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stanj
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Cisco devices virtualized?

We are researching information to transitioning a test and dev system to a virtual environment.

We have the physical server conversion handled, but there has been a question raised.

Basically, there are Cisco switches and routers in the testbed and we need the capability to simulate these in a virtual environment. 

We want to be able to be able to run the same iOS (cisco os) and network configurations on a virtual cisco device. 

To my knowledge, there is no way to PtoV a Cisco Switch or Router.  

Are than any appliance that simulates the different Cisco brands of equipment?

I assume we could create multiple vSwitches and connect to ESXi physical NICs and attach the real thing, but we were hoping move to a complete virtualization solution.

thanks

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HeathReynolds
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Enthusiast

Take a look at the capabilities of the nexus 1000v and the CSR1000v.

My sometimes relevant blog on data center networking and virtualization : http://www.heathreynolds.com
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stanj
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Enthusiast

It looks like the CSR1000v is an VM appliance installed in vCenter that connects internal vSwithce's or VDSs then to a Cisco device

I do not think it can act as a simulated virtual Cisco router?  something like vyatta

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HeathReynolds
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The CSR1000v is a virtual copy of IOS XE running in VMware. Virtual router

with ASR functionalty including OTV.

My sometimes relevant blog on data center networking and virtualization : http://www.heathreynolds.com
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stanj
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Enthusiast

ok,,

we need a capability to virtualize cisco routers and run the same iOS ..

is this possible with the CSR1000v

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HeathReynolds
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Enthusiast

The CSR1000v runs the same IOS XR that is used on the ASA routers. There

are various versions of IOS XR that support the CSR1000v platform. It is as

close as you will get to.what you are asking.

See if cisco has launched their modeling labs product as well.

My sometimes relevant blog on data center networking and virtualization : http://www.heathreynolds.com
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