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Chapter 2 vCenter Server Heartbeat Installation
 Each virtual machine used in the V2V pair must be on a separate ESX host to guard against failure at the
host level.
 Each virtual NIC must use a separate virtual switch.
Physical to Virtual (P2V)
The P2V architecture is used when the environment requires a mix of physical and virtual machines. The
Secondary virtual machine must meet the minimum requirements.
 The specifications of the Secondary virtual machine must match the Primary physical server as follows:
 Similar CPU
 Identical Memory
 OS version and Service Pack
 The Secondary virtual machine must have sufficient priority in resource management settings so that
other virtual machines do not impact its performance.
 Each virtual NIC must use a separate virtual switch.
Physical to Physical (P2P)
P2P architecture is used in environments where both the Primary and Secondary servers are physical servers.
Use of P2P limits the installation options as it requires use of the Install Clone technique. This architecture
requires attention to detail when preparing for installation as both hardware and software must meet specific
prerequisites.
Primary Server
The Primary server must meet the hardware and software requirements specified in “Common Requirements”
on page 11.
Secondary Server
The Secondary server operates as a near clone of the Primary server and must meet the following
requirements.
Hardware
Hardware should be equivalent to the Primary server to ensure adequate performance when the server is in
the active role:
 Similar CPU.
 Similar memory.
 Identical number of NICs to the Primary server.
 Drive letters must match the Primary server.
 Available disk space must be greater than or equal to the Primary server.
 Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) compliance must match the Primary server. The
vCenter Server Heartbeat Standard implementation process assumes identical ACPI compliance on both
machines. If not, contact VMware Support at www.vmware.com/support for further information.
Software
Software on the Secondary server must meet the following requirements.
 OS version and Service Pack version must match the Primary server.
 OS must be installed to the same driver letter and directory as on the Primary server.
 Machine name must be different from the Primary server prior to installing vCenter Server Heartbeat.