Data Center Installation

Large PoD Data Center Installation

This section provides information about installing the Service Provider Cisco HCS data center in a Large PoD deployment. It describes a typical Cisco HCS Large PoD deployment, general installation steps for each component, and the installation tasks performed for each component.

This section does not provide detailed instructions for installing individual components. You can find detailed installation information in the installation documents for the components.

Install the Data Center for Large PoD Deployments

Procedure

Step 1

Install and configure the Nexus 7000 Series switch (Aggregation) and, optionally, the Nexus 5500 Series switch (Access) hardware and software.

See Install the Nexus 7000 and Nexus 5500 Series Switches.
Step 2

Install and configure the SAN storage.

See Installing SAN Storage.
Step 3

Install and configure the MDS Series switch.

You can install the MDS Series switch any time after installing the Nexus 7000 or 5500 switch. See Install Cisco MDS 9000 Series Switches.
Step 4

Install and configure the Cisco UCS server and Cisco UCS Manager.

See Install the Cisco Unified Computing System Server.
Step 5

Install and configure the vCenter.

See Install VMware ESXi and vCenter Server.
Step 6

Install and configure vSphere Distributed Switch.

See Deploy vSphere Distributed Switch
Step 7

Install and configure the ASA 5500 Series Adaptive Security Appliance.

You can install the ASA 5500 Series Adaptive Security Appliance any time after installing the Nexus 7000 or 5500 switch. See Install the Cisco ASA 5500 Series Next-Generation Firewall.
Step 8

Install a Session Border Controller.
Step 9

(Optional) Install the ASR-100x as a Site-To-Site VPN Concentrator.

Step 10

(Optional) Install and configure Cisco Expressway.

See Install Cisco Expressway.
Step 11

Install and configure Cisco Prime Network Registrar for DNS and DHCP.

See Install and Configure Cisco Prime Network Registrar.

Install the Nexus 7000 and Nexus 5500 Series Switches

Before you begin

See End-of-Sale and End-of-Life Announcement for the Cisco Nexus 5500 Series Switches at https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/switches/nexus-5000-series-switches/eos-eol-notice-listing.html.

See End-of-Sale and End-of-Life Announcement for the Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Switches at https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/switches/nexus-7000-series-switches/eos-eol-notice-listing.html.

For site, environment, and power requirements for the Nexus 7000 Series switches, see the Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Site Preparation Guide at: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/switches/nexus-7000-series-switches/products-installation-guides-list.html.


Note
The NX-OS software might require the upgrade of electronic programmable logic devices (EPLDs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). For details on required updates, see the latest release notes here: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/switches/nexus-7000-series-switches/products-release-notes-list.html.

The following Nexus switches are supported:

  • Nexus 7004

  • Nexus 7010

  • Nexus 7018

  • Nexus 5500 series (for Micro Node and Small PoD deployments, use Nexus 5548 or 5600 switches)

Confirm the version to download from the Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution Compatibility Matrix at http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/unified-communications/hosted-collaboration-solution-hcs/products-device-support-tables-list.html.

Procedure

Step 1

Install the Nexus 7004, Nexus 7010, or Nexus 7018 switch hardware.

For more information, see the Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Hardware Installation and Reference Guide http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/switches/nexus-7000-series-switches/products-installation-guides-list.html.
Step 2

Install the Cisco Nexus 7004, Nexus 7010, or Nexus 7018 switch software.

For more information, see the appropriate Cisco NX-OS Software Upgrade and Downgrade Guide at http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/switches/nexus-7000-series-switches/products-release-notes-list.html.
Step 3

Install the Nexus 5500 switch hardware. (Install Nexus 5548 or 5600 hardware for a Micro Node and Small PoD deployments.)

For more information, see the Cisco Nexus 5500 Series Hardware Installation Guide http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/switches/nexus-5000-series-switches/products-installation-guides-list.html.
Step 4

Install the Nexus 5500 switch software. (Install Nexus 5548 or 5600 software for a Micro Node and Small PoD deployments.)

For more information, see the appropriate Cisco Nexus 5500 Series NX-OS Software Upgrade and Downgrade Guide at http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/switches/nexus-5000-series-switches/products-installation-guides-list.html.
Step 5

For Small PoD and Micro Node deployments, install the Layer 3 IO module in the Nexus 5500.

For more information, see the Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Hardware Installation Guide at http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/switches/nexus-5000-series-switches/products-installation-guides-list.html.

What to do next

Install the Cisco Unified Computing System Server

The UCS Manager software is installed at the factory. For information about upgrading to the latest HCS-supported version of UCS Manager, see the Cisco UCS Manager Upgrade Guides at http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps10281/prod_installation_guides_list.html.

For UCS server site, environment, and power requirements, see the Cisco UCS Site Preparation Guide:

The following UCS server hardware is supported:

  • UCS 5100 Series Blade Server Chassis
  • B Series Blades
  • UCS 2200 Series Fabric Extenders
  • UCS 6200 Series Fabric Interconnect

The UCS Server software is available at http://software.cisco.com/download/navigator.html?mdfid=282558030&i=rs.

Procedure

Step 1

Install the UCS 5108 hardware.

For more information, see the Cisco UCS 5108 Server Chassis Installation Guide at http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/servers-unified-computing/ucs-5108-blade-server-chassis/model.html.
Step 2

Install the UCS B Series Blade hardware.

HCS supports all B Series blades and all full-use performance processors and CPUs listed on the UC Virtualization Supported Hardware wiki: http://docwiki.cisco.com/wiki/UC_Virtualization_Supported_Hardware.
Step 3

Install the UCS 6200 Series Fabric Interconnect hardware.

For more information, see the Cisco UCS 6200 Series Fabric Interconnect Hardware Installation Guide at http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/servers-unified-computing/ucs-6200-series-fabric-interconnects/products-installation-guides-list.html.

What to do next

For more information on setting up the UCS server in an HCS environment, see the Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution Solution Reference Network Design Guide.

For more information about the following post-installation tasks, see the appropriate Cisco UCS Manager GUI Configuration Guide at http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/servers-unified-computing/ucs-manager/products-installation-and-configuration-guides-list.html.

  • Fabric Interconnect configuration

  • Network configuration

  • Storage configuration

  • Server configuration

For information about provisioning customers in Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution, see the Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution Customer Onboarding Guide.

Install ESXi on B2xx blades. For more information, see Install VMware ESXi and vCenter Server.

Installing SAN Storage

Contact your SAN storage vendor for information about installing SAN storage.

Install Cisco MDS 9000 Series Switches

The list outlines the supported MDS Seriec Switches.


Note
Confirm the version to download from the Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution Compatibility Matrix at http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/unified-communications/hosted-collaboration-solution-hcs/products-device-support-tables-list.html.

Before you begin

Complete the following before the SAN implementation:

Gather the following information about the SAN to configure the MDS 9000 series switch:

  • WWNs of SAN Storage Ports

  • VSANs used on UCS

  • ESXi host multipath mode


Note
Follow your storage vendor's best practices to determine the most appropriate setup for your system.

Procedure

Install the software as described in the Cisco MDS 9000 NX-OS Software Upgrade and Downgrade guides: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/storage-networking/mds-9000-nx-os-san-os-software/products-installation-guides-list.html.

What to do next

Post-installation tasks are as follows:

  • Create VSAN, Zoneset, and Zone on MDS.

  • Create RAID Group, LUN, Host association, and storage group in SAN.

  • Configure the VWware datastore on vSphere.

Install VMware ESXi and vCenter Server

The VMware ESXi and vCenter software is available from https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/downloads.

For information about troubleshooting VMware, search the VMware Knowledge Base: http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/microsite.do;jsessionid=244B2447C3E0D4B4C6BECD871EA62EEC.

For information about virtualization requirements, see Cisco HCS Virtual Machine Requirements and Virtualization Software Requirements.

Before you begin

  • Configure and deploy the UCS chassis and UCS blades.

  • Configure and deploy the SAN.

  • Purchase your VMware license. For the correct VMware version, see the Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution Compatibility Matrix at http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/unified-communications/hosted-collaboration-solution-hcs/products-device-support-tables-list.html.

  • Ensure that one of the following is available:

    • Microsoft Windows Server operating system software and its license for vCenter

    • VMware vCenter Server


      Note

      Cisco recommends VMware vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) for the vCenter device as it doesn't require additional Microsoft Windows Server or Microsoft SQL Server licensing.

Procedure

Step 1

Install VMware ESXi and vCenter server. For instructions, see the vSphere Installation and Setup Guide at https://www.vmware.com/support/pubs/vsphere-esxi-vcenter-server-pubs.html.

Step 2

Apply the VMware license. For instructions, see the VMware vSphere Documentation at https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/index.html.

Install a Session Boarder Controller

It is recommended that you install the Session Border Controller (SBC). Select and install the SBC that meets your specific requirements.

Install the Cisco ASA 5500 Series Next-Generation Firewall

This section outlines the list of Cisco ASA 5500 Series Next-Generation Firewall products that are supported:

The Cisco ASA 5500 Series Next-Generation Firewall software is available from http://software.cisco.com/download/navigator.html?mdfid=279513386&flowid=4378.

To verify the correct version to download, see the Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution Compatibility Matrix at http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/unified-communications/hosted-collaboration-solution-hcs/products-device-support-tables-list.html.

Before you begin

Ensure that you have the following:

Procedure

Step 1

Install the hardware. For more information, see http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/security/asa-5500-series-next-generation-firewalls/products-installation-guides-list.html.

Step 2

Upgrade the software to the recommended version.

For more information, see the ASA Upgrade Guide for your version of the software: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/security/asa-5500-series-next-generation-firewalls/products-installation-guides-list.html.
Step 3

Enable failover on the Cisco ASA. For more information, see 'Failover for High Availability' in the Cisco ASA Series General Operations Configuration Guide for your version of the ASA: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/security/asa-5500-series-next-generation-firewalls/products-installation-and-configuration-guides-list.html.

What to do next

Post-installation tasks are as follows:

Installing the ASA FirePOWER Services Module

Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution supports the Cisco ASA FirePOWER Services module deployed on Cisco ASA devices. The module helps your network handle traffic in a way that complies with your organization's security guidelines. For product information, see https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/security/firepower-4100-series/tsd-products-support-series-home.html.

Installing Cisco FirePOWER

For information about installing the FirePOWER Services module, see https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/security/firepower-4100-series/tsd-products-support-series-home.html.

We recommend configuring the FirePOWER Services module in Inline tap, monitor-only mode (ASA inline). With this configuration, a copy of the traffic is sent to the module, but is not returned to the ASA. Inline tap mode lets you see how the FirePOWER module handles traffic, and lets you evaluate the content of the traffic, without impacting your network.

We validated Cisco HCS support for FirePOWER in Inline tap, monitor-only mode.

See the following documents for related information:

Installing Cisco FireSIGHT

For information about installing and configuring Cisco FireSIGHT, the management center for the FirePOWER Services module, see the Cisco Firepower Management Center documentation available at https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/security/defense-center/tsd-products-support-series-home.html

Troubleshooting the Installation

Problem: You receive the following error in FireSIGHT management for a FirePOWER device: 
Unable to open file: /var/sf/fwcfg/interfaces.conf.

Solution: Perform the workaround as described in article 829127, Device Configuration Policy apply failure with error message "Unable to Open file /var/sf/fwcfg/interfaces.conf", in the Cisco Tech Zone:.

Problem: The following failure occurs: 
Database integrity check failed.

Solution: Perform the workaround as described in article 854306, Script for partition_key_caches issue on ASA devices, in the Cisco Tech Zone.

You can find all articles in the Cisco Tech Zone here: https://techzone.cisco.com.


Note

For information Troubleshoot and Alerts on Cisco FireSIGHT, the management center for the FirePOWER Services module, see the Cisco Firepower Management Center documentation available at https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/security/defense-center/tsd-products-support-series-home.html

Small PoD Data Center Installation

This section provides information about installing the Service Provider Cisco HCS data center in a Small PoD deployment. It describes a typical Cisco HCS Small PoD deployment, general installation steps for each component, and the installation tasks performed for each component.

This section does not provide detailed instructions for installing individual components. You can find detailed installation information in the documentation for the components.

Install the Data Center for Small PoD Deployments

Procedure

Step 1

Perform one of the following:

Step 2

Install and configure the SAN storage.

For more information, see Installing SAN Storage.
Step 3

(Optional) Install and configure the MDS Series Switch.

Note 
Storage can be directly connected at the fabric interconnect or at the Nexus switch.
You can install this device any time after installing the Nexus switch. For more information, see Install Cisco MDS 9000 Series Switches.
Step 4

Install and configure the Cisco UCS Server and Cisco UCS Manager.

For more information, see Install the Cisco Unified Computing System Server.
Step 5

Install and configure the VMware vCenter ESXi and vCenter Server.

For more information, see Install VMware ESXi and vCenter Server.
Step 6

Install and configure the vSphere Distributed Switch.

For more information, see Deploy vSphere Distributed Switch.
Step 7

Install and configure the Cisco ASA 5500 Series Next-Generation Firewall.

You can install this device any time after installing the Nexus 5500 switch. For more information, see Install the Cisco ASA 5500 Series Next-Generation Firewall.
Step 8

Install a Session Boarder Controller.

For more information, see Install a Session Boarder Controller.
Step 9

(Optional) Install the ASR 100x as a Site-to-Site VPN Concentrator.

Step 10

(Optional) Install and configure Cisco Expressway.

For more information, see Install Cisco Expressway.
Step 11

Install and configure Cisco Prime Network Registrar for DNS and DHCP.

For more information, see Install and Configure Cisco Prime Network Registrar.

Install the Nexus 5672 Switch

Before you begin

For site, environment, and power requirements for the Nexus 5672 switch, see the Cisco Nexus 5600 Series Hardware Installation Guide: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/switches/nexus-5000-series-switches/products-installation-guides-list.html.

Confirm the version to download from the Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution Compatibility Matrix at http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/unified-communications/hosted-collaboration-solution-hcs/products-device-support-tables-list.html.

The software for the Nexus 5672 switch is available at http://software.cisco.com/download/navigator.html?mdfid=281787278&i=rm.


Note
The NX-OS software might require the upgrade of electronic programmable logic devices (EPLDs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). For details on required updates, see the latest release notes here: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/switches/nexus-5000-series-switches/products-release-notes-list.html.

Procedure

Step 1

Install the switch hardware as described in the Cisco Nexus 5600 Series Hardware Installation Guide: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/switches/nexus-5000-series-switches/products-installation-guides-list.html.

Step 2

Install the switch software as described in the Cisco Nexus 5600 Series NX-OS Software Upgrade and Downgrade Guide: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/switches/nexus-5000-series-switches/products-installation-guides-list.html.

For more information, see

What to do next

  • Complete cabling and physical connectivity.

  • Configure the management interface and network.

Micro Node Data Center Installation

This section provides information on installing the Service Provider Cisco HCS data center in a Micro Node deployment. It describes a typical Cisco HCS Micro Node deployment, general installation steps for each component, and the installation tasks performed for each component.

This section does not provide detailed instructions for installing individual components. Detailed installation information is included in the documentation for the components.

Install the Data Center for Micro Node Deployments

Procedure

Step 1

Perform one of the following:

Step 2

Install and configure the C-series Server hardware and software, including local storage.

For more information, see Install Cisco UCS C-Series Servers.
Step 3

Install and configure the VMware vCenter ESXi and vCenter Server.

For more information, see Install VMware ESXi and vCenter Server.
Step 4

Install and configure the Cisco ASA 5555 Next-Generation Firewall.

You can install this device any time after installing the Nexus 5548 switch. For more information, see Install the Cisco ASA 5500 Series Next-Generation Firewall.
Step 5

Install a Session Border Controller.
Step 6

(Optional) Install and configure Cisco Expressway.

For more information, see Install Cisco Expressway.
Step 7

Install and configure Cisco Prime Network Registrar for DNS and DHCP.

For more information, see Install and Configure Cisco Prime Network Registrar.

Install Cisco UCS C-Series Servers

Supported Hardware

See the Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution Compatibility Matrix for supported Cisco C-series hardware: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/unified-communications/hosted-collaboration-solution-hcs/products-device-support-tables-list.html

Software Location

C-series server firmware, drivers, server configuration utility, and other utilities are available from https://software.cisco.com/download/type.html?mdfid=283862063&flowid=25886.

Procedure

Step 1

Install the Cisco UCS C-series rack servers. For more information, see the Cisco UCS C-Series Server Installation and Service Guides at http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/servers-unified-computing/ucs-c-series-rack-servers/products-installation-guides-list.html.

Step 2

Configure the Cisco UCS C-Series rack servers. For more information, see the GUI and CLI configuration guides at http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps10739/products_installation_and_configuration_guides_list.html.

Step 3

If necessary, upgrade the firmware and BIOS versions on the server to the latest version. For more information, see the Cisco Host Upgrade Utility Guide at http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps10493/products_user_guide_list.html.

If you cannot use the Cisco Host Upgrade Utility, you can upgrade the server BIOS manually. For more information, see the Cisco UCS C-Series Rack-Mount Server BIOS Upgrade Guide: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/servers-unified-computing/ucs-c-series-rack-servers/products-installation-guides-list.html.
Step 4

If necessary, update Cisco UCS Virtual Interface Card (VIC) drivers. For more information, see http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps10281/prod_installation_guides_list.html.

What to do next

For more information on RAID configuration, see the Cisco UCS Servers RAID Guide at http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/servers-unified-computing/unified-computing-system/products-installation-and-configuration-guides-list.html.