Moving ESXI Host To Another Cluster

[bully79]

Hi Guys,

I was wondering if somebody could give me clarification when moving a host to another cluster.

Can I just put the host into maintenance mode once VM's are migrated and just disconnect and move?.

Some places I've looked up seem to suggest to 'remove from inventory as well, where other say you can just disconnect.

The reason I am asking is that I'm pretty sure that when i run this on my lab, when I remove the host from inventory it removes it's switch config and you have to start again, whereas just a disconnect doesn't?.

Especially when it's using a DVS. Although I could of sworn it did this even on a standard and I had to redo all the VMkernel settings etc.

Thanks as always for your time and help, it is much appreciated!

[T180985]

You dont need to disconnect it, you can just put it into maintenance mode to move it out of the cluster

[RickVerstegen]

If the clusters are using the same vDS you can do the following:

Migrate VM's off the Host -> Host to maintenance mode -> click and drag to other cluster -> exit maintenance mode -> Migrate VM's to newly added host and test connectivity

[bully79]

Thanks for the replies.

The cluster it is already in it is configured for standard switching. I will be creating a new cluster to isolate the host and do some testing.

So I can just put the host into maintenance mode and drag the host into the new cluster and it will keep its switch config?.

As I say the only reason I asked is because I have seen mentioned to 'remove from inventory'.

I'm pretty sure that this strips the host of its current switch config when re-added back in doesn't it?.

Again thanks all for your help!

[T180985 · Accepted solution]

yes, you can put the host into maintenance mode and drag the host into the new cluster and it will keep its switch config. dVS is configured per host, not at cluster level.