How to Set Up the Smarts Server Manager for Software-Defined Networks (SDN) Feature

The Smarts Server Manager for Software-Defined Networks (SDN) feature probes the VMware NSX-T Manager to discover and monitor the virtual elements in your virtual network. This feature provides end-to-end visibility into SDN-based data center infrastructure. This article describes how to set up the Smarts Server Manager for Software-Defined Networks feature.

This article is for IT networking administrators.

The procedure in this article assumes that your Smart Assurance deployment includes:

• Smarts Server Manager (ESM) installed and operational. For example,

  • The Server Manager is configured to communicate with the IP Manager.

  • The Server Manager is configured with VMware read-only credentials for the NSX-T Manager.

  • The IP Manager can discover the ESX servers where the NSX-T manager is deployed.

  • The Server manager is configure with readonly credentials of vCenter server manager.

  • The IP Manager can discover the NSX Manager and vCenter server using ICMPONLY or ICMPSNMP mode.

    Discover all the ESX servers where NSX components are running like TransportNodes, EdgeNodes, ControllerNodes, NSX manager, EdgeGateway is running. Discover all network devices like Switch, Routers which carry tunnel / external traffic.

  • Discover NSX components like EdgeNode, ControllerNodes, EdgeGateways additionally in IP server as ICMPONLY Host.

• Global Console installed.

• Valid administrator credentials for your NSX-T Manager and the IP address of the host where the NSX Manager resides.

  For information about these prerequisites, consult the VMware Smart Assurance Installation Guide for SAM, IP, ESM, MPLS, and NPM Managers, the VMware Smart Assurance Server Manager User and Configuration Guide, and the VMware Smart Assurance Release Notes for SAM, IP, ESM, MPLS, and NPM, managers.