Network design for VMotion

[GNich]

I’ve designing a new ESX system. I’ve based the design on one of Dells reference designs but unsure on the VMotion side.

Outline of the design

1 x VCenter Server (Dell R410)

3 x ESX Hosts (Dell R710)

1 x iSCSI SAN (Dell MD3200i, duel RAID controller)

2 x Switches between the SAN and the hosts

I intend to have 2 x 4 port NIC cards in each host as well as the on board NIC’s (4), total 12 NIC.

1 x 4 port connected for the VM’s to connect to the “user” LAN.

1 x 4 Port connected to the iSCSI SAN, via the switches

2 x on board NIC’s for VMotion

The actual questions,

For best results do I need a separate switch for the VMotion LAN?

Is using the 10 NIC over the top?

+ :smileyconfused:

GNich

[MikeS1983]

Hi,

For best results do I need a separate switch for the VMotion LAN?

No. I would ensure that your vMotion port group is on a different Vlan to the Vlans in which your servers are connected.

Is using the 10 NIC over the top?

I currently use 8 nics on my blade servers split between 3 vSwitches. You can utilise 10 nics no problem.

Hope this helps.

Mike.

[GNich]

Thanks Mike,

All I've go to do now is get the paln approved, then the real work starts.

Building and configuring!!!!!

Gnich