Physically separate data and management networks (CentOS, Citrix, Docker, Red Hat KVM, Rocky, Ubuntu, VMware ESXi, or Windows Hyper-V)

In this topology, the data network and management network are physically separate networks. Management communications between Lenovo XClarity Administrator and the network occurs over the Eth0 network interface on the host. Data communications occurs over the Eth1 network interface.

Before you begin

Ensure that all appropriate ports are enabled, including ports that XClarity Administrator requires (see Port availability).

Ensure that the minimum required firmware is installed on each device that you intend to manage using XClarity Administrator. You can find minimum required firmware levels from the XClarity Administrator Support – Compatibility webpage by clicking the Compatibility tab and then clicking the link for the appropriate device types..

Important

Configure the devices and components in ways that minimize IP address changes. Consider using static IP addresses instead of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). If DHCP is used, ensure that IP address changes are minimized.

About this task

The following figure illustrates one way to set up your environment when the data and management networks are physically different networks. The numbers in the figure correspond to the numbered steps in the following sections.

Note

This figure does not depict all cabling options that might be required for your environment. Instead, this figure shows only the cabling-option requirements for the Flex switches, CMMs, and rack servers as they relate to setting up physically separate data and management networks.

Tip

Instead of setting up two physical switches that are connected to each network for redundancy (for a total of four switches), you can set up a single physical switch that is connected to each network (for a total of two switches). In that case, each switch would be connected to both networks, and you would implement two VLANs: one for the data network and one for the management network, to segregate data traffic.

Figure 1. Sample physically separate data and management network topology for a virtual appliance
Illustrates a physically separate data and management network in an ESXi, Hyper-V, KVM, or Citrix environment.

Illustrates a physically separate data and management network in an ESXi, Hyper-V, KVM, or Citrix environment.

Figure 2. Sample physically separate data and management network topology for containers
Illustrates a physically separate data and management network in an container environment.

Illustrates a physically separate data and management network in an container environment.

If you intend to install XClarity Administrator to manage existing chassis and rack servers that have already been configured, proceed to Step 5: Install and configure the host.

For additional information about planning for this topology, including information about network settings and Eth1 and Eth0 configuration, see Physically separate data and management network.

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