Specifications

Using vCenter Server in Linked Mode 5
You can join multiple vCenter Server systems using vCenter Linked Mode to allow them to share information.
When a server is connected to other vCenter Server systems using Linked Mode, you can connect to that
vCenter Server system and view and manage the inventories of the linked vCenter Server systems.
Linked Mode uses Microsoft Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM) to store and synchronize data across
multiple vCenter Server systems. ADAM is installed as part of vCenter Server installation. Each ADAM
instance stores data from the vCenter Server systems in the group, including information about roles and
licenses. This information is replicated across all of the ADAM instances in the connected group to keep them
in sync.
When vCenter Server systems are connected in Linked Mode, you can perform the following actions:
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Log in simultaneously to vCenter Server systems for which you have valid credentials.
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Search the inventories of the vCenter Server systems in the group.
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View the inventories of the vCenter Server systems in the group in a single inventory view.
You cannot migrate hosts or virtual machines between vCenter Server systems connected in Linked Mode.
For more information on troubleshooting Linked Mode groups, see the vSphere Troubleshooting documentation.
This chapter includes the following topics:
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“Linked Mode Prerequisites for vCenter Server,” on page 51
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“Linked Mode Considerations for vCenter Server,” on page 52
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“Join a Linked Mode Group After Installation,” on page 53
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“Reconciling Roles When Connecting vCenter Server to a Linked Mode Group,” on page 54
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“Isolate a vCenter Server Instance from a Linked Mode Group,” on page 54
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“Change the Domain of a vCenter Server System in a Linked Mode Group,” on page 54
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“Configure the URLs on a Linked Mode vCenter Server System,” on page 55
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“Monitor vCenter Server Services,” on page 55
Linked Mode Prerequisites for vCenter Server
Prepare the vCenter Server system for joining a Linked Mode group.
Before joining a vCenter Server to a Linked Mode group, review “Linked Mode Considerations for vCenter
Server,” on page 52.
All the requirements for standalone vCenter Server systems apply to Linked Mode systems.
VMware, Inc.
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