Applying Lics

[fborges555]

HI gurus.

Still learning VMware and now how to apply Lics

I have an HP DL360 G9 I was told to put in use, I have it all setup but the lics part. the host has 2 sockets  14 core per sockets, so for lics purpose what should I be looking for

1) Lics with 2 CPU? Lics for 28 CPU , Lics for logical processors.

2) all what is lics for esxi host vcenter or vsphere one?

I am new at lics so go easy on me, and hope someone can take the time to explain this.

Thanks a bunch

[Alex_Romeo]

Hi,

licenses are calculated per cpu and not per core.

Licensing for ESXi Hosts

ESXi hosts are licensed with vSphere licenses. Each vSphere license has a certain CPU capacity that you can use to license multiple physical CPUs on ESXi hosts. When you assign a vSphere license to a host, the amount of CPU capacity consumed equals the number of physical CPUs in the host. vSphere Desktop that is intended for VDI environments is licensed on per virtual machine basis....

ARomeo

[a_p_]

Is it only a single host that you're going to use?

VMware offers licenses in different price ranges (even free ones), and it actually depends on your needs which one to purchase/use.

vCenter Server is licensed per instance, and the ESXi hosts are licensed by physical CPUs. However VMware also offers Kist which include everything for a small environment at low cost (e.g. a vSphere Essentials Kit).

André

[fborges555]

Big A.

Thanks a bunch for jumping in, so in my case I have 2 sockets 14 cores, that mean I should look into 28 CPU x 2 as there are two ESXI host with the same structure? or sockets are CPUs?

Thanks a bunch for the patience

[fborges555]

AP

there are two host.

where I am confused is how to find how many CPU do I have on a 2 socket 14 core machine?

is it 2 CPU

is it 14 CPU

is it 28 CPU

that is what I want to find out.

Thanks again all

[a_p_]

The physical CPUs have to be licensed. With current ESXi versions, there's no Core limitation.

However, VMware recently announced that CPUs with more than 32 Cores will require additional incenses in the next version.

André

[fborges555]

ap

in my cases how many CPU do I have? That is where I have confusion

Thanks

[fborges555]

please confirm if this statement is correct

socket=CPU

[Alex_Romeo · Accepted solution]

sockets are physical CPUs

ARomeo

[agajjar]

For a server with an HP DL360 G9 that has 2 sockets, each with 14 cores, you need to consider the type of licensing and the product you are using. Since you mentioned ESXi, vCenter, and vSphere, let's clarify the terms:

1. ESXi (Hypervisor):

   • ESXi is the bare-metal hypervisor that runs directly on the server hardware. Licensing for ESXi is typically based on the number of physical sockets (CPUs) on the host.

   • In your case, you would need licensing for 2 sockets. So, you should be looking for a licensing option that covers your 2 CPU sockets.

2. vCenter Server:

   • vCenter Server is the management software that allows you to manage multiple ESXi hosts centrally. Licensing for vCenter Server can be based on the number of hosts, the number of virtual machines, or a combination of both.

   • If you have a standalone ESXi host, you may not need vCenter Server immediately. However, if you plan to manage multiple hosts in the future, you might consider a licensing model that suits your needs. Common options include per-instance licensing or per-VM licensing.

3. vSphere:

   • vSphere is a suite that includes both ESXi and vCenter Server. When people refer to "vSphere licensing," they often mean a licensing package that covers both ESXi and vCenter.

   • Similar to ESXi, vSphere licensing is typically based on the number of CPU sockets on the host.

Recommendations:

• ESXi Host Licensing:

  • Look for a licensing option that covers 2 CPU sockets for your ESXi host. VMware offers various editions of ESXi licenses (e.g., Standard, Enterprise, Enterprise Plus). Choose the edition that aligns with your feature requirements.

• vCenter Server Licensing:

  • If you plan to manage multiple hosts centrally, explore vCenter Server licensing options. The choice might depend on the number of hosts or VMs you intend to manage.

• vSphere Licensing:

  • Consider vSphere licensing if you want a comprehensive solution that includes both ESXi and vCenter. Again, the licensing is typically based on the number of CPU sockets.

Ensure that you review the specific terms and features associated with each licensing option, as VMware's licensing model can evolve with new releases and updates.

If in doubt, VMware's official documentation and their sales or support teams can provide specific guidance tailored to your requirements.