Nexus - what is vPC

Virtual Port Channel (vPC) is a feature available for Nexus switches. Using EtherChannel links, you can interconnect two Nexus switches that are running the vPC feature and configuration. In this way, you can create a single logical node. Benefits include:

  • Doubling the bandwidth that can be handled, compared to a single switch while maintaining an L2 loop-free topology
  • Redundancy in both hardware and software
  • Configuration management features help to make configuration of the pair as a single entity.
  • The creation of chassis-spanning EtherChannel connections called vPCs that allow servers, or other network devices such as switches, to physically connect to both members of the vPC, enhancing redundancy.

In vPC pair both switches maintain their independent control plane function.

Links:

https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/docs/switches/datacenter/sw/design/vpc_design/vpc_best_practices_design_guide.pdf