Cisco Nexus 1000V For Microsoft Hyper-V

Last few days ago, I have attended a public joint webinar between Cisco and Microsoft about Cisco Nexus 1000V. Here is some of information that I think it is useful to share with everyone.

Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V has a feature called “Hyper-V Extensible Switch” which allow partner to enhance the Virtual Switch by allowing them to plug-in (we called it “extension”). By plug in the extension, the virtual switch will transform into “Hyper-V Extensible Switch”. It has three extension:

• Forwarding Extension
• Capture Extension
• Filtering Extension

Cisco unveiled the Cisco Nexus 1000V and using forwarding extension.

• Cisco Nexus 1000V VEM is require to install into each Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V.
• VEM is control by Cisco Nexus VSM.
• One VSM can control multiple Cisco Nexus 1000VEM.
• Then VSM can integrate with System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 SP1
• For high availablity Cisco Nexus 1000V VSM, it is recommended to deploy two VSM in Active-Standby mode.

Here is a list of features available when deploy Cisco Nexus 1000V

How about pricing? Cisco Nexus 1000V included with two versions

• Essential - FREE
• Advanced – $695 per socket

Cisco Nexus 1000V can support both popular hypervisor:- Hyper-V and Vmware. However you cannot use the same Nexus 1000V to manage both ESX and Hyper-V. You should deploy separate Cisco Nexus 1000V for different hypervisor environment.

Cisco Nexus 1000V require Windows Server 2012 and System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 SP1. Some terminology different between SCVMM and Cisco Nexus 1000V

Now let look into operation model with SCVMM with Cisco Nexus 1000V. Please refer to below diagram and look at the flow 1-5.

Updated[24 June 2013]

To download – Click here