vRA and NSX – Part 2, Staging Logical Networks

Automation, NSX, Tech200, VMware, vRA3 Comments

Introduction

A logical switch emulates a traditional network switch by creating logical networks that can be used to connected one or more vnics of a virtual machine to the corresponding logical network. In an NSX environment, logical switches are directly mapped to an available Transport Zone (VXLAN) and is stretched across all hosts and clustered configured with that VXLAN. Similarly, a Universal Logical Switch is deployed when used with Universal Transport Zones and can be stretched across hosts, clusters, and even vCenters. Logical switches are typically created and managed using the vSphere Web Client. Once created, machines can be logically wired to them for connectivity to other machines and/or upstream services (e.g. NSX Edge Services Gateway or Distributed Logical Router…or anything else wired to the resulting logical network). Thanks to the power of NSX, these networks can be spun up rapidly (albeit statically) and exist exclusively in the virtualization layer, saving countless management cycles and associated overhead (+ cost).

As you are well versed by now, NSX delivers the critical services needed for a modern network infrastructure while lifecycle automation of network and security services — from provisioning to decommissions (and everything in between) — are defined by the automation layer.…

Just Released!! Cloud Management for Dummies

Automation, Cloud, Management, Tech100, VMware, vRA, vROPS

I’m proud to announce the release of my first “Dummies” book!

A Cloud Management Platform (CMP) provides a unified platform for managing private, public, and hybrid cloud environments together with conventional and modern application architectures. Cloud Management for Dummies was written to guide organizations through some of the challenges of selecting a cloud management platform as they move from traditional IT to a more modern, automated, and governed infrastructure.

cmpdummies-title

About this Book

Cloud Management For Dummies is loaded with information that can help you understand and capitalize on cloud management. In plain and simple language, we explain what a cloud management platform is, why you need it, and which capabilities to demand in an enterprise solution. We also illustrate common use cases for CMP and guide you to the path to management in the hybrid cloud era.

Excerpt: Identifying the Market Context

Companies in all industries are responding to new opportunities to leverage big data and mobility to drive a better customer experience and a more productive work environment. Many companies are actively pursuing new business models and revenue streams that rely on digitizing and modernizing business processes.

The phenomenon of digitization, along with other structural changes in the business world, is driving the need to dramati- cally speed up application delivery.

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