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Wombat365
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How to subnet a IPv6 /48 within ESX?

My ISP's router is providing my ESX 4.1 host with a full /48 of IPv6 addresses. I would like to subnet that /48 into some /64 and /56 subnets, assigning particular subnets to particular guests. Is there any way to create IPv6 subnets inside ESX?

And if this is not possible, how are others using ESX to set up IPv6 test environments? Is there add-on software that permits this functionality?

I am currently using the "classic" version of ESX 4.1 and plan to upgrade to ESX 4.1i in the near future.

Thanks in advance,

--Wombat365

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bulletprooffool
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Hi Wombat - the Vyatta can do what you want.

It is able to handle everything from Natting / DHCP / Routing etc - just assign multiple interfaces and treat it as a hardware router.

The added bonus is that you will be able to use it to firewall VMs off.

I have set up and use dvyatta a lot, but have not used the new version 6 appliance that has just been released - nor have I used IPV6 on it - but all previous functionality has been very well excecuted, so I suspect that their IPV6 support will be of the same level.

Here is my quick setup guide :http://www.get-virtual.info/2011/02/18/using-vyatta-as-firewall-in-esxesxi-for-private-network-simul... - but you'll need to do more legwork for the IPV6 stuff. - this should help L: http://ebook.cna.ilkom.unsri.ac.id/vyatta/Vyatta_IPv6_R6.0_v03.pdf

One day I will virtualise myself . . .

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cody_bunch
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ESX itself does not route. You can however use a Router vApp that is IPv6 compatible and some host only vSwitches to accomplish what you need. This would work in much the same way as you would do this with IPv4. There should also be a few guides available for this online.

-Cody

http://professionalvmware.com

-Cody Bunch http://professionalvmware.com
Wombat365
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Thanks for the explanation that ESX has no inherent ability to route. That explains much.

I looked at the VMware Marketplace and was able to find one software router called "Vyatta". Is this what you had in mind to help route IPv6 into different subnets? I have not yet been able to find any kind of FAQ or HOW-TO online showing how to subnet a  /48 for various guests on ESX. A specific pointer would be much appreciated, including how to to set up the built-in switch in ESX for such a purpose.

--Wombat365

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Rumple
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are you saying that you have no firewall device of any type in behind your ISP's router that supports IPv6?

Normally you put your esx (and other systems) inbehind the ISP...you'd never leave everything exposed to the internet directly, especially an ESX console

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Wombat365
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This is purely a test system to build an IPv6 application test network, one of the reasons why I am looking for a software-only routing solution to divide up that /48 between the various test VMs. (I am by the way still looking for a software IPv6 router, additional suggestions for such a product are appreciated).

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bulletprooffool
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Hi Wombat - the Vyatta can do what you want.

It is able to handle everything from Natting / DHCP / Routing etc - just assign multiple interfaces and treat it as a hardware router.

The added bonus is that you will be able to use it to firewall VMs off.

I have set up and use dvyatta a lot, but have not used the new version 6 appliance that has just been released - nor have I used IPV6 on it - but all previous functionality has been very well excecuted, so I suspect that their IPV6 support will be of the same level.

Here is my quick setup guide :http://www.get-virtual.info/2011/02/18/using-vyatta-as-firewall-in-esxesxi-for-private-network-simul... - but you'll need to do more legwork for the IPV6 stuff. - this should help L: http://ebook.cna.ilkom.unsri.ac.id/vyatta/Vyatta_IPv6_R6.0_v03.pdf

One day I will virtualise myself . . .
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Wombat365
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Thank you very much! Those config guides to which you linked will be particularly useful!

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