Core switching in the Cisco with two devices having the same control plane but two different data plane VSS (Virtual Stacking). Ok now what is then Stackwise virtual then ?
Well it's the same Earlier devices like Cisco Catalyst switches 6500/6800/4500 support VSS on the core. Now Cisco 9K series switches comes with the Stackwise virtual in stead of VSS ( which is same concept technically).
So if the definition of the Stackwise virtual we talk it is a network system virtualization technology that pairs two switches into one virtual switch. This technology simplifies the operational efficiency because we can only control one plane to manage the stacking switches.
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| Fig 1.1- Stackwise Virtual |
Devices support Stackwise Virtual
Stackwise virtual is Cisco technology concept and the devices supports are Cisco 3850, Cisco Catalyst 9600, Cisco Catalyst 9500 and Cisco Catalyst 9400
Note⭐ (Check the IOS-XE release which support these features)
Benefits of Stackwise Virtual
- Cisco Stackwise Virtual is to operate as single unit and integrated with Cisco DNA Center and Cisco Prime Infrastructure.
- It also helps you to provide unified control plane with Stateful Switchover (SSO) technology
- It helps to increases overall network bandwidth, resulting in improved user experience.
Cisco Stackwise Virtual and StackWise-480
May of you already knew the difference but still we would like to go through it as many of you are unaware as well. StackWise-480 is an old technology of Cisco switches stacking, which needs stack cables and kits.
However, the Cisco Stackwise Virtual technology greatly simplifies the access or distribution layer using high-speed back-panel StackWise ports and cables. It means when configuring the new StackWise Virtual, we don’t need to prepare stack cables, kits or other accessories to connect the switches.
StackWise Virtual Link (SVL)
SVL is a special inter-chassis system link between two stack members in a StackWise Virtual domain. It enables extending stack fabric communication over network ports to virtualize the system. The SVL connections do not run any network protocol and remain transparent in Layer 2 and Layer 3 network topologies.
Let's go through the configurations for the Stackwise Virtual
Stackwise Virtual Configurations
NDNA_SW1>enable
NDNA_SW1# Switch 1 priority 5
NDNA_SW1# config t
NDNA_SW1# stackwise-virtual
NDNA_SW1(config-stackwise-virtual)#domain 2
NDNA_SW1(config-stackwise-virtual)#end
Check now
NDNA_SW1# show stackwise-virtual
Once, verify the configuration, please write the device
NDNA_SW1# write memory
Needs to verify if it still holds the stackwise virtual configuration, Reload the switch
Note ⭐: Dont reload in any of the production environment as it will impact the normal operations.
NDNA_SW1# reload
Check out our earlier article on stackwise virtual for Cisco 9000 catalyst switches as well below
