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Dell VxRail Network Planning Guide

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Planning overview

VxRail is a cluster of nodes and switches that are integrated under a single point of management. All physical compute, network, and storage resources in VxRail are managed as a single shared pool. Resources are allocated to applications and services that are based on defined business and operational requirements. VxRail is manufactured in the factory from your purchase order and delivered to your data center ready for deployment.

The VxRail software bundle is loaded onto the compute nodes and consists of the following components:
  • VxRail Manager
  • VMware vCenter Server
  • VMware vSAN
  • VMware vSphere

If separate teams manage network and servers in your data center, work together to design the network and configure the switches.

Plan for deployment

To ensure proper deployment and functioning of VxRail, perform the following:
  • Plan and prepare for VxRail implementation in your data center.
  • Select the VxRail hardware and physical network infrastructure to align with your business and operational objectives.
  • Set up the network switch infrastructure in your data center for VxRail.
  • Prepare for physical installation and VxRail initialization into the final product.

The VxRail nodes can connect to any compatible network infrastructure to enable operations. VxRail nodes connect to one or more network switches to form a VxRail cluster. VxRail communicates with the physical data center network through one or more VMware VDS in the VxRail cluster. VMware VDS integrates with the physical network infrastructure to provide connectivity for the virtual infrastructure. Virtual network traffic is enabled to pass through the physical switch infrastructure. The physical switch infrastructure serves as a backplane, supporting network traffic between VMs in the cluster, and enabling VM mobility and resiliency.

Physical network infrastructure enables I/O operations between the storage objects in the VMware vSAN data store. The infrastructure also provides connectivity to applications and end-users outside of the cluster.

VxRail clusters can select the following physical components:
  • VxRail clusters and nodes
  • Network switch
  • Data center network
  • Topology and connections
  • Workstation or laptop
  • Out of band management (optional)

Licenses

VxRail is deployed with temporary licenses for Broadcom products that expire after 60 days. Activate subscription licenses on the VxRail cluster before the 60-day grace period expires to ensure uninterrupted cluster operations.

Contact your Dell Technologies account team or Broadcom account team to determine what options are available for your organization.


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