Create a Logical Switch Port In Manager Mode

A logical switch has multiple switch ports. A logical switch port connects another network component, a VM, or a container to a logical switch.

If you connect a VM to a logical switch on an ESXi host that is managed by VMware vCenter, a logical switch port is created automatically. For more information about connecting a VM to a logical switch, see Connecting a VM to a Logical Switch in Manager Mode.

For more information about connecting a container to a logical switch, see the NSX Container Plugin for Kubernetes - Installation and Administration Guide.

Note: The IP address and MAC address bound to a logical switch port for a container are allocated by NSX Manager. Do not change the address binding manually.

To monitor activity on a logical switch port, see Monitor a Logical Switch Port Activity in Manager Mode.

Prerequisites

• Verify that a logical switch is created. See Logical Switches in Manager Mode.

• Verify that Manager mode is selected in the NSX Manager user interface. See NSX Manager. If you do not see the Policy and Manager mode buttons, see Configure the User Interface Settings.

Procedure

1. With admin privileges, log in to NSX Manager.
2. Select Networking > Logical Switches > Ports > Add.
3. In the General tab, complete the port details.

   Option	Description
   Name and Description	Enter a name and optionally a description.
   Logical Switch	Select a logical switch from the drop-down menu.
   Admin Status	Select Up or Down.
   Attachment Type	Select None or VIF. Select VIF if this port is for connecting to a VM.
   Attachment ID	If the attachment type is VIF, enter the attachment ID.

   Using the API, you can set the attachment type to additional values ( LOGICALROUTER, BRIDGEENDPOINT, DHCP_SERVICE, METADATA_PROXY, L2VPN_SESSION). If the attachment type is DHCP service, metadata proxy, or L2 VPN session, the switching profiles for the port must be the default ones. You cannot use any user-defined profile.
4. (Optional) In the Switching Profiles tab, select switching profiles.
5. Click Save.