Simplify and Scale Virtual Networking
Get highly secure, multitenant services by adding virtualization intelligence to your data center network with the Cisco Nexus 1000V Switch for VMware vSphere. This switch:
I can agree with the fact that this introduces more complexity. However, if you are familiar with Cisco products or you plan to install some products later on, such as ASA 1000v, then Nexus 1000v is a “want” or a “must”. And then, there is this thing called “role separation”.
- Download vCenter Server Appliance OVA file and save to a directory accessible from your Workstation. This tutorial is using VMware-vCenter-Server-Appliance-5.5.0.811OVF10.ova; Download the Nexus 1000v software from Cisco.com and extract to a folder on your computer (this tutorial is using Nexus1000v.4.2.1.SV2.2.3).
- How to Deploy a Nexus 1000v lab with VMware Workstation. By Robert Burns – CCIE Data Center #37856.Details of third party OS & application installation is beyond the scope of this guide.
- Extends the network edge to the hypervisor and virtual machines
- Is built to scale for cloud networks
Get the Cisco Nexus 1000V Essential Edition at no cost.
Statement of Direction for Cisco Nexus 1000V Platform (PDF - 218 KB)
The Cisco Nexus 1000V will continue to be supported on the VMware hypervisor beyond VMware vSphere Release 6.0 as well as on other major hypervisors. Customers should upgrade their Cisco Nexus 1000V software to the latest version as they upgrade their VMware or other hypervisor environments.
Features and Capabilities
Important differentiators for the Cisco Nexus 1000V for VMware vSphere include:
- Extensive virtual network services built on Cisco advanced service insertion and routing technology
- Support for vCloud Director and vSphere hypervisor
- Feature and management consistency for easy integration with the physical infrastructure
- Exceptional policy and control features for comprehensive networking functionality
- Policy management and control by the networking team instead of the server virtualization team (separation of duties)
Use Virtual Networking Services
The Cisco Nexus 1000V Switch optimizes the use of Layer 4 - 7 virtual networking services in virtual machine and cloud environments through Cisco vPath architecture services.
Cisco vPath 2.0 supports service chaining so you can use multiple virtual network services as part of a single traffic flow. For example, you can simply specify the network policy, and vPath 2.0 can direct traffic:
- First, through the Cisco ASA1000V Cloud Firewall for tenant edge security
- Then, through the Cisco Virtual Security Gateway for Nexus 1000V Switch for a zoning firewall
In addition, Cisco vPath works on VXLAN to support movement between servers in different Layer 2 domains. Together, these features promote highly secure policy, application, and service delivery in the cloud.
Expand these offerings by building highly secure hybrid clouds with Cisco InterCloud.
Cisco Nexus 1000V Switch for VMware vSphere Editions
Cisco Nexus 1000V Switch for VMware vSphere is available in two separate editions. The Essential Edition includes all the basic switching features. Advanced Edition adds advanced security capabilities and Cisco Virtual Security Gateway for Nexus 1000V Switch to the base functionality of Essential Edition. Buying Cisco TAC support is optional for Essential Edition and highly recommended.
Specifications at a Glance
| Features | Essential Edition | Advanced Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Layer 2 switching: VLANs, private VLANs, VXLAN, loop prevention, multicast, virtual PortChannels, LACP, ACLs | Yes | Yes |
| Network management: SPAN, ERSPAN, NetFlow 9, vTracker, vCenter Server plug-in | Yes | Yes |
| Enhanced QoS features | Yes | Yes |
| Cisco vPath | Yes | Yes |
| DHCP Snooping | No | Yes |
| IP Source Guard | No | Yes |
| Dynamic ARP Inspection | No | Yes |
| Cisco TrustSec SGA Support | No | Yes |
| Cisco Virtual Security Gateway | Supported1 | Included |
| Other Virtual Services (Cisco ASA1000V, Cisco vWAAS, etc.) | Available separately | Available separately |
1 Shipping Virtual Security Gateway (VSG) versions are supported on Essential and Advanced editions. VSG is no longer available as a standalone product.
VXLAN Fundamentals
Watch a video on VXLAN technology in the Cisco Nexus 1000V virtual switch.
Data Sheets and LiteratureData Sheets
End-of-Life and End-of-Sale Notices
Q&A
Solution Overviews
White Papers
Cisco Nexus 1000v Ova Download
This 3 part tutorial guide will show you how to install the Cisco Nexus 1000v switch. I’m will be using this image for the install – Nexus1000v.4.2.1.SV1.4.zip which can be downloaded from the Cisco website. The lab setup is as follows: 1 x ESX 4.1, 1 x ESXi 4.1, vCenter Server and Domain Controller.
This Cisco Nexus 1000v requires 3 mandatory virtual machine port groups to be setup in vCenter before installing. Control, Packet and Management. These can sit in the same vlan though it is preferred to have them sitting in separate vlans. Check the Nexus 1000v documentation in the Resources section to determine what is best for you. Let’s begin!
1. Unzip the Nexus1000v.4.2.1.SV1.4.zip file. Go into vCenter and click on the file menu – Deploy OVF Template.
