Manually Configuring Bridge Port Extenders

Tip

For an easier way to configure a Extended Edge Switching setup, use full automation (see Configuring Extended Edge Switching Topology with Full Automation) or partial automation (see Configuring Extended Edge Switching Topology with Partial Automation (Auto-configuration)).

Use manual configuration when you want precise control over items such as slot number assignment.

To manually setup up Extended Edge Switching:

Physically set up the bridge port extender(s) (BPEs). See the applicable Virtual Port Extender Quick Reference Guide.

Note
If you are using unconfigured (unconfigure switch all) or "out-of-the box" controlling bridge switches (CBs), to ensure that full automation does not start to run, do not reboot the CBs after connecting the BPEs.
On the CB, enable VPEX mode. Use the command:
enable vpex
This command enables VPEX mode and allows you to refer to ports in the slot:port notation in applicable commands. A reboot is required for the command to take effect. After rebooting, the CLI prompt changes to show that the switch is now slot 1 (for example):
```
Slot-1 VPEX 5520.14 #
```
(Optional) Set up a LAG with LACP on the switch to operate as the cascade port. Use the command:
enable sharing port grouping port_list {algorithm [address-based {L2 | L3 | L3_L4 | custom} | port-based }]} {resilient-hashing [on | off]} {distribution-mode [all | local-slot | port-lists]} {lacp | health-check}
Note
You cannot convert a cascade port to a LAG after the cascade port is created without first unconfiguring the slot from the cascade port.
Assign a slot number identifier to the attached BPE on the specified cascade port. Use the command:
configure vpex ports port_list slot slot_num
Note
If the cascade port is part of a LAG, then configure the LAG master port as the VPEX port.

The behavior of this command is similar to configuring slots within a chassis. After assigning a slot number to the BPE, you can make port-level configuration choices with the familiar slot:port notation in other commands involving the port extender's ports (for example, configure vlan v1 add port 100:1).
(Optional) Add a descriptive name to a BPE. Use the command:
configure slot slot description [ slot_description | none ]

For information about troubleshooting an Extended Edge Switching topology, see Troubleshooting an Extended Edge Switching Topology.