Designing for VMkernel services

VMkernel interfaces are configured to provide network connectivity for services in the vSphere environment. VMkernels provide network paths for service connectivity. Multiple VMkernel interfaces can be created to provide physical or logical separation for these services.

How to do it…

  1. Identify services that require a VMkernel interface.
  2. Create a VMkernel interface to support the service.
  3. Enable services on the VMkernel interface.

How it works…

Most vSphere services require a VMkernel interface to provide network connectivity. These services include the following:

  • ESXi management
  • vMotion
  • Fault tolerance
  • Virtual SAN
  • vSphere replication
  • IP storage (NFS, iSCSI, FCoE)

Multiple services can share a single VMkernel port, or the services ...

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