Planning Guide—vSAN 2-Node Cluster on VxRail
Executive summary
Introduction
Requirements, recommendations, and restrictions
Deployment options
Conclusion
References
VxRail hardware
VDS support
VxRail software version
Nested fault domains
vSAN file services
VCenter Server
Witness virtual appliance
Physical network
Port requirements
Witness and management network topology
Network layout
Capacity planning considerations
Node upgrades
Licensing
Other support limitations
Physical network
Physical network
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In releases earlier than 4.7.410, the two vSAN data nodes must be directly connected using SFP+ or Category 6 cables. Starting with VxRail 4.7.410, the two vSAN data nodes can be connected through the switch.
The following physical layout is enforced:
- 1 GbE, 10 GbE, and 25 GbE switches are supported. A 1 GbE switch is supported only in a direct-connect configuration.
- For 1 GbE and 10 GbE:
- Ports 1 and 2 of the VxRail appliances are connected to a switch and used for the management and witness traffic. If the ports are connected to a 1 GbE switch, port speed autonegotiates down to 1 Gb.
- In direct-connect configurations, ports 3 and 4 from node 1 are directly connected to ports 3 and 4, respectively, of node 2 and are used for vSAN and vMotion traffic.
- For 25 GbE:
- Ports 1 and 3 of the VxRail are connected to a switch.
- Ports 2 and 4 are directly connected.
- For switched configurations, all four ports must be connected to the switches.
Figure 1. 4 x 10 GbE direct-connect port configuration
Figure 2. 4 x 10 GbE ToR switch port configurations: Single switch (left) dual switch (right)