This document provides design and configuration guidance for implementing the Nexus 7000 Series switches, specifically the Nexus 7010, in the aggregation layer of the Cisco data center architecture. The Nexus 7010 is a robust, high-throughput, highly available switching platform appropriate for deployment in core, aggregation, and access layers of the hierarchical data center network as customer requirements dictate. This initial design validation document is focused on the aggregation layer, which is commonly the boundary between Layers 2 and 3 in the data center and therefore touches on product features at both the network and data-link layers of the OSI model. Included are examples of integration of data center services such as firewall and server load balancing, both with directly attached appliances and using external Services Chassis.