This 3 part tutorial guide will show you how to install the Cisco Nexus 1000v switch. I’m will be using this image for the install – Nexus1000v.4.2.1.SV1.4.zip which can be downloaded from the Cisco website. The lab setup is as follows: 1 x ESX 4.1, 1 x ESXi 4.1, vCenter Server and Domain Contrller.
This Cisco Nexus 1000v requires 3 mandatory virtual machine port groups to be setup in vCenter before installing. Control, Packet and Data. These can sit in the same vlan though it is preferred to have them sitting in separate vlans. Check the documentation in the Resources section to determine what is best for you. Let’s begin!
1. Unzip the Nexus1000v.4.2.1.SV1.4.zip file. Go into vCenter and click on the file menu – Deploy OVF Template.





