nx.os.and.cisco.nexus.switching.2nd.edition.1587143046

High Availability
NX-OS brings support for many unparalleled high-availability features, including In-
Service Software Upgrades (ISSU) and Non-Stop Forwarding (NSF). ISSU provides the
ability to perform software upgrades with zero packet loss and no service disruptions.
These high-availability functions are carried into various MPLS components. MPLS Layer 3
VPNs, TE, and 6PE/6VPE are all stateful system services operating in NX-OS; in addition,
these services are fully compatible with ISSU and NSF.
Nexus Hardware Requirements and NX-OS Licensing for MPLS and
VRF
The Nexus platforms support different hardware and software features based on their
intended position within the Cisco overall data center portfolio. Now focus on MPLS and
VRF-Lite functionality across the Nexus 7000, 5500, and 3000 series platforms.
On the Nexus 7000, the M-series linecards support rich Layer 2 and Layer 3 feature sets.
MPLS is supported in hardware on any of the M1- or M2-series linecards offered on the
platform. The F1-, F2-, and F2e-series linecards do not natively support MPLS because they
are instead aimed at high-performance, unified fabric deployments. The F1 linecard, being
Layer 2 natively, would however support MPLS when operating in proxy Layer 3 mode by
taking advantage of routing resources with an M1- or M2-series linecard for MPLS
forwarding. MPLS was introduced as a feature in NX-OS 5.2(1) for the Nexus 7000. MPLS
does require a specific MPLS license, along with the Layer 3 Enterprise license.
On the Nexus 7000, VRF and VRF-Lite have both been supported since NX-OS version
4.0(1) and are supported on any M1 or M2 modules, along with the F2 and F2e. As new
features have been introduced to the Nexus 7000 platform over time, VRF support has also
expanded to support them. VRF-Lite Route Import/Export functionality, as discussed earlier,
was introduced along with MPLS in NX-OS 5.2(1).
Note
The predefined “default” and “management” VRFs are always enabled on the Nexus
7000, regardless of linecard options or licensing levels.
With the appropriate hardware and licensing configuration, both the Nexus 5500 and the
Nexus 3000 can support VRF-Lite. The Nexus 5548P, 5548UP, and 5596UP support an
optional Layer 3 daughtercard that provides Layer 3 support for the systems. With this
daughtercard installed, the Advanced Layer 3 license installed and NX-OS Software
running version NX-OS 5.0(3) N1(1) or later, it is possible to leverage VRF-Lite.
However, as mentioned earlier specific to the Nexus 7000, predefined VRFs, default and
management, are enabled on the Nexus 5500 and Nexus 3000 platforms, regardless of
hardware options or licensing levels.
Note
The Advanced Layer 3 license for the Nexus 5500 requires that the Base Layer 3