Virtual Connect FlexFabric-20/40 F8 module connection to Cisco Nexus

[chuckk281]

Alan had a VC FlexFabric cabling question:

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All,

I have a customer who is looking at purchasing the FlexFabric-20/40 F8 module as a new standard for their C7000’s going forward.

Unfortunately they are using Cisco Nexus as their next layer of networking.

What are the least painful options for 40GB connectivity between the Virtual Connect and Cisco Nexus?.

If we use the HP 40G DAC with the Cisco switch ,  I assume the Cisco switch will show the HP QSFP as being unsupported ?

Is there a Cisco DAC that would be supported on both sides?

If we go with an AOC I assume that will have the same issue from a support perspective?

Thanks for any Feedback or suggestions.

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Input from Dan:

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Alan, if you are using the Splitter DACs, then the 40Gb side needs to own the cable. 

At least until the VC team comes out with guidance that the Cisco Splitter is supported on the FlexFabric 20/40’s 40Gb ports.

If you are using the 10Gb DACs, than the previously qualified Cisco DACs should all work.

There is extra logic that needs to happen when you use a 40Gb Splitter and so only whitelisted/qualified 40Gb Splitters may be used in a 20/40’s QSFP slot.

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Questions?