Plan a Virtual Chassis Fabric Deployment

A Virtual Chassis Fabric (VCF) architecture supports up to 20 interconnected devices that are managed as a logical single device. Supported platforms vary depending on the QFX Series switch chosen for the spine. See Understanding Virtual Chassis Fabric Components and Virtual Chassis Fabric Hardware Overview for supported configurations. Although the architecture has a powerful auto-provisioning option, which allows you to plug and play the devices, careful planning of the deployment can avoid unexpected results.

For example, if you perform any configuration level commands on one of the devices (including assigning IP addresses or host names) you no longer can use auto-provisioning.

Use the following checklist to plan your deployment:

Table 1: Deployment Checklist
Item or Task	For More Information	Performed By	Date
Components
Determine the number of devices in the VCF and the role of each device. Note: A VCF is not constrained to a single building; the limits for the optic cable are the only consideration.	Understanding Virtual Chassis Fabric Components
Environment
Evaluate the provisioning options and determine the configuration method that applies to your deployment.	Understanding Virtual Chassis Fabric Configuration
Power
Measure the distance between external power sources and switch installation site.
Calculate the power consumption and requirements.	QFX5110 AC Power Specifications AC Power Specifications for a QFX5100 Device AC Power Specifications for a QFX3600 or QFX3600-I Device AC Power Specifications for a QFX3500 Device AC Power Supply Specifications for EX4300 Switches
Rack or Cabinet
Verify that your rack or cabinet meets the minimum requirements for the installation of the switch.	QFX5110 Rack Requirements Rack Requirements for a QFX5100 Device Cabinet Requirements for a QFX5100 Device Rack Requirements for a QFX3600 or QFX3600-I Device Cabinet Requirements for a QFX3600 or QFX3600-I Device Rack Requirements for a QFX3500 Device Cabinet Requirements for a QFX3500 Device Rack Requirements for EX4300 Switches Cabinet Requirements for EX4300 Switches
Plan rack or cabinet location, including required space clearances.	QFX5110 Clearance Requirements for Airflow and Hardware Maintenance Clearance Requirements for Airflow and Hardware Maintenance for a QFX5100 Device Clearance Requirements for Airflow and Hardware Maintenance for a QFX3600 or QFX3600-I Device Clearance Requirements for Airflow and Hardware Maintenance for a QFX3500 Device Clearance Requirements for Airflow and Hardware Maintenance for EX4300 Switches
Secure the rack or cabinet to the floor and building structure.
Cables
Acquire cables and connectors: Determine the number of cables needed based on your planned configuration. Review the maximum distance allowed for each cable. Choose the length of cable based on the distance between the hardware components being connected.	Cable Specifications for QSFP+ and QSFP28 Transceivers Cable Specifications for Console and Management Connections for the QFX Series
Plan the cable routing and management.