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The network layer consists of:
VMware vSphere Distributed Switches (VDSs) manage virtual networking in the PowerFlex rack. The VDSs contain multiple port groups. Each port group is identified with a network label and associated VLANs. Each node contributes physical adapters or vmnics to VDS uplinks, as shown in the following diagram:
Figure 17. Virtual networking in PowerFlex rack
For the hyperconverged nodes, separate virtual switches are used for each of the PowerFlex rack data networks. The ports that carry data traffic are not aggregated using Virtual Port Channel but are configured as simple access ports. PowerFlex software uses the two networks redundantly. All other communication is through a separate virtual switch that carries all the other VLANs. Customer VLANs (not shown here) are also be added to this virtual switch. The storage-only nodes have a similar arrangement, but do not use virtual switches. Two ports are used for the PowerFlex rack data networks, and a pair of ports are used for the PowerFlex management network. Like the hyperconverged node, the two PowerFlex rack ports are unaggregated access ports, while the two management ports are configured as a bonded interface. The switch connections for these ports are part of a Virtual Port Channel. VMware and customer VLANs are not added to a storage-only node.