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To enable virtual machine (VM) discovery, monitoring, and snapshot management, the vCenter server must be registered in PowerStore Manager. This step enables PowerStore to monitor the VM attributes, capacity, storage and compute performance, and virtual volumes. It also enables PowerStore to subscribe to event notifications, alleviating the need for PowerStore to poll continuously for new information.
On PowerStore X model appliances, a vCenter server connection is required as part of the initial configuration process. This connection enables the VASA provider registration and vVol datastore creation to happen automatically. This ability allows users to begin using vVols immediately after deploying the system without any additional setup. PowerStore X models require the vCenter to be hosted on an external server.
On PowerStore T models, a vCenter server connection is optional. Starting with PowerStoreOS 2.0, the initial configuration includes a step that lets you configure the vCenter server connection. This connection is required on PowerStore X model appliances.
On PowerStore T model appliances, a vCenter server can also be connected after the initial configuration. To establish a vCenter server connection, open PowerStore Manager and go to Compute > vCenter Server Connection. You can connect a vCenter by entering in the vCenter Server IP Address (or FQDN), User Name, and Password for an existing vCenter server.
PowerStore T models can connect to any vCenter that is running vCenter version 6.0 Update 2 or later. For the supported vCenter versions on PowerStore X models, see the PowerStore: Simple Support Matrix at Dell.com/powerstoredocs.
Starting with PowerStoreOS 2.0, you can manage and monitor VASA registration from PowerStore Manager. This ability removes the need to log in to vSphere to view or update to the VASA registration. When registering a new vCenter, there is an option to provide the PowerStore credentials. If provided, these credentials are used to automatically register the VASA provider in vSphere. The credentials must be for an account with the VM Administrator, Storage Administrator, or Administrator role.
The following figure shows the vCenter Server registration page:
After a successful vCenter server connection is made, the IP address or hostname of the connected vCenter is displayed and the status changes to Connected. Starting with PowerStoreOS 2.0, the VASA registration status is displayed on this page. If the VASA provider was not connected during vCenter registration or becomes disconnected, this state is reflected in the status. Buttons to Launch vSphere, Update Connection, and Disconnect (PowerStore T model only) also become available, as shown in the following figure:
Clicking Launch vSphere opens a new tab to the connected vCenter. This feature allows the administrator to browse the vCenter easily.
Use the Update Configuration button to update the connection with new information if the vCenter IP address, hostname, or credentials change. Each PowerStore cluster can only be registered to a single vCenter instance at a time. Do not use the update button to connect the PowerStore cluster to a separate vCenter instance. On PowerStore T models, the vCenter connection can be disconnected and then connected to the new vCenter instance. On PowerStore X models, you cannot change the vCenter connection to another vCenter instance. This limitation is due to the existence of vSphere objects such as the data center, cluster, PowerStore X model ESXi nodes, virtual distributed switches, and other configurations on the vCenter.
Starting with PowerStoreOS 2.0, you can use the Update Configuration button to manage the VASA registration status. For example, if the VASA provider is accidentally deleted in vSphere, the VASA registration status changes to Not configured. In this scenario, you can use the Update Configuration button to re-register the VASA provider directly from PowerStore Manager. If the VASA registration status is Online, the administrator is not prompted for the PowerStore credentials. The following figure shows the dialog box for updating the vCenter Server Configuration:
Use the Disconnect button to remove a vCenter connection. This feature is only available on PowerStore T models because the vCenter connection is mandatory on PowerStore X models. Starting with PowerStoreOS 2.0, the administrator has the option to remove the VASA provider registration when disconnecting a vCenter server. The following figure shows the confirmation dialog box that is displayed when you disconnect the vCenter server: