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PowerProtect Data Manager names each virtual network in two places, the interface to the DD series appliance and the interface to the protected assets. These names are not required to match. However, Dell Technologies strongly recommends that you use the same network name in both locations for each virtual network. Record each network name for later use.
Adding a virtual network includes creating a pool of static IP addresses. PowerProtect Data Manager uses these addresses for the local interfaces to the virtual network and for any VM Direct Engines that you deploy on this network. Ensure that you have enough IP addresses available on each network to meet this requirement. To prepare for future expansion, you can add more IP addresses than are initially required.
The initial steps to configure and add each virtual network are one-time events. The subsequent steps to assign virtual networks to protection policies or assets happen as required.
Configuration is nondisruptive. You can add, edit, or delete virtual networks without affecting background activities, disconnecting network interfaces, or affecting the PowerProtect Data Manager user interface.
Configuration follows a multistep workflow as follows:
After adding the DD series appliance as protection storage, name the virtual network between the PowerProtect Data Manager and the DD series appliance.
To rename a virtual network (edit the network name):
Configure a new virtual network for use with assets and protection policies. Each new virtual network requires at least one IP address for a PowerProtect Data Manager network interface. Review the number of IP addresses needed field before you supply the required static IP addresses.
Select Infrastructure > Networks and click Add Network.
Assignments identify which assets should use each virtual network. You can associate an asset with a virtual network by using one of two methods:
Using protection policy: PowerProtect Data Manager can be configured to choose a preferred virtual network for all assets on a protection policy. The network interface has a drop-down menu, and you can select the preferred network for Primary backup and Replicate.
Using asset: Virtual networks can be assigned to individual assets. This method is optional and overrides any virtual network assignment from a protection policy. Assets that are not individually assigned a virtual network automatically use the preferred virtual network.
PowerProtect Data Manager 19.16 supports virtual networks for the following use cases: