vSphere with NO DNS server?

[munkyman]

Is a DNS required for vSphere with vCenter?  The existing server environment does not have one and the applications that will be running on the VMs do not require it either.  Everything is just in the same workgroup.

[BenLiebowitz]

Yes.  you want to have your hosts configured with DNS.  I would think you may have issues with the host communicating with vCenter.  There may be HA and DRS issues as well. 

Also, Update Manager may not be able to apply patches properly.

[munkyman]

Can the vCenter server VM be configured with the DNS role?  I know it can't be on a domain controller but can it have the DNS role?

[admin]

AFAIK Yes it can.

Thanks,

DJ

[Alistar]

I'll just chime in to what the other guys have said - when using Update Manager without proper DNS, all updates will fail bacause the resolution of update server on the ESXi host happens at hostname-level.

[munkyman]

DJ,

Sorry, but what was the Yes an answer to?  That it can work without DNS or that the vCenter Server VM can operate as the DNS provider?

Thank you for the help.

Alex

[Alistar]

I think he meant you can add a DNS role for the vCenter server - but why won't you deploy a simple 1vCPU 1.5GB RAM VM solely for the DNS purpose? This way if your vCenter goes down your name resolution services won't be available and I'm sure you wouldn't want that

[munkyman]

Alistar,

I was hoping to save a Windows license but your suggestion sounds like the way to go.

Thanks for the help!

Alex

[Alistar]

Ÿou can always use a simple linux box for DNS to save on licensing  - provided you are willing to step into uncharted waters and are willing to learn something new along the way

[admin]

>Can the vCenter server VM be configured with the DNS role?  I know it can't be on a domain controller but can it have the DNS role?

What I meant was you can configure DNS and vCenter server on the same host.

Thanks,

DJ

[Sateesh_vCloud]

Just to add one more point:  I recently migrated my Windows DNS server to Infoblox solution 

Network Services (DNS, DHCP, IPAM) | Infoblox