Migrating vCenter Server to a Different Data Center and Subnet

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

This article provides a structured guide on migrating a vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) from one physical data center to another where the network segment (IP address, Gateway, DNS) will change.

While vCenter can be cloned or moved across data centers, specific pre-migration and post-migration steps are required to ensure the appliance remains functional and manageable in its new environment.

Environment

VMware vCenter Server

Resolution

Prerequisites & Preparation

Before initiating the migration, the following steps are mandatory to prevent data loss or service disruption:

• File-Based Backup: Log in to the vCenter Appliance Management Interface (VAMI) at https://<vcenter-fqdn>:5480 and perform a complete file-based backup.
• DNS Configuration: Update the DNS servers in the target data center.
• Pre-configure the FQDN for the vCenter.
• Ensure both Forward and Reverse (PTR) records are set up for the new IP address.
• vDS Configuration Backup: Although Distributed Switches (vDS) are maintained by the ESXi hosts, export the vDS configuration as a backup before moving the vCenter.

 

Migration Workflow

1. Move the Virtual Machine

1. Shut down the source vCenter VM.
2. Move the VM to the new data center using one of the following methods:
• Cloning: Clone the VM to a host/storage in the new data center.
• Export/Import: Export the vCenter as an OVF template and deploy it in the new environment.

NOTE: This migration workflow is also valid for relocations where the IP address and FQDN do not change. In such cases, the Step 2: Reconfigure Network Identity (CLI) section can be skipped. The vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) will automatically resume communication with its managed inventory upon power-on in the new location, provided that the underlying network infrastructure (VLANs, routing, and firewall rules) allows for the same connectivity as the source data center

2. Reconfigure Network Identity (CLI)

Once the VM is powered on in the new data center, you will likely lose network connectivity. You need reconfigure the IP settings via the VM Console.

Steps to access the Shell:

1. Log in to DCUI: Open the VM Console, press F2, and enter the root credentials.
2. Enable Shell:
• Navigate to Troubleshooting Mode Options.
• Select Enable ESXi Shell and press Enter to set it to Enabled.
3. Enter Bash Shell:
• Press Alt + F1 to switch to the command-line login prompt.
• Log in as root.
• At the Command> prompt, type shell and press Enter to enter the BASH environment.

Steps to change IP settings: Run the following command to launch the network configuration utility:

/opt/vmware/share/vami/vami_config_net

Follow the interactive menu to update:

• IP Address
• Subnet Mask
• Default Gateway
• DNS Server(s)

Reference:
Best practices for changing the IP address of vCenter Server (379742)