Specifications

Create Datacenter-Wide Networks

In vSphere, you can create standard networks and distributed networks. Standard networks provide a method

of communication among the virtual machines on a standalone host and consist of standard switches and port

groups. Distributed networks aggregate the networking capabilities of multiple hosts and enable virtual

machines to keep consistent network configuration as they migrate across hosts. Distributed networks consist

of vSphere Distributed Switches, uplink port groups, and port groups.

Prerequisites

Open a vSphere Client connection to a vCenter Server.

Verify that you have sufficient permissions to create a standard switch.

Verify that a host exists in the inventory.

Procedure

1 Select Home > Inventory > Networking view, and select a datacenter.

2 Click New vNetwork Distributed Switch in the toolbar.

3 Select a version and click Next.

4 Enter a display name for the switch.

5 Specify the maximum number of physical adapters per host (uplink ports) and click Next.

6 Add hosts and their physical network adapters to the switch and click Next.

7 Choose whether you want vSphere to automatically create a port group and click Finish.

A vSphere Distributed Switch, with its associated uplink ports and port groups, is added to the inventory.

What to do next

Add hosts to the switch.

Add port groups to the switch.

Edit switch properties.

Edit General vSphere Distributed Switch Settings

You can edit the general settings for a vSphere distributed switch, such as the distributed switch name and the

number of uplink ports on the distributed switch.

Procedure

1 Log in to the vSphere Client and select the Networking inventory view.

2 Right-click the vSphere distributed switch in the inventory pane, and select Edit Settings.

3 Select General to edit the vSphere distributed switch settings.

Option Description

Name

Type the name for the distributed switch.

Number of Uplink Ports

Select the number of uplink ports for the distributed switch.

Notes

Type any notes for the distributed switch.

Chapter 6 Organizing Your Inventory

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