Migrate ESXi host (5.1 to 6.0), Storage

[hkito]

Hi,

As current ESXi host servers, storages EOS. I am planning to migrate ESXi servers / storages to new hardware.

Any best practice ?

Otherwise, is possible same ESXi hosts connect to 2 different clusters (Current and New cluster) for migration without downtime ?

Thanks

[abhilashhb]

Some things to remember before you start with the migration.

You will first need to upgrade the vCenter to 6.x so that it can manage the new ESXi servers. A vCenter with lower version number cannot manager ESXi with higher version.

Otherwise, is possible same ESXi hosts connect to 2 different clusters (Current and New cluster) for migration without downtime ?

No, a single host cannot be part of two clusters. You will have to add the new host to the old cluster and then migrate the VMs. Do these servers have a different generation of processors? Then you will have to look at creating a new cluster with EVC enabled and then add the hosts there.

[hkito]

Hi,

Since new ESXi servers and new storages will user, we also install new vCenter 6.0.

• for vCneter, VM or physical is better ?

No, a single host cannot be part of two clusters.

• This mean I have to connect new ESXi host / storage to existing cluster, then migrate VM to new ESXi host / storage ?
• After migrated to new ESXi host / storage, disconnect from existing cluster and add to new cluster under vCenter 6.0 ?
• Downtime required while disconnect from existing cluster ?

Thanks !