This document provides essential guidance for network administrators managing Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches. It details the procedures required to transition the switch's operating system between Cisco NX-OS and Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) boot modes.
Key procedures covered include:
- Converting a Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switch from NX-OS to ACI boot mode.
- Handling the conversion of a replacement standby supervisor module.
- Reverting a switch from ACI boot mode back to Cisco NX-OS.
The guide outlines prerequisites, step-by-step instructions, and important considerations for a successful operating system conversion.
Key Procedures
Converting to ACI Boot Mode
This section details the process for converting a Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switch from its existing Cisco NX-OS environment to the Cisco ACI boot mode. It emphasizes verifying hardware compatibility, ensuring the correct software release, and performing the necessary file transfers and boot commands.
Specific steps involve configuring the management interface, enabling SCP services, copying the ACI image from the APIC, and initiating the boot process for the ACI image.
Converting a Replacement Standby Supervisor to ACI Boot Mode
For systems with dual supervisors, this guide explains how to prepare a replacement standby supervisor module for ACI boot mode. This involves copying the ACI image to a USB drive and then booting the image on the standby supervisor.
Converting Back to Cisco NX-OS
This part of the document covers the reverse process: converting a Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switch from ACI boot mode back to Cisco NX-OS. It includes steps for reloading the switch, accessing the loader prompt, booting the NX-OS image, and reconfiguring boot variables.
It also addresses potential issues like specific error messages and alternative boot methods (TFTP, USB) when the standard NX-OS prompt is not immediately available.
Further Information
For comprehensive details on configuring and operating switches in ACI mode, refer to the official Cisco documentation:
