5.5

vSphere VXLAN networks provide the following benefits.
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Logical networks spanning layer 3 boundaries
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Logical networks spanning multiple racks on a single layer 2
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Broadcast containment
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Higher performance
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Greater scale (up to 16 million network addresses)
For more information about VXLAN in a vCloud environment, see the vShield Administration Guide.
Add a Network Pool That Is Backed by VLAN IDs
You can add a VLAN-backed network pool to register vSphere VLAN IDs for vCloud Director to use. A
VLAN-backed network pool provides the best security, scalability, and performance for organization virtual
datacenter networks.
Prerequisites
Verify that a range of VLAN IDs and a vSphere distributed switch are available in vSphere. The VLAN IDs
must be valid IDs that are configured in the physical switch to which the ESX/ESXi servers are connected.
CAUTION The VLANs must be isolated at the layer 2 level. Failure to properly isolate the VLANs can cause a
disruption on the network.
Procedure
1 Click the Manage & Monitor tab and click Network Pools in the left pane.
2 Click Add Network Pool.
3 Select VLAN-backed and click Next.
4 Type a range of VLAN IDs and click Add.
You can create one network for each VLAN ID.
5 Select a vCenter Server and vSphere distributed switch and click Next.
6 Type a name and optional description for the network and click Next.
7 Review the network pool settings and click Finish.
What to do next
You can now create an organization virtual datacenter network that is backed by the network pool or
associate the network pool with an organization virtual datacenter and create vApp networks.
Add a Network Pool Backed by vSphere Port Groups
You can add a network pool backed by port groups to register vSphere port groups for vCloud Director to
use. Unlike other types of network pools, a port group-backed network pool does not require a vSphere
distributed switch and can support port groups associated with third-party distributed switches.
CAUTION The port groups must be isolated from all other port groups at the layer 2 level. The port groups
must be physically isolated or must be isolated by using VLAN tags. Failure to properly isolate the port
groups can cause a disruption on the network.
vCloud Director Administrator's Guide
22 VMware, Inc.