboard User Guide for your release to recover the cluster and NDFC configuration.

NDFC Release

Minimum Nexus Dashboard Release

Release 12.1.2e

Cisco Nexus Dashboard, Release 2.3.1c, 2.3.2b, or 2.3.2d (2.3.2d recommended) or later

The following Nexus Dashboard form factors are supported with NDFC deployments:

- Cisco Nexus Dashboard physical appliance (.iso)

- VMware ESX (.ova)

- ESXi 6.7

- ESXi 7.0

- Linux KVM (.qcow2)

- CentOS 7.9

RHEL 8.6

- Existing Red Hat Enterprise Linux (SAN Controller persona only)

- RedHat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 8.6

Sizing of the Cluster

Refer to your release-specific Verified Scalability Guide for NDFC for information about the number of Nexus Dashboard cluster nodes required for the desired scale.

Nexus Dashboard supports co-hosting of services. Depending on the type and number of services you choose to run, you may be required to deploy extra worker nodes in your cluster. For cluster sizing information and recommended number of nodes based on specific use cases, see the Cisco Nexus Dashboard Capacity Planning tool.

Network Connectivity

- LAN Device Management Connectivity – Fabric discovery and Fabric controller features can manage Devices over both Management Network and Data Network of ND Cluster Appliances.

- When using Management network, add the routes to all subnets of the devices that NDFC needs to manage or monitor in the Management Network.

- When using Data Network, add the route towards to all subnets of all devices for which POAP is enabled, when using the pre-packaged DHCP server in NDFC for touchless Day-0 device bring-up.

- SAN controller persona requires all the devices to be reachable via the Data network of Nexus Dashboard cluster nodes.

Persistent IP address

- Persistent IPs are needed by NDFC for multiple use cases.

- If Nexus Dashboard cluster is deployed over a Layer 3 separation of network, configure BGP on all ND nodes.

- All Persistent IPs must be configured such that they are not part of any of the Nexus Dashboard nodes' subnets. This is supported only when LAN Device Management connectivity is Data. This is not supported with a cluster that co-hosts Nexus Dashboard Insights with NDFC.

- If Nexus Dashboard cluster is deployed with all nodes in the same subnet, persistent IPs can be configured to be from the same subnet.

In this case, persistent IPs must belong to the network chosen based on LAN Device Management connectivity setting in the NDFC Server Settings.

For more information, see Persistent IP Requirements for NDFC.

- Fabric Discovery – 2 IPs based on LAN Device Management Connectivity.

- Fabric Controller – 2 based on LAN Device Management connectivity and 1 for each EPL fabric instance

- Fabric Controller with IPFM – 2 based on LAN Device Management connectivity

- 1 IP for ingest of software Telemetry for a single node IPFM deployment

- 3 IPs for ingest of software Telemetry for a three node IPFM deployment

- SAN Controller:

- SAN Controller 3 Node Cluster – 2 IPs for Data Network + 3 IPs for SAN Insights

- SAN Controller 1 Node Cluster – 2 IPs for Data Network + 1 IP for SAN Insights

POAP related requirements

- Devices must support POAP.

- Device must have no start up configuration or boot poap enable command must be configured to bypass the start up configuration and enter the POAP mode.

- DHCP server with scope defined. For POAP purposes, either the pre-packaged NDFC DHCP server can be used or an external DHCP server.

- The script server that stores POAP script and devices’ configuration files must be accessible.

- Software and Image Repository server must be used to store software images for the devices.

Network Time Protocol (NTP)

Nexus Dashboard nodes must be in synchronization with the NTP Server; however, there can be latency of up to 1 second between the Nexus Dashboard nodes. If the latency is greater than or equal to 1 second between the Nexus Dashboard nodes, this may result in unreliable operations on the NDFC cluster.

Restoring configurations

If this system is to be restored from the previously taken backup, you must upload a backup file that was taken from the same version.

Upgrading to NDFC Release 12.1.2e

- Upgrading from NDFC Release 12.1.1e

- Ensure that all the preview/beta features are disabled.

- Do not proceed to upgrade NDFC if NDFCS service or Nexus Dashboard cluster in not Healthy.

- Upgrading from NDFC Release 12.0.2f

- Ensure that all the preview/beta features are disabled.

- Do not proceed to upgrade NDFC if NDFCS service or Nexus Dashboard cluster in not Healthy.

- Upgrading from NDFC Release 12.0.1a

Direct upgrade from Release 12.0.1a to Release 12.1.2e is not supported. You must upgrade to Release 12.0.2f or to Release 12.1.1e before upgrading from Release 12.0.1a to Release 12.1.2e.

Note

Upgrading from Release 12.0.1a to Release 12.1.2e makes the system unusable. Also, for NDFC Release 12.0.1a, do not upgrade Nexus Dashboard to Release 2.3.1c.

- Upgrading from DCNM Release 11.5(4)

If this system is restored from a 11.5(x) backup, Syslog Trap IP address from the backup may be used for restoring into the new cluster if it is suitable for the subnets of the Nexus Dashboard nodes (only Layer 2 is supported).

Additional IPs are required based on the requirement as described in Persistent IP Requirements for NDFC.

For detailed information and procedure to upgrade NDFC, see Upgrading Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller.

Chapter 4. Installing Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller

This chapter contains the following sections:

- Installing Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Service Using App Store

- Installing Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Service Manually

Installing Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Service Using App Store

To install Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Release 12.1.2e in an existing Cisco Nexus Dashboard cluster, perform the following steps:

Before you begin

- Ensure that you’ve installed the required form factor of Cisco Nexus Dashboard. For instructions, refer to Cisco Nexus Dashboard Deployment Guide.

- Ensure that you meet the requirements and guidelines described in Prerequisites.

- The Cisco DC App Center must be reachable from the Nexus Dashboard via the Management Network directly or using a proxy configuration. Nexus Dashboard proxy configuration is described in the Cisco Nexus Dashboard User Guide.

If you are unable to establish the connection to the DC App Center, skip this section and follow the steps described in Installing Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Service Manually.

- Ensure that the services are allocated with IP pool addresses on the Cisco Nexus Dashboard. For more information, refer to Cluster Configuration section in Cisco Nexus Dashboard User Guide.

Procedure

Step 1

Launch the Cisco Nexus Dashboard Web UI using appropriate credentials.

Step 2

Click on Admin Console > Services menu in the left navigation pane to open the Services Catalog window.

Step 3

On the App Store tab, identify the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Release 12.1.2e card and click Install.

Step 4

On the License Agreement screen, read the CISCO APP CENTER AGREEMENT and click on Agree and Download.

Wait for the application to be downloaded to the Nexus Dashboard and deployed.

It may take up to 30 minutes for the application to replicate to all nodes and all services to fully deploy.

Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller application appears in the Services Catalog. The status is shown as Initializing.

Step 5

Click Enable.

After the services are enabled, the button on the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller card shows Open.

Wait until all the pods and containers are up and running.

Step 6

Click on Open to launch Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Web UI.

Note

The single sign-on (SSO) feature allows you to log in to the application using the same credentials as you used for the Nexus Dashboard.

The Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Web UI opens in a new browser. The Feature Management window appears.

Note

If External Service Pool IP addresses are not configured, an error message appears. Go to Nexus Dashboard Web UI > Infrastructure > Cluster Configuration. Configure the Management Service and Data Service IP addresses in the External Service Pools section. For more information, refer to Cluster Configuration section in Cisco Nexus Dashboard User Guide.

Three cards namely Fabric Discovery, Fabric Controller, and SAN Controller is displayed.

Step 7

Based on the requirement, select the deployment.

From the list of Features, select features that you need to enable on the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller deployment.

Note

The list of features displayed is based on the Deployment selected on the card.

Step 8

Click Apply to deploy Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controllerwith the selected features.

After the installation is complete, the deployment card and all the features status show as Started.

Installing Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Service Manually

To manually upload and install Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Release 12.1.2e in an existing Cisco Nexus Dashboard cluster, perform the following steps:

Before you begin

- Ensure that you’ve installed the required form factor of Cisco Nexus Dashboard. For instructions, refer to Cisco Nexus Dashboard Deployment Guide.

- Ensure that you meet the requirements and guidelines described in Prerequisites.

- Ensure that the services are allocated with IP pool addresses on the Cisco Nexus Dashboard. For more information, refer to Cluster Configuration section in Cisco Nexus Dashboard User Guide.

Procedure

Step 1

Go to the following site: https://dcappcenter.cisco.com.

Cisco DC App Center page opens.

In the All apps section, all the applications supported on Cisco Nexus Dashboard.

Step 2

Locate the Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Release 12.1.2e application and click the Download icon.

Step 3

On the License Agreement screen, read the CISCO APP CENTER AGREEMENT and click on Agree and Download.

Save the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller application to your directory that is easy to find when you must import/upload to Nexus Dashboard.

Step 4

Launch the Cisco Nexus Dashboard using appropriate credentials.

Step 5

Choose Admin Console > Services > Installed Services to view the services installed on the Cisco Nexus Dashboard.

Step 6

From the Actions drop-down list, choose Upload Service.

Step 7

Choose the Location toggle button and select either Remote or Local.

You can choose to either upload the service from a remote or local directory.

- If you select Remote, in the URL field, provide an absolute path to the directory where the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller application is saved.

- If you select Local, click Browse and navigate to the location where the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller application is saved. Select the application and click Open.

Step 8

Click Upload.

Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller application appears in the Services Catalog. The status is shown as Initializing.

Wait for the application to be downloaded to the Nexus Dashboard and deployed.

It may take up to 30 minutes for the application to replicate to all nodes and all services to fully deploy.

Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller application appears in the Services Catalog. The status is shown as Initializing.

Step 9

Click Enable.

After the services are enabled, the button on the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller card shows Open.

Wait until all the pods and containers are up and running.

Step 10

Click on Open to launch Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Web UI.

Note

The single sign-on (SSO) feature allows you to log in to the application using the same credentials as you used for the Nexus Dashboard.

The Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Web UI opens in a new browser. The Feature Management window appears.

Note

If External Service Pool IP addresses are not configured, an error message appears. Go to Nexus Dashboard Web UI > Infrastructure > Cluster Configuration. Configure the Management Service and Data Service IP addresses in the External Service Pools section. For more information, refer to Cluster Configuration section in Cisco Nexus Dashboard User Guide.

Three cards namely Fabric Discovery, Fabric Controller, and SAN Controller is displayed.

Step 11

Based on the requirement, select the deployment.

From the list of Features, select features that you need to enable on the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller deployment.

Note

The list of features displayed is based on the Deployment selected on the card.

Step 12

Click Apply to deploy Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller with the selected features.

After the installation is complete, the deployment card and all the features status show as Started.

Chapter 5. Upgrading Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller

This chapter provides information about upgrading Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller, and contains the following sections:

- Upgrade Paths to Release 12.1.2e

- Downloading the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Upgrade Tool

- Backup Using the Upgrade Tool

- Upgrading from Cisco NDFC Release 12.1.1e to NDFC Release 12.1.2e

- Upgrading from Cisco NDFC Release 12.0.2f to NDFC Release 12.1.2e

- Upgrading from Cisco DCNM Release 11.5(4) to Cisco NDFC Release 12.1.2e

- Feature Management

- Post Upgrade Tasks

Upgrade Paths to Release 12.1.2e

The following sections provide information for upgrade paths to Release 12.1.2e.

Even though Nexus Dashboard versions 2.3.1c or 2.3.2b are supported with Cisco NDFC Release 12.1.2e, we recommend upgrading to Nexus Dashboard version 2.3.2d with Cisco NDFC Release 12.1.2e.

- If you are upgrading from Cisco NDFC Release 12.1.1e to NDFC Release 12.1.2e, we recommend upgrading to Nexus Dashboard version 2.3.2d with Cisco NDFC Release 12.1.2e. See Upgrade Paths to Release 12.1.2e for more information.

- If you already upgraded to Nexus Dashboard version 2.3.1c or 2.3.2b as part of your upgrade or fresh installation to NDFC Release 12.1.2e, and you want to upgrade to Nexus Dashboard version 2.3.2d, you will have to do that separately. See Nexus Dashboard 2.3.1c or 2.3.2b to 2.3.2d Upgrade Information for more information.

Nexus Dashboard 2.3.1c Information

If you upgraded to to Nexus Dashboard version 2.3.1c, a restriction applies where you should not delete NDFC Release 12.0.2f or 12.1.1e post upgrade. Deleting NDFC 12.0.2f or 12.1.1e will cause issues when the Nexus Dashboard cluster is rebooted if you upgraded to to Nexus Dashboard version 2.3.1c. Please contact TAC for assistance if issue is encountered.

Note that this restriction does not apply if you upgrade to Nexus Dashboard version 2.3.2b or 2.3.2d. See Nexus Dashboard 2.3.1c or 2.3.2b to 2.3.2d Upgrade Information for instructions on upgrading to the recommended Nexus Dashboard version 2.3.2d.

Nexus Dashboard 2.3.1c or 2.3.2b to 2.3.2d Upgrade Information

These steps apply specifically for the situation where you have already upgraded to Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller release 12.1.2e, but you upgraded to Nexus Dashboard release 2.3.1c or 2.3.2b and you want to upgrade to the recommended Nexus Dashboard release 2.3.2d.

1. Back up the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller:

Operations > Backup & Restore

2. Disable the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller service on Nexus Dashboard.

3. Upgrade Nexus Dashboard version from 2.3.1c or 2.3.2b to 2.3.2d.

For instructions, see Upgrading Nexus Dashboard.

4. Enable Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller service on Nexus Dashboard.

Upgrade Paths to Release 12.1.2e

The following table summarizes the type of upgrade that you must follow to upgrade to Release 12.1.2e.

Go to Software Download to download the Upgrade Tool scripts.

Note

Prior to upgrade, we recommend that you take a backup of the current NDFC configuration and store it at a secure remote location to safeguard data and minimize any potential risk.

Current Release Number

Deployment Type

Compatible Nexus Dashboard Version in Current Release

Upgrade type when upgrade to Release 12.1.2e

12.1.1e

All

2.2.1h

1. Backup on Web UI > Operations > Backup & Restore

2. Disable Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller service on Nexus Dashboard

3. Upgrade Nexus Dashboard version to 2.3.2d.

Note

Even though 2.3.1c or 2.3.2b are also supported upgrades, we recommend upgrading Nexus Dashboard version to 2.3.2d in this step.

- If you upgraded to 2.3.1c instead of 2.3.2d, see Nexus Dashboard 2.3.1c Information for important information before proceeding.

- If you want to upgrade from 2.3.1c or 2.3.2b to the recommended 2.3.2d release, see Nexus Dashboard 2.3.1c or 2.3.2b to 2.3.2d Upgrade Information.

4. Upgrade NDFC application to 12.1.2e

For detailed instructions, see Upgrading from Cisco NDFC Release 12.1.1e to NDFC Release 12.1.2e.

12.0.2f

All

2.1.2d

1. Backup on Web UI > Operations > Backup & Restore

2. Disable Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller service on Nexus Dashboard

3. Upgrade Nexus Dashboard version to 2.3.2d.

Note

Even though 2.3.1c or 2.3.2b are also supported upgrades, we recommend upgrading Nexus Dashboard version to 2.3.2d in this step.

- If you upgraded to 2.3.1c instead of 2.3.2d, see Nexus Dashboard 2.3.1c Information for important information before proceeding.

- If you want to upgrade from 2.3.1c or 2.3.2b to the recommended 2.3.2d release, see Nexus Dashboard 2.3.1c or 2.3.2b to 2.3.2d Upgrade Information.

4. Upgrade NDFC application to 12.1.2e

For detailed instructions, see Upgrading from Cisco NDFC Release 12.0.2f to NDFC Release 12.1.2e.

12.0.1a

Any

2.1.1e

Direct upgrade is not supported.

11.5(4)

All

Not Applicable

1. Backup using DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_OVA_ISO

2. Install Nexus Dashboard version 2.3.2d

3. Install NDFC Release 12.1.2e

4. Restore on Web UI > Operations > Backup & Restore

For detailed instructions, see Upgrading from Cisco DCNM Release 11.5(4) to Cisco NDFC Release 12.1.2e.

Downloading the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Upgrade Tool

To download Upgrade tool to upgrade from Cisco DCNM to Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller, perform the following steps:

Before you begin

- Identify the deployment type of Cisco DCNM Release 11.5(x) setup.

Procedure

Step 1

Go to the following site: https://software.cisco.com/download/.

A list of the latest release software for Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller available for download is displayed.

Step 2

In the Latest Releases list, choose Release 12.1.2e.

Step 3

Based on your Cisco DCNM 11.5(x) deployment type, locate the DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool and click the Download icon.

The following table displays the DCNM 11.5(x) deployment type, and the corresponding Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller upgrade tool that you must download.

DCNM 11.5(x) Deployment type and Upgrade Tool Compatibility Matrix

DCNM 11.5(x) deployment type

UpgradeTool Name

ISO/OVA

DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_OVA_ISO

Linux

DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN.zip

Windows

DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN.zip

Step 4

Save the appropriate Upgrade Tool to the 11.5(x) server using sysadmin credentials.

Backup Using the Upgrade Tool

Stop Performance Management collection before running backup script for large scaled DCNM. To stop the Performance Management collection, perform the following steps:

- Navigate to Administration > DCNM Server > Server Status.

- Click on Stop Service of Performance Collector and wait a few seconds.

- Click on the refresh icon on the top right to check the status. Make sure it shows Stopped.

The backup tool collects last 90 days Performance Management data.

To run the DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool to take a backup of all the applications and data on DCNM 11.5, perform the following steps:

Before you begin

- On Cisco DCNM Release 11.5(1), ensure that you validate each fabric before proceeding to take backup. Choose Cisco DCNM Web UI > Administration > Credentials Management > SAN Credentials. Select each fabric and click Validate to validate credentials before taking backup.

- Ensure that you've copied the appropriate Upgrade Tool to the server of your DCNM 11.5(x) setup.

Procedure

Step 1

Log on to the Cisco DCNM Release 11.5(x) appliance console.

Step 2

Run the following command to create a screen session.

dcnm# screen

This creates a session which allows you to execute the commands. The commands continue to run even when the window is not visible or if you get disconnected.

Step 3

Log on to the /root/ directory, by using the su command.

dcnm# su
Enter password: <<enter-password>>
[root@dcnm]#

Step 4

Execute the upgrade tool, by using the ./DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool command.

Ensure that you have enabled execution permissions to the Upgrade tool. Use chmod +x . to enable executable permissions.

For OVA/ISO-

[root@dcnm]# chmod +x ./DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_OVA_ISO
[root@dcnm]# ./DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_OVA_ISO /* for OVA/ISO

For Windows/Linux-

[root@dcnm]# chmod +x ./DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN
root@dcnm]# unzip DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN.zip
[root@dcnm-rhel]# cd DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/
[root@dcnm-rhel DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN]# ls
DCNMBackup.bat  DCNMBackup.sh  jar
[root@rhel DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN]# ./DCNMBackup.sh        /* Enter this command for Linux appliance */
OR
[root@rhel DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN]# ./DCNMBackup.bat        /* Enter this command for Windows appliance */

The upgrade tool analysis the DCNM appliance data, and determines whether you can upgrade to Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Release 12.1.2e or not.

Note

The backup that is generated by using this tool can be used to restore data on NDFC 12.1.2e only.

Step 5

At the prompt to continue with backup, press y .

*******************************************************************************
Welcome to DCNM-to-NDFC Upgrade Tool for OVA/ISO.
This tool will analyze this system and determine whether you can move to NDFC 12.1.2e or not.
If upgrade to NDFC 12.1.2e is possible, this tool will create files to be used for performing the upgrade.
NOTE: only backup files created by this tool can be used for upgrading, older backup files created with 'appmgr backup'
CAN NOT be used for upgrading to NDFC 12.1.2e
Thank you!
*******************************************************************************

Continue? [y/n]: y

Collect operational data (e.g. PM, EPL)? [y/n]: y

Does this DCNM 11.5(1) have DCNM Tracker feature enabled on any switch on any fabric? [y/n]: n

Step 6

Enter the encryption key to the backup file.

Note

You must provide this encryption key when you're restoring the backup file. Ensure that you save the encryption key in a safe location. If you loose the encryption key, you cannot restore the backup.

Sensitive information will be encrypted using an encryption key.
This encryption key will have to be provided when restoring the backup file generated by this tool.

Please enter the encryption key:      /* enter the encryption key for the backup file */
Enter it again for verification:      /* re-enter the encryption key for the backup file */

...
...
Creating backup file
Done.
Backup file: backup11_dcnm-172-23-87-224_20210928-093355.tar.gz        /* backup file name*/
[root@dcnm]#

The encrypted backup file is created.

Step 7

Copy the backup file to a safe location and shut down the application 11.5(x) DCNM appliance.

Example

Example for taking backup using the DCNM backup Tool

- Taking backup on DCNM 11.5(x) OVA/ISO appliance

[root@dcnm]# chmod +x DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_OVA_ISO
[root@dcnm]# ./DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_OVA_ISO
*******************************************************************************

Welcome to DCNM-to-NDFC Upgrade Tool for OVA/ISO.

This tool will analyze this system and determine whether you can move to
NDFC 12.1.2e or not.

If upgrade to NDFC 12.1.2e is possible, this tool will create files
to be used for performing the upgrade.

NOTE:
only backup files created by this tool can be used for upgrading,
older backup files created with 'appmgr backup' CAN NOT be used
for upgrading to NDFC 12.1.2e

Thank you!

*******************************************************************************

Continue? [y/n]: y

Collect operational data (e.g. PM, EPL)? [y/n]: y

Does this DCNM 11.5(1) have DCNM Tracker feature enabled on any switch on any fabric? [y/n]: n

Sensitive information will be encrypted using an encryption key.
This encryption key will have to be provided when restoring
the backup file generated by this tool.

Please enter the encryption key:      /* enter the encryption key for the backup file */
Enter it again for verification:      /* re-enter the encryption key for the backup file */

Adding backup header
Collecting DB table data
Collecting DB sequence data
Collecting stored credentials
Collecting Custom Templates
Collecting CC files
Collecting L4-7-service data
Collecting CVisualizer data
Collecting EPL data
Collecting PM data - WARNING: this will take a while!
Collecting AFW app info
Decrypting stored credentials
Creating backup file
Done.
Backup file: backup11_dcnm-172-23-87-224_20210913-012857.tar.gz        /* backup file name*/
[root@dcnm]#

- Taking backup on DCNM 11.5(x) Windows/Linux appliance

[root@dcnm]# chmod +x DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN
[root@dcnm]# unzip DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN.zip
Archive:  DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN.zip
creating: DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/
creating: DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/jar/
inflating: DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/jar/bcprov-jdk15on-1.68.jar
inflating: DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/jar/DCNMBackup.java
inflating: DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/jar/sequences.info.oracle
inflating: DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/jar/slf4j-simple-1.7.21.jar
inflating: DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/jar/jnm.jar
inflating: DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/jar/not-going-to-be-commons-ssl-0.3.20.jar
inflating: DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/jar/tables.info.postgres
inflating: DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/jar/jarchivelib-0.7.1-jar-with-dependencies.jar
inflating: DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/jar/tables.info.oracle
inflating: DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/jar/sequences.info.postgres
inflating: DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/jar/log4j.properties
inflating: DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/DCNMBackup.sh
inflating: DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/DCNMBackup.bat

[root@dcnm-rhel]# cd DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN/
[root@dcnm-rhel DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN]# ls
DCNMBackup.bat  DCNMBackup.sh  jar
[root@rhel DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN]# ./DCNMBackup.sh        /* Enter this command for Linux appliance */
OR
[root@rhel DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN]# ./DCNMBackup.bat        /* Enter this command for Windows appliance */

Enter DCNM root directory [/usr/local/cisco/dcm]:

Initializing, please wait...

Note: ./jar/DCNMBackup.java uses unchecked or unsafe operations.
Note: Recompile with -Xlint:unchecked for details.
*******************************************************************************

Welcome to DCNM-to-NDFC Upgrade Tool for Linux/Windows.

This tool will analyze this system and determine whether you can move to NDFC 12.1.2e or not.

If upgrade to NDFC 12.1.2e is possible, this tool will create files to be used for performing the upgrade.

Thank you!

*******************************************************************************

This tool will backup config data. Exporting Operational data like Performance(PM) might take some time.

Do you want to export operational data also? [y/N]: y
*******************************************************************************

Sensitive information will be encrypted using an encryption key.
This encryption key will have to be provided when restoring the backup file generated by this tool.

Please enter the encryption key:       /* enter the encryption key for the backup file */
Enter it again for verification:       /* re-enter the encryption key for the backup file */
2021-09-13 14:36:31 INFO  DCNMBackup:223 - Inside init() method
2021-09-13 14:36:31 INFO  DCNMBackup:245 - Loading properties....
2021-09-13 14:36:31 INFO  DCNMBackup:301 - Inside checkLANSwitches...
2021-09-13 14:36:32 INFO  DCNMBackup:315 - LAN Switch count: 0
2021-09-13 14:36:32 INFO  DCNMBackup:342 - Inside exportDBTables...
2021-09-13 14:36:32 INFO  DCNMBackup:358 - Exporting ---------> statistics
2021-09-13 14:36:32 INFO  DCNMBackup:358 - Exporting ---------> sequence
...
...
...
2021-09-13 14:49:48 INFO  DCNMBackup:1760 - ###### Total time to export Hourly data: 42 seconds.

2021-09-13 14:49:48 INFO  DCNMBackup:1767 - Exporting SanPort Daily entries.
2021-09-13 14:49:48 INFO  DCNMBackup:1768 - Total number of ports: 455
2021-09-13 14:49:48 INFO  DCNMBackup:1769 - This might take a while, please wait...
2021-09-13 14:50:23 INFO  DCNMBackup:1791 - Total number of Json data entries in backup/es/pmdb_sanportratedata_daily.data ==> 13751
2021-09-13 14:50:23 INFO  DCNMBackup:1795 - ###### Total time to export Daily data: 34 seconds.

2021-09-13 14:50:23 INFO  DCNMBackup:1535 - ###### Total time to export PM data: 81 seconds.

2021-09-13 14:50:23 INFO  DCNMBackup:879 - Creating final tar.gz file....
2021-09-13 14:50:30 INFO  DCNMBackup:892 - Final tar.gz elapsed time: 7049 in ms
2021-09-13 14:50:30 INFO  DCNMBackup:893 - Backup done.
2021-09-13 14:50:30 INFO  DCNMBackup:894 - Log file: backup.log
2021-09-13 14:50:30 INFO  DCNMBackup:895 - Backup file: backup11_rhel77-160_20210913-149215.tar.gz        /* backup file name*/
[root@rhel DCNM_To_NDFC_Upgrade_Tool_LIN_WIN]#

Upgrading from Cisco NDFC Release 12.1.1e to NDFC Release 12.1.2e

This procedure describes how to upgrade to Cisco NDFC Release 12.1.2e from NDFC Release 12.1.1e.

Before you begin

- When you upgrade Cisco Nexus Dashboard with Release 2.3.1c, 2.3.2b, or 2.3.2d, ensure that you enable NDFC on Nexus Dashboard before you install other applications on it. Else, NDFC fails if external IP addresses are assigned to other applications.

- Cisco NDFC 12.1.2e is compatible with Nexus Dashboard Release 2.3.1c, 2.3.2b, or 2.3.2d; however, we recommend upgrading Nexus Dashboard to Release 2.3.2d.

For instructions, see Upgrading Nexus Dashboard.

Note

Before you begin to upgrade, on Nexus Dashboard, go to Operations > Firmware Management > Images tab, and delete the older Nexus Dashboard version.

- You cannot have multiple versions of NDFC service on Nexus Dashboard. Retain the current operational version, and delete the other NDFC versions on Nexus Dashboard before proceeding to upgrade.

To check the number of NDFC versions, choose Nexus Dashboard > Services > Installed Services. The number of versions is displayed on the NDFC service under Versions.

Click on ellipsis (…) icon and choose Available Versions. NDFC versions are displayed. Note that if there is one version, Available Versions option is not seen in the drop-down list.

Click delete icon to remove the NDFC service. Click Delete on the confirmation message.

- If you've enabled preview features in 12.1.1e, you must disable those features.

- On the Web UI, choose Settings > Feature Management. Ensure that you have unchecked the BETA features.

- For Fabric Controller, on the Web UI, choose Settings > Server Settings > LAN Fabric tab. Ensure that the Enable Preview Features check box is unchecked.

Procedure

Step 1

Take a backup of NDFC data on Web UI > Operations > Backup & Restore.

Ensure that NDFC Release 12.1.1e is up and operational when you take the backup.

- If you take a local backup, download the copy and store it for later use if needed.

- If you take a remote backup, save the backup file in a secure remote location.

See Backup & Restore chapter in the Cisco NDFC Configuration Guide for more information.

Note

Ensure that there is only one version of NDFC present on the Nexus Dashboard.

Step 2

On the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller card, click on ellipsis (…) icon. From the drop-down list, select Disable.

Caution

Upgrade fails if the NDFC 12.1.1e service is not disabled before upgrading the Nexus Dashboard cluster.

Step 3

Upgrade the Nexus Dashboard to Release 2.3.1c, 2.3.2b, or 2.3.2d.

Even though you can upgrade the Nexus Dashboard to Release 2.3.1c, 2.3.2b, or 2.3.2d, we recommend upgrading Nexus Dashboard to Release 2.3.2d. For instructions, see Upgrading Nexus Dashboard.

Note

Do not perform any operations on Nexus Dashboard or on any other services while the Nexus Dashboard upgrade is in progress.

Step 4

After the upgrade is completed, launch Nexus Dashboard.

Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller card displays the following error. Ignore and proceed to next step.

Step 5

Install NDFC Release 12.1.2e service on the Nexus Dashboard.

To install NDFC 12.1.2e from Cisco App Store, perform the following steps:

1. On the Nexus Dashboard > Services > App Store tab, locate Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller service.

Click Update.

2. On the License Agreement screen, click Agree and Download to begin download.

NDFC 12.1.2e service is downloaded and installed on Nexus Dashboard.

3. After the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller service card shows Installed, click on Installed Services tab.

To install NDFC from Nexus Dashboard > Services > Actions > Upload Service, perform the following steps:

1. On the Nexus Dashboard > Services tab, from the Actions drop-down list, choose Upload Service.

2. Go to Cisco DC App Center to view and download NDFC service.

On the Cisco DC App Center, identify the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller card with Version: 12.1.2e.

3. Click on the download icon to download NDFC service.

4. Click Agree and download to accept the License Agreement.

Save the Cisco-ndfc-12.1.2e.nap file to a local or remote directory.

5. Choose the Location toggle button and select either Remote or Local.

You can choose to either upload the service from a remote or local directory.

- If you select Remote, in the URL field, provide an absolute path to the directory where the NDFC application is saved.

- If you select Local, click Browse and navigate to the location where the NDFC application is saved. Select the application and click Open.

6. Click Upload.

Another Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller application appears in the Services Catalog. The progress bar indicates the upload status. Wait for the application to be downloaded to the Nexus Dashboard and deployed.

It may take up to 30 minutes for the application to replicate to all nodes and all services to fully deploy.

After installation, Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller service appears in the Services Catalog. Note that Versions display as 2 on the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller card.

Step 6

On the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller card, click on ellipsis (…) icon.

From the drop-down list, choose Available Versions.

Step 7

Click Enable on Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller 12.1.2e version to initiate upgrade activation.

Note

Do not delete NDFC 12.1.1e in the Available Versions. Deleting 12.1.1e results in loosing NDFC application data.

After the services are enabled, the button on the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller card shows Open.

Wait until all the pods and containers are up and running.

Step 8

Click Open to launch Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Release 12.1.2e Web UI.

Note

The single sign-on (SSO) feature allows you to log in to the application using the same credentials that you used for Nexus Dashboard.

Caution

Do not delete NDFC Release 12.1.1e post upgrade.

Note

Deleting NDFC 12.1.1e causes issues when the Nexus Dashboard cluster is rebooted. Please contact TAC for assistance if issue is encountered.

Upgrading from Cisco NDFC Release 12.0.2f to NDFC Release 12.1.2e

These procedures describe how to upgrade from NDFC Release 12.0.2f to Cisco NDFC Release 12.1.2e.

Before you begin

Note

Direct upgrade from NDFC Release 12.0.1a to Release 12.1.2e is not supported.

- Ensure that NDFC Release 12.0.2f is up and operational while taking backup.

- Cisco NDFC 12.1.2e is compatible with Nexus Dashboard Release 2.3.1c, 2.3.2b, or 2.3.2d; however, we recommend upgrading Nexus Dashboard to Release 2.3.2d.

For instructions, refer to Upgrading Nexus Dashboard.

Note

Before you begin to upgrade, on Nexus Dashboard, go to Operations > Firmware Management > Images tab, and delete the older Nexus Dashboard version.

- You cannot have multiple versions of NDFC service on Nexus Dashboard. Retain the current operational version, and delete the other NDFC versions on Nexus Dashboard before proceeding to upgrade.

To check the number of NDFC versions, choose Nexus Dashboard > Services > Installed Services. The number of versions is displayed on the NDFC service under Versions.

Click on ellipsis (…) icon and choose Available Versions. NDFC versions are displayed. Note that if there is one version, Available Versions option is not seen in the drop-down list.

Click delete icon to remove the NDFC service. Click Delete on the confirmation message.

- If you've enabled preview features in 12.0.2f, you must disable those features.

- On the Web UI, choose Settings > Feature Management. Ensure that you the uncheck the BETA features.

- For Fabric Controller, on the Web UI, choose Settings > Server Settings > LAN Fabric tab. Ensure that the Enable Preview Features check box is unchecked.

Procedure

Step 1

Take a backup of NDFC data on Web UI > Operations > Backup & Restore.

Ensure that NDFC Release 12.1.2e is up and operational when you take the backup.

- If you take a local backup, download the copy and store it for later use if needed.

- If you take a remote backup, save the backup file in a secure remote location.

See Backup & Restore chapter in the Cisco NDFC Configuration Guide for more information.

Note

Ensure that there is only one version on NDFC enabled on Nexus Dashboard.

Step 2

On the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller card, click on ellipsis (…) icon. From the drop-down list, select Disable.

Caution

Upgrade fails if the NDFC 12.0.2f service is not disabled before upgrading the Nexus Dashboard.

Step 3

Upgrade the Nexus Dashboard to Release 2.3.1c, 2.3.2b, or 2.3.2d.

Even though you can upgrade the Nexus Dashboard to Release 2.3.1c, 2.3.2b, or 2.3.2d, we recommend upgrading Nexus Dashboard to Release 2.3.2d. For instructions, see Upgrading Nexus Dashboard.

Note

Do not perform any operations on Nexus Dashboard or on any other services while the Nexus Dashboard upgrade is in progress.

Step 4

After the upgrade is completed, launch Nexus Dashboard.

Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller card displays the following error. Ignore and proceed to next step.

Step 5

Install NDFC Release 12.1.2e service on the Nexus Dashboard.

To install NDFC 12.1.2e from Cisco App Store, perform the following steps:

1. On the Nexus Dashboard > Services > App Store tab, locate Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller service.

Click Update.

2. On the License Agreement screen, click Agree and Download to begin download.

NDFC 12.1.2e service is downloaded and installed on Nexus Dashboard.

3. After the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller service card shows Installed, click on Installed Services tab.

4. On NDFC card, click on the ellipsis (…) icon and choose Disable.

Click Disable on the confirmation screen to disable the previous version.

The Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller service card now displays the version as 12.1.2e.

To install NDFC from Nexus Dashboard > Services > Actions > Upload Service, perform the following steps:

1. On the Nexus Dashboard > Services tab, from the Actions drop-down list, choose Upload Service.

2. Go to Cisco DC App Center to view and download NDFC service.

On the Cisco DC App Center, identify the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller card with Version: 12.1.2e.

3. Click on the download icon to download NDFC service.

4. Click Agree and download to accept the License Agreement.

Save the Cisco-ndfc-12.1.2e.nap file to a local or remote directory.

5. Choose the Location toggle button and select either Remote or Local.

You can choose to either upload the service from a remote or local directory.

- If you select Remote, in the URL field, provide an absolute path to the directory where the NDFC application is saved.

- If you select Local, click Browse and navigate to the location where the NDFC application is saved. Select the application and click Open.

6. Click Upload.

Another Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller application appears in the Services Catalog. The progress bar indicates the upload status. Wait for the application to be downloaded to the Nexus Dashboard and deployed.

It may take up to 30 minutes for the application to replicate to all nodes and all services to fully deploy.

After installation, Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller service appears in the Services Catalog. Note that Versions displays as 2 on the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller card.

Step 6

On the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller card, click on ellipsis (…) icon.

From the drop-down list, choose Available Versions.

Step 7

Click Enable on Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller 12.1.2e version to initiate upgrade activation.

Note

Do not delete NDFC 12.0.2f in the Available Versions. Deleting 12.0.2f results in loosing NDFC application data.

After the services are enabled, the button on the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller card shows Open.

Wait until all the pods and containers are up and running.

Step 8

Click Open to launch Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Release 12.1.2e Web UI.

Note

The single sign-on (SSO) feature allows you to log in to the application using the same credentials that you used for Nexus Dashboard.

Caution

Do not delete NDFC Release 12.0.2f post upgrade.

Note

Deleting NDFC 12.0.2f will cause issues when the Nexus Dashboard cluster is rebooted. Please contact TAC for assistance if issue is encountered.

Upgrading from Cisco DCNM Release 11.5(4) to Cisco NDFC Release 12.1.2e

To upgrade to Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Release 12.1.2e from DCNM Release 11.5(4), perform the following steps:
context here

Before you begin

- Ensure that you’ve access to the Backup file created from 11.5(4) appliance. For instructions to take backup of all the applications and data on DCNM 11.5(4), see Backup Using the Upgrade Tool.

If you do not have the encryption key, you cannot restore from the backup file.

- Ensure that you’ve installed the required form factor of Cisco Nexus Dashboard. For instructions, refer to Cisco Nexus Dashboard Deployment Guide.

- Ensure that you've installed a fresh installation of Cisco NDFC. For instructions to install Cisco NDFC, refer to:

- Installing Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Service Manually.

- Installing Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Service Using App Store

Procedure

Step 1

Log on to Cisco Nexus Dashboard Web UI using correct credentials.

Step 2

From the One View drop-down list, select Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller.

On the Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Web UI, Feature Management screen is displayed.

Note that none of the personas are selected on the freshly installed Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller.

Step 3

Click Restore.

The Operations > Backup & Restore window opens.

Step 4

Click Restore.

The Restore now window appears.

Step 5

Under Type, select your desired format to restore.

Note

Select Config only or Full based on the backup that was created on DCNM Release 11.5(4).

- Choose Config only to restore only configuration data.

You can choose either Config only or Full backup files.

- Choose Full to restore all previous version data to this application.

You must choose Full backup files.

Step 6

Choose the appropriate destination where you have stored the backup file.

- Choose Upload File if the file is stored in a local directory.

1. Open the directory where you’ve saved the backup file.

2. Drag and drop the backup file to the Restore now window

or

Click Browse. Navigate to the directory where you’ve saved the backup file. Select the backup file and click Open.

3. Enter the Encryption Key to the backup file.

- Choose Import from SCP server or Import from SFTP serverif the backup file is stored in a remote directory.

1. In the Server field, provide the server IP Address.

2. In the File Path field, provide the relative file path to the backup file.

3. In the Username and Password fields, enter appropriate details.

4. In the Encryption Key field, enter the Encryption Key to the backup file.

Step 7

(Optional) Check the Ignore External Service IP Configuration check box.

If the Ignore External Service IP Configuration check box is selected, then the external service IP configuration is ignored. This selection allows you to take a backup on a system and restore it on a different system, with different management and/or data subnets.

This option does not have any impact during an upgrade from Cisco DCNM 11.5(4) to Cisco NDFC.

Step 8

Click Restore.

A progress bar appears showing the completed percentage and the description of the operation. The Web UI is locked while the upgrade is in progress. After the restore is complete, the backup file appears in the table on Backup & Restore screen. The time required to restore depends on the data in the backup file.

Note

An error appears if you've not allocated with IP pool addresses on the Cisco Nexus Dashboard. For more information, refer to Cluster Configuration section in Cisco Nexus Dashboard User Guide.

After successful restoration, a notification banner appears as below:

Reload the page to see latest changes.

Click Reload the page, or refresh the browser page to complete restore and begin using you Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Web UI.

- Cisco DCNM 11.5(4) Compatibility with NDFC 12.1.2e during upgrade

Cisco DCNM 11.5(4) Compatibility with NDFC 12.1.2e during upgrade

Persona Compatibility for Upgrade

By using the appropriate Upgrade Tool, you can restore data that is backed up from DCNM Release 11.5(4) on a newly deployed Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller for the personas as mentioned in the following table:

Backup from DCNM 11.5(4)

Persona Enabled in NDFC 12.1.2e after Upgrade

DCNM 11.5(4) LAN Fabric Deployment on OVA/ISO/SE

Fabric Controller + Fabric Builder

DCNM 11.5(4) PMN Deployment on OVA/ISO/SE

Fabric Controller + IP Fabric for Media (IPFM)

DCNM 11.5(4) SAN Deployment on OVA/ISO/SE

SAN Controller

DCNM 11.5(4) SAN Deployment on Linux

SAN Controller

DCNM 11.5(4) SAN Deployment on Windows

SAN Controller

Feature Compatibility Post Upgrade

The following table lists caveats associated with features that are restored from DCNM 11.5(4) backup after upgrade to NDFC, Release 12.1.2e.

Feature in DCNM 11.5(4)

Upgrade Support

Nexus Dashboard Insights configured

Refer to Cisco Nexus Dashboard User Guide for more information.

Supported

Container Orchestrator (K8s) Visualizer

Supported

VMM Visibility with vCenter

Supported

Nexus Dashboard Orchestrator configured

Not Supported

Preview features configured

Not supported

LAN switches in SAN installations

Not supported

Switches discovered over IPv6

Not supported

DCNM Tracker

Not supported

Fabric Backups

Not supported

Report Definitions and Reports

Not supported

Switch images and Image Management policies

Not supported

SAN CLI templates

Not carried over from 11.5(4) to 12.1.2e

Switch images/Image Management data

Not carried over from 11.5(4) to 12.1.2e

Slow drain data

Not carried over from 11.5(4) to 12.1.2e

Infoblox configuration

Not carried over from 11.5(4) to 12.1.2e

Endpoint Locator configuration

You must reconfigure Endpoint Locator (EPL) post upgrade to Release 12.1.2e. However, historical data is retained up to a maximum size of 500 MB.

Alarm Policy configuration

Not carried over from 11.5(4) to 12.1.2e

Performance Management data

CPU/Memory/Interface statistics up to 90 days is restored post upgrade.

Note

SAN Insights and VMM Visualizer features are not enabled after restore. You must choose check boxes on Settings > Feature Management and click Save to enable these features after restore.

Feature Management

After restoring the backup, based on the type of deployment, Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Release 12.1.2e is deployed with one of the following personalities:

- Fabric Controller

- SAN Controller

The status on the Feature Management changes to Starting. Additionally, you can select the features that you want to enable. Check the Feature check box and click Save & Continue.

Note

There are caveats associated with features enabled on DCNM 11.5(x) with respect to upgrade to NDFC, Release 12.1.2e. For more information, see .

Changing across Feature-Set

Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller 12 allows you to switch from one feature set to another. Choose Settings > Feature Management. Select the desired feature set and applications in the table below. Click Save & Continue. Refresh the browser to begin using Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller with the new feature set and applications.

There are a few features/applications supported with specific deployments. When you change the feature set, some of these features are not supported in the new deployment. The following table provides details about the pre-requisites and criteria based on which you can change the feature set.

Supported Switching between deployments

From/To

Fabric Discovery

Fabric Controller

SAN Controller

Fabric Discovery

-

Only monitor mode fabric is supported in Fabric Discovery deployment. When you change the feature set, the fabric can be used in the Fabric Controller deployment.

Not supported

Fabric Controller

You must delete the existing fabrics before changing the fabric set.

If you’re changing from Easy Fabric to IPFM fabric application, you must delete the exiting fabrics.

Not supported

SAN Controller

Not supported

Not supported

-

Post Upgrade Tasks

The following sections describe the tasks that must be performed post upgrading to Cisco NDFC, Release 12.1.2e.

Post Upgrade tasks for SAN Controller

After restoring the data from backup, all the server-smart licenses are OutofCompliance.

To migrate to Smart Licensing using Policy, launch Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller. On the Web UI, choose Operations > License Management > Smart tab. Establish trust with CCSM using SLP. For instructions, refer to License Management chapter in Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller Configuration Guides.

Post Upgrade tasks for Fabric Controller

The following features are not carried over when you upgrade from DCNM 11.5(x) to Cisco NDFC 12.1.2e:

- Endpoint Locator must be reconfigured

- IPAM Integration must be reconfigured

- Alarm Policies must be reconfigured

- Custom topologies must be recreated and saved

- PM collection must be re-enabled on fabrics

- Switch images must be uploaded

Managing Trap IP on Nexus Dashboard and Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller

Deployment Type in Release 11.5(x)

In 11.5(x), trap IP address is collected from

LAN Device Management Connectivity

In 12.1.2e, trap IP address belongs to

Result

LAN Fabric

Media Controller

eth1 (or vip1 for HA systems)

Management

Belongs to Management subnet

Honored

There is no configuration difference. No further action required.

LAN Fabric

Media Controller

eth0 (or vip0 for HA systems)

Management

Does not belong to Management subnet

Ignored, another IP from the Management pool will be used as trap IP.

Configuration difference is created. On the Web UI > LAN > Fabrics > Fabrics, double click on the Fabric to view Fabric Overview. From Fabrics Actions drop-down list, select Recalculate Config. Click Deploy Config.

LAN Fabric

Media Controller

eth0 (or vip0 for HA systems)

Data

Belongs to Data subnet

Honored

There is no configuration difference. No further action required.

LAN Fabric

Media Controller

eth0 (or vip0 for HA systems)

Data

Does not belong to Data subnet

Ignored, another IP from the Data pool will be used as trap IP.

Configuration difference is created. On the Web UI > LAN > Fabrics > Fabrics, double click on the Fabric to view Fabric Overview. From Fabrics Actions drop-down list, select Recalculate Config. Click Deploy Config.

SAN Management

OVA/ISO –

- trap.registaddress (if set)

- eth0 (if trap.registaddress is not set)

Windows/Linux –

- trap.registaddress (if set)

- Interface based on event-manager algorithm (if trap.registaddress is not set

Not applicable

Belongs to Data subnet

Honored

There is no configuration difference. No further action required.

Not applicable

Does not belong to Data subnet

Ignored, another IP from the Data pool will be used as trap IP.

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