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Dell VxRail Network Planning Guide

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VxRail models

Each VxRail series offers choices for network connectivity. Every VxRail node includes support for base connectivity through onboard Ethernet ports. Network expansion is supported on VxRail nodes using available PCIe slots for Ethernet adapter cards. The number and type of PCIe slots that can be used for networking purposes depends on the model and the hardware configuration.

VxRail naming standards target specific objectives with each model. Newer VxRail models use a naming standard that is more closely aligned with PowerEdge naming standards. This naming standard now uses a two-character prefix instead of a single character. The naming standard consolidates three target objectives from the previous standard under a single model series.

The following table describes VxRail model objectives:

Table 1. VxRail model descriptionsVxRail model descriptions
VxRail modelsDescription
E SeriesProvides balanced compute and storage.
V SeriesProvides virtual desktop enablement with support for GPUs.
P SeriesProvides high performance.
S SeriesProvides dense storage.
VE-SeriesBalances compute and storage requirements.
VP-SeriesSupports multiple business objectives, including high performance, storage density, and GPUs.
VD-SeriesProvides ruggedized, short-depth, sled-based models for space optimization.
The following figures show physical network port options for the VxRail models:
Figure 1. Back view of VxRail E-Series VE-Series nodes. Back view of VxRail E-Series VE-Series nodes
Back view of VxRail E-Series Node
With the 1U rack mount models such as the VE-Series and E-Series, you can use PCIe slots for network expansion. Certain models support low-profile PCIe slots and full-height PCIe slots. The number and type of slots on each node depend on the configured hardware options and support for the GPUs.
Figure 2. Back view of VxRail VP-, V-, P-, and S-Series nodes. Back view of VxRail VP-, V-, P-, and S-Series nodes
Back view of VxRail V-, P-, and S-Series Node
The 2U models offer a higher number of PCIe slots compared to 1U models. When you order 2U models, you can configure them to address use cases that can reduce the number of available PCIe slots. For instance, network expansion options are reduced when slots are populated with storage devices or GPUs.
Figure 3. Back view of VxRail VD-Series rackable and stackable chassis options. Back view of VxRail VD-Series rackable and stackable chassis options
Back view of VxRail VD-Series chassis with installed sleds

The VxRail VD-Series supportst 1U and 2U size sleds. Both sled options are supported in rackable chassis or stackable chassis. Only the 2U sleds support network expansion outside of the onboard Ethernet ports through PCIe slots.


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