Network connectivity is required for access to the iDRAC interfaces for the VxRail nodes, which are based on Dell EMC PowerEdge servers, and SSH and HTTPS access to the leaf and spine switches. HTTPS access to the control switch is required to perform the initial settings in the SmartFabric network to support the VxRail cluster. For both the nodes and the switches, a 1 GbE switch or pair of 1 GbE switches not enabled for SmartFabric is required.
Every VxRail node and VxRail management component requires a forward and reverse DNS entry. VxRail Manager must be able to connect to the external DNS service over the external VxRail management network at the time of initial build of the cluster, and for ongoing operations.
It is best practice for VxRail to leverage an NTP service to assure a consistent date and time across all cluster components and services. Certain services within the cluster depend on a consistent and standardized date and time for proper operations. It is best practice and strongly recommended for VxRail Manager to connect to the external NTP service over the external VxRail management network at the time of initial build of the cluster, and for ongoing cluster operations.
At the time of initial VxRail build, a decision must be made whether to use the embedded vCenter instance included with the VxRail software bundle as the foundation for the cluster, or to use a compatible vCenter instance. If an external option is chosen, VxRail Manager must be able to link with the vCenter instance over the external VxRail management network.
FTP/SFTP services are the preferred method for uploading OS10 software bundles and OS10 licenses locally to the Dell-branded Ethernet switches. FTP/SFTP services are also the preferred method for uploading the software upgrade bundle to the OMNI plug-in. The best practice is to deploy an FTP/SFTP server with an IP address accessible to the IT management network.
While assigning an IP address to the out-of-band management port of the switches is required, it is a best practice to deploy a serial concentrator to provide console access to the pool of Dell EMC Ethernet switches to ease management responsibilities.
