Create Port-Channel across two Cisco 4507R switches

Ian Taylor
Ian Taylor used Ask the Experts™
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Hello,

One of our sites has two Cisco 4507R switches which are connected via a port-channel of 2x 10Gb links.

I have a new server going in this week and I want to create a 4Gb team on this server.........can I create a port-channel for this 4Gb team on the core and stick 2x links on core 1 and the other 2x on core 2.

I'm more familiar with the Cisco 3750X range and stacking!
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Network Architect
Commented:
You can, but only if the two 4507 switches are configured in a Virtual Switching System (VSS) pair. This arrangement creates something similar to the 3750 stacking mechanism, but uses the 10Gb connections between the switches instead of the StackWise cables. When properly configured, the two switches are managed as one unit and will allow aggregation groups to be split across the two devices.

If the 4507 units are managed as independent switches and are only using the connection between them as a normal aggregation group, then you can't split the connections to your server between the two switches... at least not using a normal aggregation group.
Ian TaylorIT Infrastructure Architect .:|:.:|:.

Author

Commented:
How can I tell if VSS is setup?

I have a feeling they are not because if I do a show vlan it only shows the ports on that individual switch
Jody LemoineNetwork Architect

Commented:
The "show switch virtual" command will tell you.

Information on setting up VSS can be found here:

https://supportforums.cisco.com/document/124626/virtual-switching-system-vss-configuration-cisco-4500-series-switches
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Ian TaylorIT Infrastructure Architect .:|:.:|:.

Author

Commented:
Tried executing that command but didn't recognise it
Ian TaylorIT Infrastructure Architect .:|:.:|:.

Author

Commented:
Doesnt look like its setup VSS.

I put the links on different blades in the end.
Ian TaylorIT Infrastructure Architect .:|:.:|:.

Author

Commented:
I've requested that this question be closed as follows:

Accepted answer: 0 points for ictian's comment #a41406420

for the following reason:

switch was not setup as VSS
Jody LemoineNetwork Architect

Commented:
That's really your only option in this case. If the commands weren't there, VSS likely isn't supported by your supervisors or software image. Sorry I didn't have better news.
Jody LemoineNetwork Architect

Commented:
Information was provided in the first comment indicating that multi-chassis channel aggregation can be done in a VSS configuration, but not where the switches are operating independently. The answer to the question may not have been the one hoped for, but it is still a valid answer to the question.

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