Category Archives: Cisco

2015 04 09 14 53 48

Cisco UCS – Install ESXi 6.0

So I’ve just deployed a Cisco UCS B Series system, which is on the HCL as supported by VMware for ESXi 6.0

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However there is no install media available as for previous ESXi versions.

How to install ESXi 6.0 on Cisco UCS

Quite simple actually, I installed the Customised version of ESXi 5.5 update 2d onto the B series servers, and then deployed vCenter 6.0, after setting up update manager, I imported the standard ESXi 6.0 ISO, and upgraded the hosts using update manager.

After a week, I can report that I’ve found no issues with this at all.

I posted on reddit about the location or availability of the media, and someone suggested this method of install, further more another user stated their Cisco Account Manager said everything should work with the standard ESXi install for the B200 M4 blades and not need additional drivers.

Hope this clears it up for some users who are hunting around for install media or an explanation that doesn’t yet officially exist.
Regards

Dean


cisco ucs platform emulator

Getting to grips with the Cisco UCS Emulator

Cisco have been distributing the UCS emulator for a while now, and thanks to some changes, I am now faced with having to deploy some of the systems, so today I deployed the emulator on VMware Fusion on my MBP.

Downloading

You can download the emulator in a zip or OVA, and it can be run on VMware ESXi, Fusion, Workstation or Player.

https://communities.cisco.com/docs/DOC-37827

I decided to go down the OVA route.

Setting it up

On fusion, I imported the OVA and gave it a name, it is also recommended to run the emulator with around 4GB of memory, however 1GB is the minimum amount.

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Continue reading Getting to grips with the Cisco UCS Emulator

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Password Reset on Cisco MDS 9100 Series Fibre Channel Switch

My most recent customer engagement, was to re-use some older hardware as vSphere disaster recovery. The kit includes a EMC Clariion SAN, and two Cisco MDS 9124 switches.

The customer didn’t setup these FC switches, and required a password reset. Which I was happy to do for him, until I realised the Cisco article online is slightly wrong. So below are the steps I took to get the job done.

Password Reset/Recovery Steps

First off stick your console cable into the switch,

1. Power Cycle the Switch and keep pressing Ctrl + C until you see;

loader>

2. You then need to find the boot filename, using the “dir” command

loader> dir bootflash:
bootflash:

 12288 lost+found/
 18678784 m9100-s2ek9-kickstart-mz.4.1.3a.bin
 51055100 m9100-s2ek9-mz.4.1.3a.bin
 4798 mts.log

Continue reading Password Reset on Cisco MDS 9100 Series Fibre Channel Switch

Cisco Champions Banner V2

Accepted for Cisco Champion Program 2015

So tonight was a saved by the bell moment, brought with a little joy.

I’ve been selected for the Cisco Champion Program 2015.

So it means I have something to blog about, =D.

The program was brought about last year for its first year, bringing together members of the community who work with Cisco products and services. Heres the official line;

The purpose of the Cisco Champions Program is to create and nurture a network of people who are passionate about Cisco and enjoy sharing their knowledge, expertise, and thoughts across the social web and with Cisco.

The Cisco Champions program encompasses different areas of interest and geographical areas within the company, providing a variety of opportunities for Champions to participate in the program.

The full information set can be found in this FAQ.

What it means to me

I guess it shows I am passionate about an area of technology, for me I was on the Enterprise Networks last year, which looked at Datacenter and Security technologies. Which meant I was given insider exposure to Cisco UCS, which is an area I am looking at developing into, creating designs around the platform, and deploying the solutions, even having a chat with one of the Cisco UCS team members to see how the Mini fitted in with a customer design I was underway with.

I’ve also met other peers from around the world of various different job roles and experience, and shared deep dive insights and jokes with them. Which is a great way of networking further, aside from writing in community based blogs.

What I’m looking forward to
  • Blogging for Cisco’s website as a community member, who could pass up that chance, I’m hoping to talk about the Cisco CCNP Certification.
  • Development oftheUK based Cisco Champions
    • A lot of the stuff done for the Cisco Champions is based around USA time, which is a pain for me personally, however speaking with the guys who run things, this is something they are looking at developing out further, after all 2014 was its first year!
  • Enhancement of Cisco Product range, and getting the insider track on whats coming.
  • Enhancing the Cisco Community in any way possible.
  • vBacon 😉

CiscoChampion200PX

So thanks to all of those who reviewed my application and accepted it!

Regards

 

Dean