Hello.
On vmkernel portgroups, there is a checkbox for "Management Traffic". I have tried it both checked and unchecked, and it doesn't seem to make any difference whatsoever. I have made sure that all vmkernel ports have the option unchecked, but I can still manage the host as usual, and iSCSI traffic flows as expected.
What is the use of this checkbox?
It is used to allow you to manage the host from the address of that VMkernel interface. Checking this box would allow you to use the IP address of the VMkernel interface to connect with the vSphere client, allow HA to use it as a heartbeat network, etc. Many of these activities are obviously dependent on other factors in your setup, but in essence checking that box allows you to use that particular VMkernel for management activities. If your default VMkernel management interface is redundant, then there is probably no real need to enable management networks on the other VMkernel networks.
Good Luck!
Brian Atkinson | vExpert | VMTN Moderator | Author of "VCP5-DCV VMware Certified Professional-Data Center Virtualization on vSphere 5.5 Study Guide: VCP-550" | @vmroyale | http://vmroyale.com
