Greetings! I am still attempting to wrap my brain around the physical network side of introducing ESXi (VI3 Enterprise) into my network. My existing network is comprised of 8 Windows 2003...
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Greetings! I am still attempting to wrap my brain around the physical network side of introducing ESXi (VI3 Enterprise) into my network. My existing network is comprised of 8 Windows 2003 servers (Exchange, Sharepoint, Blackberry Ent. Server, two DCs, file/print server, backup server, etc.). Also, we are using a HP Procurve 48port switch. I have all the hardware ready to begin installing and configuring ESXi into my enviroment. I have two Dell PE2950s for hosts, MD3000i iSCSI SAN, and an additional HP Procurve 24port switch. My goal is to virtualize all 8 of my servers(eventually) plus add more. Each 2950 host has 6 physical NICs (2 onboard and two 2port NICs). My first question is what would be the best way to cable everything up? I would like redundancy if possible. Once all harware is cabled correctly...how do I go about assigning ip addresses and subnets to each network that is needed? I have read that all iSCSI traffic needs to have it's own subnet as well as the VMs, management, etc. Currently, my internal network is 172.20.xxx.xxx w/ subnet mask 255.255.224.0. I do realize VLANs will be needed in this setup...just not quite sure how to set them up with redundant switches. As far as the servers needed for vCenter, licensing, VCB....can vCenter and licensing reside on one server? In the end...how many servers do I really need? Two ESX hosts, vCenter server, licensing server, server for extra DC?? Would it be best to begin virtualizing one server at a time not starting with a DC? I will not be able to convert(P2V) several of my servers as they are Dell OEM. I have been viewing webcasts and reading white papers quite a bit lately but just really haven't found the information I need in order to feel comfortable with the physical networking/server side of everything. I know this is a loaded question but I would appreciate any feedback so I can start to feel a little more comfortable with getting this project off the ground. Thank you in advance!!! I came across the network diagram below which really illustrates quite a bit! However, I need to see a chart with IP addresses and VLAN structure. Does anyone have a link for that? http://vmwaretips.com/wp/wp-content/gallery/misc/vi3-network_diagram.jpg