vCenter Server IP address change best practices

Products

VMware vCenter Server VMware vCenter Server 7.0 VMware vCenter Server 8.0

Issue/Introduction

Changing the network configuration of a VMware vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA) requires specific pre-requisites to prevent loss of connectivity and avoid service disruption.

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 7.x
VMware vCenter Server 8.x

Cause

The IP address of vCenter may be changed to reflect a new networking scheme.

Resolution

Follow these Best Practices when making IP address changes to vCenter Server:

Take an offline (powered off) snapshot of the vCenter server prior to making any changes
Take a full backup of the vCenter Server Appliance
- - File-based backup option for VCSA
  - Image-based backup option for VCSA

If the vCenter Server is in Enhanced Linked Mode (ELM), make sure to perform offline snapshots for every one of the VCSAs in linked mode at the same time

Verify that the system name of the appliance is an FQDN and not an IP address
Ensure forward/reverse DNS entries have been created for the new IP address of vCenter
If the vCenter Server is connected via a Distributed Switch see KBs:
Migrating ESXi host networking from Distributed Switch (vDS) to Standard Switch (vSS) via CLI
Moving vCenter Server to an ephemeral port group on a vSphere Distributed Switch
- - Caution! If using LACP, disable LACP from the physical switch ports before removing an uplink on a VDS
  - vCenter Server manages the Distributed Switch, creating a circular dependency. Changing the IP address of vCenter while on a Distributed Switch will cause network loss
  - For details on ephemeral port binding, see article: Static (non-ephemeral) or ephemeral port binding on a vSphere Distributed Switch

Second and third party solutions must be re-registered following any IPv4 or IPv6 address change

To change IP of the vCenter, follow see this KB:
- Configure the DNS, IP Address, and Proxy Settings
Changing the vCenter IP.
- Open the vCenter VAMI at https://<vCenter_FQDN>:5480 in a browser tab where <vCenter_FQDN> is the FQDN is the vCenter server.
Navigate to Advanced Settings and enter the new IP in VirtualCenter.AutoManagedIPV4.

The IP of vCenter has now been changed.

Additional Information

Verify runtime settings on vCenter: Verify that the vCenter Server managed address field is reflecting the NEW IP address using KB: Changing vCenter Server IP address causes ESXi hosts to disconnect.
If the error "Unable to save settings. Check internet connection and server status" is encountered while saving the new IP on the VAMI, refer to KB: Changing IP address of VCSA using VAMI fails with "Unable to save settings. Check internet connection and server status"

Further references: