JN0-683 Data Center Professional (JNCIP-DC) Exam Questions and Answers

Understanding the Exhibit Setup:

The network diagram shows an EVPN-VXLAN setup, a common design for modern data centers enabling Layer 2 and Layer 3 services over an IP fabric.

Leaf1 and Leaf2 are the leaf switches connected to Server1 and Server2, respectively, with each server in a different subnet (172.16.1.0/24 and 172.16.2.0/24).

Spine1 and Spine2 are part of the IP fabric, interconnecting the leaf switches.

EVPN-VXLAN Basics:

EVPN (Ethernet VPN) provides Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPN services using MP-BGP.

VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) encapsulates Layer 2 frames into Layer 3 packets for transmission across an IP network.

VTEP (VXLAN Tunnel Endpoint) interfaces on leaf devices handle VXLAN encapsulation and decapsulation.

Integrated Routing and Bridging (IRB):

IRB interfaces are required on leaf1 and leaf2 (where the endpoints are directly connected) to route between different subnets (in this case, between 172.16.1.0/24 and 172.16.2.0/24).

The IRB interfaces provide the necessary L3 gateway functions for inter-subnet communication.

Traffic Flow Analysis:

Traffic from Server1 (172.16.1.1) destined for Server2 (172.16.2.1) must traverse from leaf1 to leaf2.

The traffic will be VXLAN encapsulated on leaf1, sent over the IP fabric, and decapsulated on leaf2.

Since the communication is between different subnets, the IRB interfaces on leaf1 and leaf2 are crucial for routing the traffic correctly.

Correct Statements:

C. An IRB Interface must be configured on leaf1 and leaf2:This is necessary to perform the inter-subnet routing for traffic between Server1 and Server2.

D. Traffic from server1 to server2 will transit the VXLAN tunnel between leaf1 and leaf2:This describes the correct VXLAN operation where the traffic is encapsulated by leaf1 and decapsulated by leaf2.

Data Center References:

In EVPN-VXLAN architectures, the leaf switches often handle both Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing via IRB interfaces. This allows for efficient routing within the data center fabric without the need to involve the spine switches for every routing decision.

The described traffic flow aligns with standard EVPN-VXLAN designs, where direct VXLAN tunnels between leaf switches enable seamless and scalable communication across a data center network.

Understanding the Configuration:

The exhibit shows configurations for two VRFs (Customer_A and Customer_B) with specific VLANs and VNIs assigned. Each VRF has interfaces (IRBs) associated with particular VLANs.

Communication Between VLANs and Routing Instances:

Option B:VLAN 400 (irb.400) is part of Customer_B, and there is no direct connection or routing between Customer_A and Customer_B in the configuration provided. Therefore, devices in irb.400 cannot communicate directly with devices in the Customer_A routing instance.

Option D:Since irb.400 (VLAN 400) and irb.800 (VLAN 800) are part of the same routing instance (Customer_B), they can communicate over the fabric using VXLAN encapsulation.

Conclusion:

Option B:Correct—There is no direct communication between devices in irb.400 (Customer_B) and routing instance Customer_A.

Option D:Correct—Devices in VLAN 400 and VLAN 800 can communicate within the Customer_B routing instance over the fabric.

Requirement Analysis:

The scenario requires a solution to interconnect two data centers that supports EVPN Type 2 connectivity. The solution must be highly scalable and must minimize the number of VXLAN tunnels between border leaf devices.

Understanding Type 2 Seamless Stitching:

Option D:Type 2 seamless stitchingis a method used in EVPN to provide Layer 2 connectivity (such as MAC address mobility) across different VXLAN segments. It is scalable because it allows only necessary tunnels to be established between border leaf devices, reducing the overhead of maintaining a full mesh of VXLAN tunnels.

Conclusion:

Option D:Correct—Type 2 seamless stitching satisfies the requirement by enabling scalable, efficient interconnection of two data centers with minimal VXLAN tunnels.

Understanding the Scenario:

EVPN-VXLAN deployments often involve scenarios where multiple tenants or applications require overlapping VLAN IDs, which can be managed using the mac-vrf routing instance type. This allows you to segregate traffic within the same VLAN ID across different tenants.

Host-facing Interface Configuration:

A. Host-facing interfaces must be configured using a service-provider style configuration:This is correct. In mac-vrf configurations, host-facing interfaces (those connecting end devices) typically follow a service-provider style configuration, where each customer or tenant's traffic is isolated even if overlapping VLAN IDs are used.

B. Host-facing interfaces must be configured using enterprise-style configuration:This is incorrect for mac-vrf instances because enterprise-style configurations are more common in simpler, less segmented networks.

Routing Instance Service Type:

D. The routing-instance service type can be VLAN-based:This is correct. The service type in mac-vrf can indeed be VLAN-based, which is particularly useful in scenarios where VLAN ID overlap is needed between different tenants or services.

Data Center References:

The mac-vrf instance type is powerful for handling complex multi-tenant environments in EVPN-VXLAN, especially when dealing with overlapping VLAN IDs across different segments of the network.

Understanding Unnumbered BGP:

Unnumbered BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) allows BGP peering between routers without assigning specific IP addresses to the interfaces. Instead, it uses the loopback address or another router identifier for the BGP session, making IP address management more straightforward in large-scale networks.

Family inet Configuration:

Option C:The family inet configuration is required on each interface involved in unnumbered BGP peering to support IPv4 address families. This ensures that IPv4 peering sessions can be established between devices.

Automatic IPv4 Peering:

Option D:Unnumbered BGP peering automatically provisions IPv4 peering sessions. This simplifies the configuration by eliminating the need to manually assign and manage IP addresses for BGP peering.

Conclusion:

Option C:Correct—Unnumbered BGP requires the family inet configuration for IPv4.

Option D:Correct—Unnumbered BGP automatically provisions IPv4 peering, simplifying setup.

Understanding EBGP in an IP Fabric:

EBGP (External Border Gateway Protocol) is commonly used in IP fabrics to establish peering between routers, such as leaf and spine nodes, without relying on an Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP) like OSPF or IS-IS.

IGP Requirement for EBGP:

Option B:EBGP peering does not require an IGP for adjacency establishment. This is because EBGP peers are typically directly connected, and BGP establishes its own sessions without needing an underlying IGP.

Leaf-to-Spine Peering:

Option C:In a typical IP fabric, each leaf node establishes an EBGP session with every spine node. This ensures full connectivity between leaves and spines, facilitating efficient routing and forwarding within the fabric.

Conclusion:

Option B:Correct—EBGP does not require an IGP for establishing peering sessions.

Option C:Correct—Each leaf node peers with every spine node, which is a standard practice in IP fabrics to ensure connectivity and redundancy.

Collapsed Fabric Architecture:

A collapsed fabric refers to a simplified architecture where the spine and leaf roles are combined, often reducing the number of devices and links required.

In this architecture, the spine typically handles core switching, while leaf switches handle both access and distribution roles.

Understanding Border Gateway Functionality:

Border gateway functions include connecting the data center to external networks or other data centers.

In a collapsed fabric, these functions are usually handled at the leaf level, particularly on border leaf devices that manage the ingress and egress of traffic to and from the data center fabric.

Correct Statement:

D. Border gateway functions occur on border leaf devices:This is accurate in collapsed fabric architectures, where the border leaf devices take on the role of managing external connections and handling routes to other data centers or the internet.

Data Center References:

The collapsed fabric model is advantageous in smaller deployments or scenarios where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are prioritized. It reduces complexity by consolidating functions into fewer devices, and the border leaf handles the critical task of interfacing with external networks.

In conclusion, border gateway functions are effectively managed at the leaf layer in collapsed fabric architectures, ensuring that the data center can communicate with external networks seamlessly.

Understanding Multihomed CE-to-PE VXLAN Environment:

In a VXLAN environment using EVPN signaling, multiple PEs (Provider Edge devices) can be connected to the same CE (Customer Edge device). This setup is referred to as multihoming, where a CE device has multiple connections to the network to ensure redundancy and load balancing.

Role of the Designated Forwarder:

The designated forwarder (DF) is a mechanism used in EVPN to manage the forwarding of broadcast, unknown unicast, and multicast (BUM) traffic in a multihomed environment. The DF is selected to ensure that only one of the PEs forwards this type of traffic to the CE, preventing loops and unnecessary duplicate packets.

Avoiding Duplicate Packets:

Without a designated forwarder, all PEs connected to a multihomed CE could potentially forward the same packet to the CE, resulting in duplicate packets. This duplication can cause issues with packet processing on the CE, leading to inefficiencies and potential network problems.

Conclusion:

Option D:Correct—The designated forwarder is essential to prevent duplicate packets from being received on multihomed hosts, ensuring that only one PE forwards BUM traffic to the CE.

Load Balancing in VXLAN:

VXLAN uses UDP encapsulation to transport Layer 2 frames over an IP network. For load balancing across Equal-Cost Multi-Path (ECMP) links, various fields in the packet can be used to ensure even distribution of traffic.

Key Load Balancing Fields:

C. The source port in the UDP header is used to load balance VXLAN traffic:This is correct. The source UDP port in the VXLAN packet is typically calculated based on a hash of the inner packet's fields. This makes the source port vary between packets, enabling effective load balancing across multiple paths.

D. The inner packet fields are used in the hash for load balancing:This is also correct. Fields such as the source and destination IP addresses, source and destination MACaddresses, and possibly even higher-layer protocol information from the inner packet can be used to generate the hash that determines the ECMP path.

Incorrect Statements:

A. The inner packet fields are not used in the hash for load balancing:This is incorrect as the inner packet fields are indeed critical for generating the hash used in load balancing.

B. The destination port in the UDP header is used to load balance VXLAN traffic:This is incorrect because the destination UDP port in VXLAN packets is typically fixed (e.g., port 4789 for VXLAN), and therefore cannot be used for effective load balancing.

Data Center References:

Effective load balancing in VXLAN is crucial for ensuring high throughput and avoiding congestion on specific links. By using a combination of the source UDP port and inner packet fields, the network can distribute traffic evenly across available paths.

ERB Architecture in EVPN-VXLAN:

ERB (Edge Routed Bridging) architecture is commonly used in data center networks where routing decisions are made at the network edge (leaf or border devices), while bridging (Layer 2 forwarding) is extended across the fabric. This architecture allows for efficient L3 routing while still enabling L2 services like VLANs to span across multiple locations.

VLAN and VNI Configuration:

The scenario specifies that a server on the Red VLAN needs to communicate with a server on the Green VLAN. Since these VLANs are in different data centers (DC and DC2), and given the use of EVPN-VXLAN, the communication between these VLANs will require atransit VNI(Virtual Network Identifier). This transit VNI will allow traffic to traverse the VXLAN tunnel across the DCI (Data Center Interconnect).

Interconnect between SRX Series Devices:

The exhibit shows SRX Series Chassis Clusters used as service devices (likely for firewalling or other security services). These devices need to be interconnected between the two data centers to ensure that VLANs can communicate effectively. The Blue VLAN needs to be stretched between DC and DC2 to maintain the same Layer 2 domain across both data centers.

Conclusion:

Option B:Correct—Interconnecting the SRX Series devices will ensure the necessary service chaining, while stretching the Blue VLAN and adding a transit VNI for the Red and Green VLANs will enable the required communication across the data centers.

Understanding the Output:

The show evpn database command output shows the MAC address, VLAN, active source, timestamp, and IP address associated with various hosts in the EVPN instance.

Analysis of the MAC Address:

Option A:The MAC address 40:00:dc:01:00:04 is associated with the IP address 10.4.4.5, as indicated by the output in the IP address column. This confirms that this host has been assigned the IP 10.4.4.5.

Option D:The active source for the MAC address 40:00:dc:01:00:04 is listed as 00:02:00:00:00:04:00:04:00:00:04:00:04, which indicates that the host is connected via an ESI (Ethernet Segment Identifier) LAG (Link Aggregation Group). This setup is typicallyused in multi-homing scenarios to provide redundancy and load balancing across multiple physical links.

Conclusion:

Option A:Correct—The host with MAC 40:00:dc:01:00:04 is assigned IP 10.4.4.5.

Option D:Correct—The host is originating from an ESI LAG, as indicated by the active source value.

Understanding the Configuration:

The exhibit shows a BGP configuration on a Border-Leaf device. The BGP group UNDERLAY is used for the underlay network, OVERLAY for EVPN signaling, and PROVIDER for connecting to the provider network.

The OVERLAY group has the accept-remote-nexthop statement, which is designed to accept the next-hop address learned from the remote peer as is, without modifying it.

Problem Identification:

The BGP session to Border-Leaf-2 is not established. A common issue in EVPN-VXLAN environments is related to next-hop reachability, especially when accept-remote-nexthop is configured.

In typical EVPN-VXLAN setups, the next-hop address should be reachable within the overlay network. However, the accept-remote-nexthop can cause issues if the next-hop IP address is not directly reachable or conflicts with the expected behavior in the overlay.

Corrective Action:

D. delete protocols bgp group OVERLAY accept-remote-nexthop:Removing this command will ensure that the device uses its own IP address as the next-hop in BGP advertisements, which is standard practice in many EVPN-VXLAN setups. This change should help establish the BGP session with Border-Leaf-2.

Data Center References:

Proper handling of BGP next-hop attributes is critical in establishing and maintaining stable BGP sessions, especially in complex multi-fabric environments like EVPN-VXLAN. Removing accept-remote-nexthop aligns with best practices in many scenarios.

Understanding VXLAN Tunneling:

VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) is a network virtualization technology that addresses the scalability issues associated with traditional VLANs. VXLAN encapsulates Ethernet frames in UDP, allowing Layer 2 connectivity to extend across Layer 3 networks.

Each VXLAN network is identified by a unique VXLAN Network Identifier (VNI). In this exhibit, we have two VNIs, 5100 and 5200, assigned to the VXLAN tunnels between leaf1 and leaf2.

Network Setup Details:

Leaf1:Connected to Server1 with VLAN ID 100 and associated with VNI 5100.

Leaf2:Connected to Server2 with VLAN ID 200 and associated with VNI 5200.

Spine:Acts as the interconnect between leaf switches.

Traffic Flow Analysis:

When traffic is sent from Server1 to Server2, it is initially tagged with VLAN ID 100 on leaf1.

The traffic is encapsulated into a VXLAN packet with VNI 5100 on leaf1.

The packet is then sent across the network (via the spine) to leaf2.

On leaf2, the VXLAN header is removed, and the original Ethernet frame is decapsulated.

Leaf2 will then associate this traffic with VLAN ID 200 before forwarding it to Server2.

Correct Interpretation of the Exhibit:

The traffic originating from Server1, which is tagged with VLAN ID 100, will be encapsulated into VXLAN and transmitted to leaf2.

Upon arrival at leaf2, it will be decapsulated, and since it is associated with VNI 5200 on leaf2, the traffic will be retagged with VLAN ID 200.

Therefore, the traffic will reach Server2 tagged with VLAN ID 200, which matches the network configuration shown in the exhibit.

Data Center References:

This configuration is typical in data centers using VXLAN for network virtualization. It allows isolated Layer 2 segments (VLANs) to be stretched across Layer 3 boundaries while maintaining distinct VLAN IDs at each site.

This approach is efficient for scaling large data center networks while avoiding VLAN ID exhaustion and enabling easier segmentation.

In summary, the correct behavior, as per the exhibit and the detailed explanation, is that traffic sent from Server1 will be tagged with VLAN ID 200 when it reaches Server2 via leaf2. This ensures proper traffic segmentation and handling across the VXLAN-enabled data center network.

Understanding Bridged Overlay Architecture:

In a single-tenant data center using a bridged overlay architecture, virtual networks (VLANs) are typically isolated within the fabric, with traffic between these VLANs handled outside the fabric.

Communication Between Different Virtual Networks:

A. off-fabric using an external device:This is correct. In many bridged overlay architectures, communication between different virtual networks is handled off-fabric, often using an external router or firewall that connects the different VLANs. The fabric itself primarily provides Layer 2 connectivity within each VLAN, leaving inter-VLAN routing to be handled externally.

Data Center References:

This design is common in smaller or simpler data center environments where a single tenant does not require complex on-fabric routing and prefers to handle inter-VLAN routing through dedicated devices.

Understanding Pure IP Fabric:

A pure IP fabric is a network design where all devices operate at Layer 3, meaning that each device in the fabric is a router that makes forwarding decisions based on IP addresses.

Layer 2 Support:

In a pure IP fabric, traditional Layer 2 protocols such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) or VLANs are not supported. Instead, the network relies entirely on Layer 3 routing protocols to manage traffic between devices.

Routing Functionality:

Since devices in an IP fabric operate as Layer 3 routers, they handle IP routing and provide network services based on IP addresses, not on MAC addresses or Layer 2 switching.

Conclusion:

Option A:Correct—Devices in an IP fabric function as Layer 3 routers.

Option D:Correct—A pure IP fabric does not support traditional Layer 2 protocols, making it a purely routed environment.

Understanding Network Architectures:

ERB (Edge Routed Bridging) architecture involves routing at the network's edge (leaf nodes), while traffic between leaf nodes is switched. This is commonly used in VXLAN-EVPN setups.

Analysis of the Exhibit:

The exhibit shows configurations related to routing instances, VXLAN, and VLANs, with VNIs being used for each VLAN. This setup is characteristic of an ERB architecture where each leaf device handles Layer 3 routing for its connected devices.

Conclusion:

Option B:Correct—The configuration shown corresponds to an ERB architecture where routing occurs at the network's edge (leaf devices).