• Nexus Dashboard
  • USER: admin
  • PASS: cisco.123
  • ND-1 Web Interface
  • ND-2 Web Interface
  • DEV Server
  • USER: cisco
  • PASS: cisco.123
  • ssh address: 10.0.208.32
  • VNC address: 10.0.208.32:5901
  • Switch Login
  • USER: admin
  • PASS: cisco.123
  • Site1-S1: 10.3.22.11
  • Site1-S2: 10.3.22.12
  • Site1-L1: 10.3.22.13
  • Site1-L2: 10.3.22.14
  • Site1-BL1: 10.3.22.15
  • Site1-BGW1: 10.3.22.16
  • Site2-S1: 10.3.22.17
  • Site2-L1: 10.3.22.18
  • Site2-BGW1: 10.3.22.19
  • Ext-Rtr: 10.3.22.10
  • Core-Rtr: 10.3.22.20
Switch Roles

Nexus Dashboard

Define Network Functions with Switch Roles

Assign the right roles to ensure each switch receives the optimal configuration for its function.

Role-Based Configuration

Nexus Dashboard uses switch roles to determine exactly what configuration to deploy. Each role (Leaf, Spine, Border, Border Gateway) triggers specific templates and best practices.

Intelligent Defaults

ND automatically assigns roles during discovery: Nexus 9300 → Leaf, Nexus 9500 → Spine. You only adjust specialized roles.

Your Site1 Fabric Roles

Most switches are automatically correct, but two need adjustment:

  • Site1-BGW1 — Needs Border Gateway role for external connectivity
  • Site1-BL1 — Needs Border role for inter-fabric routing

Step 1 - Set Switch Role for Border Gateway Leaf

Navigate back to the Inventory view to set the role of the border gateway leaf, Site1-BGW1, correctly:

  1. Click Inventory
  2. Locate and select the checkbox for Site1-BGW1
  3. Click Actions
  4. Click Set Role in the dropdown menu

  5. In the Select Role popup, click Border Gateway
  6. Then click Select


  7. Click Ok in the warning popup that informs that you must perform a Recalulate and Deploy.

Step 2 - Set Switch Role for Border Leaf

After setting the Border Gateway Leaf role, you will arrive back at the Inventory tabular view. Now set the role of the border leaf, Site1-BL1, correctly:

  1. Click Inventory
  2. Locate and select the checkbox for Site1-BL1
  3. Click Actions
  4. Click Set Role in the dropdown menu

  5. In the Select Role popup, click Border
  6. Then click Select


  7. Click Ok in the warning popup that informs that you must perform a Recalulate and Deploy.

Step 3 - Review Switch Roles

Review the switch roles that were automatically assigned by NDFC and the roles you set. Again, each switch role will serve a purpose in the type and amount of exact configuration required to be deployed to a given switch.



For further reference, additional details for adding switches can be found here.