In vSphere, you can create standard networks and distributed networks. Standard networks provide a method of communication among the virtual machines on a standalone host and consist of standard switches and port groups. Distributed networks aggregate the networking capabilities of multiple hosts and enable virtual machines to keep consistent network configuration as they migrate across hosts. Distributed networks consist of vSphere Distributed Switches, uplink port groups, and port groups.

Prerequisites

  • Open a vSphere Client connection to a vCenter Server.
  • Verify that you have sufficient permissions to create a distributed switch.
  • Verify that a host exists in the inventory.

Procedure

  1. Select Home > Inventory > Networking view, and select a data center.
  2. Right-click on the data center and select New vSphere Distributed Switch.
  3. Select the vSphere Distributed Switch Version and click Next.
  4. In the General section, type a name for the switch.
  5. Specify the maximum number of uplink ports (physical adapters per host) and click Next.
  6. Select Add now to add hosts and their physical adapters to the switch.
    Select Add later to add hosts and their physical adapters to the switch after the vSphere Distributed Switch has been created.
  7. Select the hosts to add in the Host/Physical adapters section and click Next.
  8. Select Automatically create a default port group to automatically create a port group and click Finish.

Results

A vSphere Distributed Switch, with its associated uplink ports and port groups, is added to the inventory.

What to do next

  • Add hosts to the switch.
  • Add port groups to the switch.
  • Edit switch properties.