Initial setup of a Fabric Interconnects in a cluster

Mausami Inhe
Aug 31, 2018 · 2 min read

It’s a very simple process. First we have to connect L1 of FI-A to L1 of FI-B and L2 of FI-A to L2 of FI-B. After that connect to the console port of Fabric interconnect A and follow the instructions.

Enter the configuration method. (console/gui) ? console

Enter the setup mode; setup newly or restore from backup. (setup/restore) ? setup

You have chosen to setup a new Fabric interconnect. Continue? (y/n): y

Enforce strong password? (y/n) [y]: n

Enter the password for “admin”:
Confirm the password for “admin”:

Is this Fabric interconnect part of a cluster(select ‘no’ for standalone)? (yes/no) [n]: y

Enter the switch fabric (A/B) []: A

Enter the system name: Test-FI

Physical Switch Mgmt0 IP address : 172.16.1.191

Physical Switch Mgmt0 IPv4 netmask : 255.255.255.0

IPv4 address of the default gateway : 172.16.1.1

Cluster IPv4 address : 172.16.1.193

Configure the DNS Server IP address? (yes/no) [n]: yes

DNS IP address : 172.16.1.109

Configure the default domain name? (yes/no) [n]:

Join centralized management environment (UCS Central)? (yes/no) [n]:

Following configurations will be applied:

Switch Fabric=A
System Name=Test-FI
Enforced Strong Password=no
Physical Switch Mgmt0 IP Address=172.16.1.191
Physical Switch Mgmt0 IP Netmask=255.255.255.0
Default Gateway=172.16.1.1
Ipv6 value=0
DNS Server=172.16.1.109

Cluster Enabled=yes
Cluster IP Address=172.16.1.193
NOTE: Cluster IP will be configured only after both Fabric Interconnects are initialized

Apply and save the configuration (select ‘no’ if you want to re-enter)? (yes/no): yes
Applying configuration. Please wait.

Configuration file — Ok

Now, connect to the console port of Fabric interconnect B and again follow the instructions. Configuring fabric interconnect B is more easier.

Enter the configuration method. (console/gui) ? console

Installer has detected the presence of a peer Fabric interconnect. This Fabric interconnect will be added to the cluster. Continue (y/n) ? y

Enter the admin password of the peer Fabric interconnect:
Connecting to peer Fabric interconnect… done
Retrieving config from peer Fabric interconnect… done
Peer Fabric interconnect Mgmt0 IPv4 Address: 172.16.1.191
Peer Fabric interconnect Mgmt0 IPv4 Netmask: 255.255.255.0
Cluster IPv4 address : 172.16.1.193

Peer FI is IPv4 Cluster enabled. Please Provide Local Fabric Interconnect Mgmt0 IPv4 Address

Physical Switch Mgmt0 IP address : 172.16.1.192

Apply and save the configuration (select ‘no’ if you want to re-enter)? (yes/no): y
Applying configuration. Please wait.

Configuration file — Ok
Configuration file — Ok

Both the fabric interconnects are ready and are in cluster.