FlexPod Express: UCS-Managed Configuration

    Among the three previous Small / Medium / Large configurations in the FlexPod Express architecture, another appeared under the name Cisco UCS-Managed . This article will talk about this new configuration. FlexPod Express and FlexPod Datacenter are divided into two main types of connection: direct connection of storage to servers (there is no switch between storage and servers) or through a switch (there is a switch between storage and servers), let me remind you that Fabric Interconnect is not a switch, but part of the server domain UCS .

    It is worth noting several important differences of the new configuration from the previous three.
    • First, Fabric Interconnect appeared in the architecture, albeit in the execution of internal devices installed in the UCS Mini chassis with blades.
    • Secondly, the architecture has the ability to directly connect storage to Fabric Interconnect, previously between the servers and storage must have a switch. In this case, the switch was supposed to be only Nexus (3048/3500/9300).
    • Third, if we have a Cisco UCS-Managed FlexPod Express configuration with a direct connection , the end-user switch does not have to be Nexus. Now it can be any standard switch supporting fault tolerance similar to the Multi Chassis Etherchannel. But if a switch is needed between UCS and FAS, then the switch must be Nexus.


    Redundant switches
    9.3 Cisco Nexus Switches
    Redundant switches are required for all FlexPod Express architectures.
    The FlexPod Express small and medium architectures are built using the Cisco Nexus 3048 GbE switches. FlexPod Express large architectures are built using the Cisco Nexus 3524 10GbE switches or the Cisco Nexus 9396 10GbE switches. FlexPod Express with the Cisco UCS Mini (Cisco UCS-managed) architecture is validated using the Cisco Nexus 3524. This configuration can also be deployed with a standard switch.

    www.netapp.com/us/media/tr-4293.pdf


    It is important to note that the absence of Nexus is provided only in the FlexPod Express configuration with direct storage connection to UCS mini . Nexus switches are still needed for FlexPod DataCenter , even in the case of Storage Directly Attached configurations , as well as FlexPod Express Small / Medium / Large and FlexPod Express UCS-managed (where you need a switch between FI and storage). Direct connectivity for both FlexPod DataCenter and FlexPod Express is supported only with block protocols.

    Minimum software requirements:


    NetApp Data ONTAP
    • Data ONTAP 7-Mode requires 7.3.5 or later, including Data ONTAP 8.X
    • Clustered Data ONTAP requires Data ONTAP 8.1.1 or later

    Cisco
    • CiscoNX-OS version 5.0 (3) N1 (1c) or later, if Nexus is
    • Cisco UCS Manager 3.0 (1c), if any

    All software versions must be checked in the compatibility matrix .

    Support Level Requirements


    • SMARTnet 24x7x4 support for Cisco equipment.
    • SupportEdge Premium 4 hours onsite, CS-O2-4HR support for NetApp equipment
    • Both support should be valid for an equal number of months.
    • Minimum required support 36 months.


    If you already have NetApp and UCS Mini



    You can register them as FlexPod Express and receive cooperative technical support. You can also register your FlexPod DataCenter. To do this, you must comply with a number of requirements:
    • Bring the configuration in line with the architecture (network settings, profile settings, storage, component connection schemes, etc.), for FlexPod Express and UCS Mini (without Nexus switch), connect storage directly.
    • Make sure that all firmware versions in the compatibility matrix are present, and if not, bring your configuration in line with the matrix.
    • The level of service for technical support must comply with the requirements of the architecture.

    When all requirements are met, you need to contact your partner (integrator) with a request to register your existing configuration as FlexPod Express / DataCenter. The integrator should contact the distributor and NetApp representative who will register such a system for cooperative support.

    UCS Director



    UCS Director is an orchestrator that can manage NetApp equipment, Nexus switches (including virtual and VM-FEX), manage server profiles and virtual machines on various hypervisors. The orchestra allows you to create workflows of pre-created tuning sequences for the entire data center, automating and simplifying the process of its operation. UCS Director also contains a self-service portal, which makes it possible to provide IaaS and PaaS services for both internal and external consumption. It is also very important that the orchestrator allows billing of consumed resources, this enables IT departments to more easily argue their spending and attract additional investment in the IT budget.

    Benefits of FlexPod configurations here.

    conclusions


    FlexPod architecture configurations can reduce the time for testing and commissioning of the solution, as well as simplify future operation due to open documentation and automation of routine administration processes.

    FlexPod with Cisco UCS Mini Design Guide

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