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Pretlz
Contributor
Contributor
‎11-16-2017 04:58 PM

Cloud Foundation for vSAN ready Nodes without dedicated Network Switches

We have a requirement to extend the virtual hosting to an isolated Network. The required footprint is very small, ~4 nodes. The Network switches (TOR and Management) in the new network segment are managed by a third party vendor. The existing implementation is based upon VMware reference architecture of VxRack with Spine and Leaf network switches and SDDC manager.

We are exploring the possibility of using the Spare VxRack nodes (R630) and connect to the third party managed Network switches (as a device). The intent is to centrally manage all ESXi infrastructure.

Can we manage exsi Nodes in the new network given the network switches are only allow pass through traffic instead of managed by SDDC mgr?

Not sure if we can ADD new Rack (Node Only) without switches.

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frank_wegner
VMware Employee
VMware Employee
‎12-20-2017 09:03 PM

We are exploring the possibility of using the Spare VxRack nodes (R630) and connect to the third party managed Network switches

There is no such thing as VxRack nodes in the context of Cloud Foundation. You can buy VxRack SDDC as an integrated system which includes servers and ToR/management switches and VMware software. You cannot buy "VxRack nodes" separately. If you happen to have the servers already, then you will need to ask Dell EMC if they would trade them in in exchange for a VxRack SDDC system. You cannot get it in pieces, only all at once. (There are ways to trade-in VMware licenses, though).

Can we manage exsi Nodes in the new network given the network switches are only allow pass through traffic instead of managed by SDDC mgr?

Cloud Foundation and VxRack SDDC are natively integrated systems, you might call them rack-scale appliances. The included SDDC Manager is how the ESXi hosts in those systems are managed. It looks like your specific use case is better suited for a manual deployment of servers.

I do not see what value you would get out of VxRack SDDC or Cloud Foundation in your specific situation. Maybe this is just a misunderstanding on my side? Can you clarify?

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