VMware VirtualCenter 1.4.x Support DocumentationDocumentation | Knowledge Base | Discussion Forums VirtualCenter Networking RequirementsVirtualCenter managed host and virtual machine networking requirements are as follows: The minimum number of NICs is two; how the NICs are assigned differs depending upon the version of the VMware virtualization platform being used. One NIC is dedicated to migration activity. The preferred number is three: one is dedicated to the managed host, one (or more) are dedicated to the virtual machines, and one is dedicated to VMotion activity. The figure below illustrates the possible NIC configurations that support VirtualCenter. Refer to Abbreviations for a description of abbreviations.
VMotion Network Card Configuration Options Depending upon the version of ESX Server you are using, configure your networking as follows: If you are using ESX Server 2.1 or later: 1. Create a bond including both NICs. 2. Give the bond to all three entities (service console, VMkernel, and virtual machines). 3. Use VLANs to create separate logical networks. If you are using ESX Server 2.0.1: 1. Configure one NIC for the virtual machines. 2. Configure one NIC to be shared between the service console and the VMotion networks. Refer to your ESX Server System Administration Guide for additional information on sharing NICs between vmkernel and the service console. |
