VMware Communities: Limitations or disadvantages of ESX3.5i ...

VMware

Up to Discussions in VI: VMware ESXi™ 3.5

This Question is Answered

1 "correct" answer available (10 pts) 2 "helpful" answers available (6 pts)

4 Replies Last post: Apr 18, 2008 1:44 AM by kamesh_a

Limitations or disadvantages of ESX3.5i posted: Apr 17, 2008 11:30 AM

kamesh_a

20 posts since
Jan 15, 2008

Hi,

1. We have software and license for both ESX3i and ESX3.5 editions. I am in a confusion which product to install as my current hardware (DL380 G5 , BL 680) supports both the editions and I had been to VMware website and came to know few advantages of 3i edition than normal. However, I would like to understand the limitations and disadvantages of Embedded edition than the normal edition before deploying these servers into production environment.

2. Can I add a combination of ESX3i and esx3.5 to a single VC (2.5) inventory and make use of DRS, HA features?

3. My environment has a standard requirement for each server should have 4 NIC's (Management, Backup, 2 * production- teamed). If I use ESX3.5, then one of the NIC needs to dedicate for console which may not be assigned for any VM's. So I need to have an additional NIC for a console to avoid any security issues. Is the second console port strongly suggested? If so, I need one more NIC. Please correct and suggest me if whereever I am wrong.

Thanks,

Re: Limitations or disadvantages of ESX3.5i

1. Apr 17, 2008 11:46 AM

in response to: kamesh_a

Dave.Mishchen…

8,974 posts since
Nov 15, 2005

Below are a few threads to look at regarding the differences between the 2 products. If you're doing everything with the VI client today, then you would be OK with 3i. But right now the console options are very limited as well as 3rd party support (management agents / backup software for examples).

http://communities.vmware.com/thread/136860?tstart=30
http://communities.vmware.com/thread/138546?tstart=0
http://communities.vmware.com/thread/135443?tstart=30

2. Can I add a combination of ESX3i and esx3.5 to a single VC (2.5) inventory and make use of DRS, HA features?

Yes, but you would have to use 3i Update 1 to get HA support. A few posts above will mention that HA is not suppoorted - that is not the case with Update 1. Likewise for some networking features.

3. My environment has a standard requirement for each server should have 4 NIC's (Management, Backup, 2 * production- teamed). If I use ESX3.5, then one of the NIC needs to dedicate for console which may not be assigned for any VM's. So I need to have an additional NIC for a console to avoid any security issues. Is the second console port strongly suggested? If so, I need one more NIC. Please correct and suggest me if whereever I am wrong.

With 3i you still need a management port so with your config you would still need 4 NICs with 3i. How are you doing your backup? You could consider creating one vswitch for management and backup and seperating them with VLANs if security is a concern. That way you get some redundancy for management / backup.

Where are planning to put the vmotion network and what sort of storage are you using?

Re: Limitations or disadvantages of ESX3.5i

2. Apr 17, 2008 2:51 PM

in response to: Dave.Mishchen…

kamesh_a

20 posts since
Jan 15, 2008

Currently installed 2 boxes, one with ESX3i, one with ESX3.5 and a VC server. The ESX3i has 3 virtual switches, Management has one uplink, Backup with one uplink & Production with 2NIC's teamed. I don't see a console port (vswif) in ESX3i server. We have a separate patch cable (restricted traffic) for management network and backup. I believe I may not combine and make use of VLAN's for my environment.

I have also configured management switch with VMkernel port group for use of VMotion. Currently these doesn't have any VM's and will be connecting to EVA4100 storage during next 10days.

Re: Limitations or disadvantages of ESX3.5i

3. Apr 18, 2008 1:26 AM

in response to: kamesh_a

Dave.Mishchen…

8,974 posts since
Nov 15, 2005

I don't see a console port (vswif) in ESX3i server.

The VI client communicates with 3i over the vmkernel. What are you planning to use for backup?

Re: Limitations or disadvantages of ESX3.5i

4. Apr 18, 2008 1:44 AM

in response to: Dave.Mishchen…

kamesh_a

20 posts since
Jan 15, 2008

I think VCB is suitable for my requirement. I am new to VMware, so struggling to understand each concept, my requirements and then mapping each. Yet to go through VCB concepts. Please suggest me if you have anything in view.

Go to original post

Search VMware Communities Advanced Search

Actions

View as PDF

Up to Discussions in VI: VMware ESXi™ 3.5