Sorting out the Configuration Portal

I just had a nice exchange over on the VxRail Support Forum regarding custom network configuration. The questioneer was having trouble using the Configuration Portal’s Predefined network profile meet their goals, but the Custom profile would work. Let’s briefly review the difference.

Predefined profile highlights:

• Can only be used to create a single two- or four-uplink virtual distributed switch
• Will create two-uplink port groups and map them to the available uplinks (vmnics) in the best practice way
• Will configure an Active-Standby port group Teaming and Failover policy

Custom configuration highlights:

• You can create one or two virtual distributed switches, with each switch having two or four-uplinks
• Will create two-uplink port groups; you can map them to the available uplinks (vmnics) any way you like
• Teaming and Failover can be Active-Standby or Active-Active
• You can achieve even more customization by using an existing virtual distributed switch. Just create it to meet minimum VxRail requirements prior to installation

You can read up on the considerations in the Network Planning Guide.

I often use the Configuration Portal to explore the Predefined and Custom alternatives--it only lets me select what is possible within the VxRail networking rules.

Of course I love to discuss this in my VxRail Installation and Implementation course. You’re missing out if you haven’t attended one!

#IWork4Dell