VxBlock: How to enable nxapi to add Nexus and MDS switches

Summary: This article explains how to add the VxBlock components Nexus switch and MDS Switch to the Converged Management Software (CMS)

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Instructions

This guide builds on the Dell Converged Management Software Version 1.9 Installation Guide, addressing how to add a Nexus and MDS switch to CMS.

https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/vxblock-system-1000/cms_ig_1.8/add-a-component-to-converged-management-software?guid=guid-0746406e-6fec-44b2-b79b-52dabcb27fd8&lang=en-us

The Nexus and MDS switches require enabling the "nxapi" feature so CMS can communicate with them. CMS cannot communicate with the devices and return an error when you attempt to "Start Data Collection" if the "nxapi" feature is not enabled.

 

Commands to run at the Nexus Switch:

switch# configure terminal
switch(config)# feature nxapi
switch(config)#copy running start


Commands to run on the MDS switch. 

switch# configure terminal
switch(config)# feature nxapi
switch(config)# nxapi sandbox
switch(config)# nxapi https port 8443
switch(config)#copy running start

  The user could add the switch IP addresses and provide the required credentials once this has been performed. CMS then can communicate with the switches.

 

  Tip: It is recommended to create a new read-only user account on each switch (Role: Network Operator) that is dedicated to the CMS role.

Affected Products

VxBlock and Vblock Systems, Connectrix
Article Properties
Article Number: 000240101
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 15 Jul 2025
Version:  2
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