5.1

vCloud Director Hardware and Software Requirements
Each server in a vCloud Director server group must meet certain hardware and software requirements. In
addition, a supported database must be accessible to all members of the group. Each server group requires
access to a vCenter server, a vShield Manager server, and one or more ESX/ESXi hosts.
Supported vCenter Server, ESX/ESXi, and vShield Manager Versions
Current information about supported vCenter Server, ESX/ESXi, and vShield Manager versions is available
from the VMware Product Interoperability Matrixes at
http://partnerweb.vmware.com/comp_guide/sim/interop_matrix.php.
vSphere Configuration Requirements
vCenter servers and ESX/ESXi hosts intended for use with vCloud Director must meet specific configuration
requirements.
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vCenter networks intended for use as vCloud Director external networks or network pools must be
available to all hosts in any cluster intended for vCloud Director to use. Making these networks available
to all hosts in a datacenter simplifies the task of adding new vCenter servers to vCloud Director.
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vSphere Distributed Switches must be used for cross-host fencing and network pool allocation.
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vCenter clusters used with vCloud Director must be configured to use automated DRS. Automated DRS
requires shared storage attached to all hosts in a DRS cluster.
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vCenter servers must trust their ESX/ESXi hosts. All hosts in all clusters managed by vCloud Director
must be configured to require verified host certificates. In particular, you must determine, compare, and
select matching thumbprints for all hosts. See Configure SSL Settings in the vCenter Server and Host
Management documentation.
vSphere Licensing Requirements
vCloud Director requires the following vSphere licenses:
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VMware DRS, licensed by vSphere Enterprise and Enterprise Plus.
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VMware Distributed Switch and dvFilter, licensed by vSphere Enterprise Plus. This license enables
creation and use of vCloud Director isolated networks.
Supported vCloud Director Server Operating Systems
Table 1-1. Supported vCloud Director Server Operating Systems
Operating System
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 (64 bit), Update 4
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 (64 bit), Update 5
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 (64 bit), Update 6
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 (64 bit), Update 8
Chapter 1 Overview of vCloud Director Installation, Configuration, and Upgrade
VMware, Inc. 9