When configuring Endpoint Groups (EPGs) in Cisco ACI, encountering fault codes like F0523 and F0467, often indicating “Invalid Path Configuration” or “Invalid VLAN Configuration,” can lead to significant network disruptions and render EPGs Out Of Service. These errors typically stem from incomplete or incorrect EPG configurations, specifically relating to domain association and VLAN/interface assignments. This article explores the common causes of these errors and provides troubleshooting steps to bring your EPGs back online.
Understanding “Out of Service” EPGs in ACI
The error message “Either the EPG is not associated with a domain or the domain does not have this interface/VLAN assigned to it” clearly points to a disconnect between the EPG, the domain, and the physical or virtual infrastructure. A domain in ACI acts as a container for policies and configurations, including VLANs and interface assignments. An EPG, responsible for grouping endpoints with similar requirements, must be correctly associated with a domain to inherit these configurations.
When an EPG is not properly linked, it cannot receive the necessary network resources, effectively rendering it out of service. This results in connectivity issues for endpoints associated with that EPG. Fault codes F0523 and F0467 are common indicators of this misconfiguration. They often manifest with symptoms such as:
- Connectivity Loss: Endpoints within the affected EPG cannot communicate with each other or other networks.
- Traffic Drops: Network traffic destined for the out-of-service EPG is dropped.
- Application Failures: Applications relying on the affected EPG may malfunction or become unavailable.
Troubleshooting Steps for “Out of Service” EPGs
Resolving these errors requires verifying the correct association and configuration of the EPG, domain, VLAN, and interface. Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue:
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Verify Domain Association: Ensure the EPG is correctly associated with a physical or virtual domain (e.g., VMM domain for virtualized environments). This association is crucial for inheriting VLAN and interface configurations. This can be done via the APIC GUI or CLI.
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Validate VLAN Assignment: Confirm that the VLAN used by the EPG is correctly assigned to the associated domain. Check the domain configuration within the APIC to ensure the required VLAN exists and is available for use.
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Check Interface Association: Verify that the interface connected to the endpoints belonging to the EPG is correctly associated with the domain. This may involve checking interface profiles, AEPs (Attached Entity Profiles), and port channel configurations. Ensure that the physical interface is correctly mapped to the logical interface in the fabric.
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Interface Profile and AEP Alignment: If using interface profiles and AEPs, ensure that the profile correctly references the intended AEP and that the AEP is associated with the correct domain and VLAN. Any mismatch here can lead to the “Invalid Path Configuration” error.
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Review Fault Details: Carefully examine the fault details provided in the APIC fault logs. The description often provides specific clues about the misconfiguration, such as the affected VLAN or interface. Pay close attention to debug messages like “invalid-vlan” or “invalid-path,” as they pinpoint the source of the problem.
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APIC and Fabric Version Compatibility: Address any warnings related to version mismatches between the APIC controller and the fabric nodes. Incompatibility can lead to unexpected behavior and configuration errors. Upgrading to compatible versions is recommended.
Conclusion
Addressing “Out of Service” EPGs in Cisco ACI requires a methodical approach to troubleshooting. By verifying domain associations, VLAN assignments, and interface configurations, you can identify and rectify the root cause of the “Invalid Path” and “Invalid VLAN” errors. Thoroughly reviewing fault details and ensuring version compatibility are critical steps in restoring EPG functionality and network connectivity.
