How to install the Cisco Nexus 1000v Switch Part 1

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.


2. Browse to the location where you have unzipped the file and double click on the vsm folder, install folder, and select nexus-1000v.4.2.1.SV1.4.ova and click open.


3. The file location appears in the Deploy from field. Click Next.


4. Information is displayed about the OVF Template such as Product information, version number, size on disk etc. Click Next.


5. Click Accept for the End User License Agreement and then click Next.


6. Give the Nexus 1000v Virtual Supervisor Module a name and select the Datacenter where you would like it to be installed. Click Next.