Dell VxRail Network Planning Guide

VxRail Ethernet adapter options

There are restrictions on the Ethernet adapters card models and ports that can be configured for VxRail nodes. Each vendor adapter card and firmware that is selected with VxRail must pass tests to qualify.

For the latest NICs, see the VxRail 8.0 Support Matrix.

Use the following guidelines to select port adapters:

• When a VxRail cluster is built, all the NIC cards that form the cluster should be the same vendor. This rule does not apply to nodes added to an existing VxRail cluster. The port speed and port type must match the existing nodes.
• Use the same adapter card vendor and model for all the nodes in a cluster that support VxRail cluster operations. Using optics or cables from one vendor with an adapter card from another vendor may not work as expected. Consult the Dell cable and optics support matrix before attempting to mix vendor equipment in a VxRail cluster.
• The feature sets supported from NIC card suppliers do not always match. There is a dependency on the firmware and driver in the adapter card to support certain features. If a feature is required for a business need, consult with a sales specialist to verify that the feature is supported for the vendor.