Using a VDS with standard vSwitch

[CraigV75]

Hi Guys,

Quick question: Is it possible to configure a host's management network to use an Active vNIC connected to a VDS, with a standard vNIC connected to a standard vSwitch? If the VDS connection dies, would it revert to the vSwitch and continue allowing access to the Management network on the hosts?

Thanks!

Craig

[hussainbte · Accepted solution]

If you have 2 nics and anticipating failure of one nic, you can assign both the nics to DVS and if one of them fails, he DVS has options to use the second.

If you want to run DVS and standard switches together and expect the management network to failover from DVS to standard using the same IP and configuration . then it is not possible.

Having said that you can always run DVS and standard together for different functions..

[CraigV75]

Thanks! While I understand the differences between the 2 types of network switches (Standard/VDS), it's a pity that something like this isn't possible as it gives greater redundancy.

Thanks for confirming what I thought wasn't possible!

Craig

[hussainbte]

If you have an existing standard switch configuration with the management network working fine.. and for any reasons you migrate the management network to DVS and if it not working  vSphere will fall back to standard switch networking..

example: standard switch management network with 2 nics

you migrate the management networking to DVS, but the virtual switch policies are not in compliance with the physical configuration the management network will not be reachable . in this case the networking falls back to standard switch.

but to failover from DVS to standard is not a configurable option.. its not that redundancy is not considered here. but such a configuration would not be required..

if you think , the point of failures in network are nics and physical switches or loss of upstream connectivity...

virtual switches are softswitches.. its not like you DVS will crash someday or go faulty.. its a configuration .

[CraigV75]

Quick question on what you said here: Can I use a VDS for the VCSA HA network while the VCSA itself is on a Standard Switch?

The configuration would be something as follows:

* VCSA IP - 172.16.24.xxx (Standard Switch)

* VCSA HA NIC - 172.16.26.xxx (VDS)

* Passive Node - 172.16.26.xxx (VDS)
* Witness Node - 172.16.26.xxx (VDS)

Is this a possible configuration that will work?

On the original question, I eventually managed to blow away the entire network configuration. Management runs on Standard Switches, and VMs and vMotion run off the VDS. Works well currently.

Thanks!