OVF Template Deployment Resets 'Encrypted vMotion' and 'Encrypted FT' to Opportunistic

Products

• VMware vCenter Server
• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• Virtual machines deployed from an OVF template may not retain certain configurations that existed on the original virtual machine prior to the creation of the template.

Example:

A local Virtual machine template with Encryption settings for 'Encrypted vMotion' and 'Encrypted FT' set to Regular had been cloned to a Content Library as OVF Template.

Virtual machines deployed from the previously cloned Content Library Template will have the Encryption settings for 'Encrypted vMotion' and 'Encrypted FT' set to default value "Opportunistic".

• Virtual machines deployed from a VM template will retain the configurations.
• Same behavior is observed if the virtual machines are deployed from VM template or OVF templates in the Content Library.

Environment

• VC 7.x, 8.x
• VCF 9.0
• VVF 9.0

Cause

This behavior is expected across all vSphere versions because OVF templates lack placeholders in their OVF configuration files for VM options and advanced configurations like 'Encrypted vMotion' and 'Encrypted FT' settings.

Resolution

• VM Templates retain all advanced configuration settings identical to those of a standard virtual machine.
• Use VM Template to deploy virtual machines with 'Encrypted vMotion' and 'Encrypted FT' settings preconfigured as "Required".
• To place a VM template in the Content Library, clone the virtual machine directly into the Content Library. The cloned entity will be stored in the Templates > VM Templates in the Content Library.

Steps to clone a virtual machine as a VM template to Content Library. 

• • • In the vSphere client, right on the virtual machine. 
    • In the Actions menu, click on Clone.
    • Next click on Clone as Template to Library.

Additional Information

Refer: Clone a Virtual Machine or a Virtual Machine Template to a Template in a Content Library