Multi-Site ESXi Host Requirements
Article ID: 450622
Updated On:
Products
Issue/Introduction
Minimum number of ESXi hosts required to deploy VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9 in a multi-site environment consisting of a Production site and a Disaster Recovery (DR) site. Confirm if a configuration using 2 hosts at each site (4 hosts total) is supported for VCF deployment.
Environment
- VMware Cloud Foundation 9.x
- VMware vSAN 9.x
Cause
VMware Cloud Foundation Management Domains require a strict minimum host count to maintain high availability and support the automated lifecycle management of critical components (vCenter Server, SDDC Manager, and NSX Managers). A 2+2 host configuration does not meet the architectural requirements for a stretched vSAN cluster.
Resolution
Follow these requirements for a supported VCF 9 deployment:
Standard Single-Site Deployment : Allocate a minimum of 4 ESXi hosts for the Management Domain in a single availability zone.
Stretched Multi-Site Deployment: Allocate a minimum of 8 ESXi hosts for a Management Domain stretched across two sites. This requires 4 hosts at the Production site and 4 hosts at the DR site.
Existing Host Preparation: Utilize existing ESXi hosts only if hardware meets minimum specifications, including 10Gbps+ NICs and vSAN-ready storage. Ensure all remnant vSAN metadata is removed from previously commissioned hosts before starting the VCF deployment process.
Additional Information
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