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.
- 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)