EOS Consistency
Python-native operating environment across all data center switching with unified management.
Data Center Migration
Cisco Nexus to Arista Migration Without Production Risk
Replace aging Cisco Nexus infrastructure with a purpose-built Arista VXLAN/EVPN fabric — on a production timeline.
Our proven methodology maintains application availability throughout the migration while modernizing your data center network foundation for hybrid cloud, HCI, and automation capabilities.
Executed repeatedly with zero-downtime methodology and production-ready results.
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Migration Challenge
From end-of-life Nexus to modern VXLAN/EVPN architecture
Enterprise data center networks built on Cisco Nexus equipment face convergence of technical and operational pressures that demand architectural modernization.
The Nexus Challenge
Nexus 5000 and 7000 series switches have reached end-of-life, while NX-OS management demands deep Cisco expertise and fragmented automation tools that don't compose cleanly.
End-of-life Nexus hardware with limited support options
NX-OS requires device-by-device CLI operations at scale
Fragmented automation story across NXOS-Ansible, DCNM, and custom scripts
Spanning-tree architecture cannot support hybrid cloud and east-west traffic patterns
Arista VXLAN/EVPN Modernization
Arista's data center platform addresses operational constraints with consistent EOS management, scalable VXLAN/EVPN overlays, and native integration with HCI and cloud platforms.
VXLAN/EVPN Fabric
Scalable overlay networking with multi-tenancy, workload mobility, and multi-site extension.
CloudVision Management
Programmable management, streaming telemetry, and configuration compliance at fabric level.
Migration Methodology
Architecture-first approach that maintains production availability throughout the migration.
1
Discovery & Design
Complete Nexus environment documentation and VXLAN/EVPN target architecture design with migration planning.
2
Parallel Build
Deploy Arista fabric alongside existing Nexus infrastructure with validated underlay and EVPN peering.
3
Phased Migration
Migrate workloads rack by rack or VLAN by VLAN with full rollback capability and application validation.
Engineering Capabilities
Complete migration execution from discovery through operational handoff.
Network Discovery & Documentation
Complete Nexus topology, vPC/MLAG design, VLAN mapping, and storage network documentation.
VXLAN/EVPN Architecture Design
Spine/leaf topology, BGP underlay, EVPN control plane, tenant VRF design, and multi-tenancy architecture.
HCI & Storage Integration
Nutanix, VMware vSAN, Pure Storage integration with jumbo frames, RDMA, and storage VLAN design.
CloudVision Operationalization
Device onboarding, configuration templates, streaming telemetry, and operational dashboard deployment.
Migration Execution
Parallel fabric build, phased workload migration, and structured Nexus decommission with rollback capability.
Operational Handoff
Training delivery, as-built documentation, and optional transition to Aegis co-managed operations.
Migration Outcomes
- Zero production downtime during migration execution
- Modern VXLAN/EVPN fabric ready for hybrid cloud workloads
- Unified CloudVision management replacing fragmented Nexus tools
- Native HCI and storage platform integration
- Complete operational documentation and training
Ideal Fit
- Organizations with end-of-life Nexus 5000/7000 infrastructure
- Data centers supporting HCI platforms and hybrid cloud connectivity
- Teams requiring zero-downtime migration methodology
- Environments where spanning-tree limitations constrain application architecture
Migration Scenarios
Common Nexus to Arista migration patterns
Different data center environments require tailored migration approaches based on workload types and operational constraints.
Traditional Three-Tier
Nexus 7000 core/aggregation with Nexus 5000 access and FEX modules supporting physical servers.
Best Fit
Organizations with predominantly north-south traffic patterns and physical server infrastructure.
HCI Converged
Nexus infrastructure supporting Nutanix, VMware vSAN, or Pure Storage with storage and compute convergence.
Best Fit
Data centers with hyperconverged infrastructure requiring storage network optimization.
Hybrid Cloud Ready
Migration targeting AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute, or multi-site VXLAN extension.
Best Fit
Organizations implementing hybrid cloud connectivity and workload mobility.
Why IVI
Proven methodology for production-critical migrations
Architecture-First Approach
We start by understanding what your existing network does — every VLAN, vPC peer link, FEX module, and application flow.
Complete Discovery
Full configuration exports, topology documentation, and application-to-network dependency mapping.
Target Design
VXLAN/EVPN architecture designed for your specific workload requirements and future capabilities.
Zero-Downtime Methodology
Parallel fabric build with phased migration maintains production availability throughout the project.
Parallel Build
Arista fabric deployed alongside existing Nexus with validated connectivity before workload migration.
Phased Migration
Rack-by-rack or VLAN-by-VLAN migration with full rollback capability and application validation.
Production Constraint
Application availability maintained as a design requirement throughout the engagement.
Related Resources
Related Resources
Review related solution pages, supporting materials, and additional resources that help explain where this solution fits and how it can be applied.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cisco Nexus to Arista data center migrations.
How long does a typical Nexus to Arista migration take?
Migration timeline depends on data center size and complexity, but typically ranges from 8-16 weeks for complete execution. Discovery and design phases take 2-4 weeks, parallel fabric build requires 2-3 weeks, and phased workload migration extends 4-8 weeks depending on application count and validation requirements.
Can we migrate without any production downtime?
Yes, our methodology maintains production availability throughout the migration. We build the Arista fabric in parallel with existing Nexus infrastructure and migrate workloads in phases with full rollback capability. Each migration phase includes pre-cutover testing and post-cutover validation to ensure application health.
What happens to our existing VLAN and IP addressing scheme?
We preserve your existing VLAN and IP addressing during migration to minimize application impact. The VXLAN/EVPN design maps existing VLANs to appropriate VNIs and maintains L2/L3 boundaries. Any addressing changes are planned during the design phase and executed only where required for architectural improvements.
How do you handle FEX-attached workloads during migration?
FEX modules require specific migration planning since they cannot directly connect to Arista switches. We typically migrate FEX-attached workloads by connecting servers directly to Arista leaf switches or implementing intermediate connectivity during the transition. The approach depends on cable plant and server connectivity options.
What storage protocols does the Arista fabric support?
Arista VXLAN/EVPN fabrics support all major storage protocols including Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), iSCSI, NVMe-oF, and traditional NFS/CIFS. We design appropriate VLAN segmentation, jumbo frame policies, and RDMA configuration where required for storage performance optimization.
Do you provide training on the new Arista environment?
Yes, operational training is included in every migration engagement. We provide CloudVision management training, EOS CLI fundamentals, VXLAN/EVPN troubleshooting, and day-to-day operational procedures. Training can be delivered on-site or remotely based on your team's preferences.
What if we need ongoing support after migration completion?
We offer optional transition to Aegis co-managed operations for ongoing support, monitoring, and lifecycle management of your new Arista environment. This includes proactive monitoring, incident response, configuration management, and continuous modernization as your data center requirements evolve.
How do you validate that applications work correctly after migration?
Each migration phase includes comprehensive application validation with application owners confirming functionality post-cutover. We test network connectivity, performance baselines, storage access, and any application-specific network dependencies. Rollback procedures remain available until validation completes successfully.