vpcEXEC

show vpc consistency-parameters

Displays the consistency parameters for vPC links, ensuring that both peer switches have identical configurations to prevent traffic disruption.

Overview

The 'show vpc consistency-parameters' command is a critical troubleshooting tool for verifying that vPC peer switches have identical configurations for parameters that affect the vPC domain. In Cisco NX-OS, vPC (Virtual Port Channel) allows a single logical link to be formed across two physical switches, providing redundancy and increased bandwidth. For vPC to function correctly, both peer switches must agree on certain parameters; otherwise, traffic loops or black holes can occur. This command displays both Type 1 and Type 2 parameters. Type 1 parameters are mandatory to match; if they differ, the vPC is suspended to protect the network. Type 2 parameters are informational and do not cause suspension but should be aligned for optimal operation. The command can be used in EXEC mode with optional keywords 'global' to show system-wide parameters or 'interface <port-channel>' to show per-interface parameters. It is essential during initial vPC setup, after configuration changes, and when troubleshooting vPC instability. On Nexus platforms, this command is the primary method to detect configuration drift between peers.

Syntax·EXEC
show vpc consistency-parameters [global | interface <interface-type> <interface-number>]

When to Use This Command

  • Verify that vPC peer switches have matching STP, VLAN, and interface parameters to avoid Type-1 inconsistencies.
  • Troubleshoot vPC member link failures caused by mismatched port channel configurations.
  • Validate consistency after making configuration changes on one vPC peer.
  • Check global parameters like MAC address aging timer and QoS settings across vPC peers.

Parameters

ParameterSyntaxDescription
globalglobalDisplays global consistency parameters that apply to the entire vPC domain, such as STP mode, VLAN allowed on peer-link, and MAC aging timer.
interfaceinterface <interface-type> <interface-number>Displays consistency parameters for a specific vPC member interface (port-channel). The interface type is typically 'port-channel' and the number is the channel group ID.

Command Examples

Check global vPC consistency parameters

show vpc consistency-parameters global
Global Consistency Parameters:
  Parameters that must be consistent across all vPC interfaces:
  Type 1 Parameters:
    vPC keep-alive status        : up
    vPC peer-link status         : up
    STP Mode                     : Rapid-PVST
    STP Domain                   : 1
    VLANs allowed on peer-link   : 1-100,200
    VLANs active on peer-link    : 1-100,200
    MAC aging timer (sec)        : 1800
    QoS (trust type)             : trust-cos
    MTU                          : 1500
    LACP mode                    : active
    LACP rate                    : fast
    LACP system priority         : 32768
    LACP system ID               : 00:00:00:00:00:01
  Type 2 Parameters:
    STP Root Bridge              : 32768.aaaa.bbbb.cccc
    STP Root Port                : Eth1/1
    STP Root Cost                : 4

The output shows global parameters that must match on both vPC peers. Type 1 parameters (e.g., STP mode, VLAN allowed) cause vPC to suspend if mismatched. Type 2 parameters (e.g., STP root bridge) are informational and do not cause suspension.

Check consistency for a specific vPC member interface

show vpc consistency-parameters interface port-channel 10
Interface port-channel10:
  Type 1 Parameters:
    vPC interface ID             : 10
    STP Port Type                : edge
    STP Port Guard               : root
    STP Port Priority            : 128
    STP Port Path Cost           : 4
    Allowed VLANs                : 1-100,200
    Active VLANs                 : 1-100,200
    Native VLAN                  : 1
    MTU                          : 1500
    Admin port mode              : trunk
    Operational port mode        : trunk
    Admin port speed             : auto
    Operational port speed       : 10000
    Admin port duplex            : auto
    Operational port duplex      : full
    Port Channel Mode            : active
    Port Channel Load-balance    : src-dst-ip
  Type 2 Parameters:
    STP Port State               : forwarding
    STP Port Role                : designated

This output shows per-interface consistency parameters. Type 1 mismatches (e.g., allowed VLANs, native VLAN) will cause the vPC to be suspended. Type 2 mismatches are logged but do not affect vPC operation.

Understanding the Output

The output is divided into Type 1 and Type 2 parameters. Type 1 parameters are critical: if they differ between vPC peers, the vPC will be suspended to prevent loops or traffic black-holing. Examples include STP mode, VLAN allowed on peer-link, MTU, and LACP settings. Type 2 parameters are informational and do not cause suspension, but mismatches may indicate configuration drift that could lead to suboptimal behavior. The 'global' view shows system-wide parameters, while the interface view shows per-port-channel settings. Healthy output shows identical values on both peers for Type 1 parameters. Problem values appear when a mismatch is detected; the vPC will be suspended and an error message logged.

Configuration Scenarios

Initial vPC Setup Verification

After configuring vPC on two Nexus switches, verify that all Type 1 parameters match before bringing the vPC up.

Topology

Nexus-A --- peer-link --- Nexus-B | | +---- vPC member link ---+

Steps

  1. 1.Configure vPC domain, peer-keepalive, and peer-link on both switches.
  2. 2.Configure vPC member port-channels on both switches.
  3. 3.Run 'show vpc consistency-parameters global' on both switches and compare.
  4. 4.Run 'show vpc consistency-parameters interface port-channel <id>' on both switches and compare.
Configuration
! On both switches:
vpc domain 10
  role priority 100
  peer-keepalive destination 10.1.1.2 source 10.1.1.1
  peer-gateway
  auto-recovery
interface port-channel 10
  switchport mode trunk
  vpc 10
interface Ethernet1/1
  channel-group 10 mode active

Verify: Ensure that 'show vpc consistency-parameters' shows identical Type 1 values on both peers. If mismatches exist, correct them before proceeding.

Watch out: A common catch is forgetting to set the same STP mode or VLAN allowed list on both peers, which will cause vPC suspension.

Troubleshooting with This Command

When a vPC is suspended or not coming up, the first step is to run 'show vpc consistency-parameters' on both peers. Look for Type 1 parameters that differ. Common mismatches include: STP mode (e.g., one peer running Rapid-PVST while the other runs MST), allowed VLANs on the peer-link, native VLAN, MTU, LACP mode, and port channel load-balancing algorithm. If a mismatch is found, correct the configuration on the offending switch. For example, if the allowed VLAN list differs, update the peer-link or member interface to match. If the mismatch is on a global parameter, adjust the vpc domain configuration. After correction, the vPC should automatically recover. If the vPC remains suspended, check 'show vpc' for error messages. Also verify that the peer-keepalive link is up and the peer-link is operational. Type 2 mismatches can be ignored but may indicate configuration drift that should be addressed for consistency. In NX-OS, the command also helps identify issues with LACP settings; ensure both peers use the same LACP mode (active/passive) and system priority.

CCNA Exam Tips

1.

Remember that Type 1 mismatches cause vPC to suspend; Type 2 do not.

2.

On the CCNP exam, know that 'show vpc consistency-parameters' is the primary command to verify vPC configuration alignment.

3.

Be aware that some parameters like STP root bridge are Type 2 and not critical for vPC operation.

Common Mistakes

Assuming all mismatches cause vPC suspension; only Type 1 parameters matter.

Forgetting to check global parameters when troubleshooting vPC issues.

Not verifying consistency after making changes on only one peer.

Platform Notes

On Cisco NX-OS, the 'show vpc consistency-parameters' command is more detailed than on Cisco IOS (where vPC is not available). It includes both global and interface-specific parameters. The output is divided into Type 1 and Type 2, which is a Nexus-specific classification. In contrast, on Cisco IOS with Virtual Switching System (VSS), consistency checks are done via 'show switch virtual consistency'. On Nexus, the command is essential for vPC troubleshooting. Version differences: In earlier NX-OS versions, some parameters like 'LACP system priority' might not be displayed; newer versions include them. Always ensure both peers run the same NX-OS version to avoid unexpected mismatches.

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