VMware has released a paper titled:"Creating a VMware Software-Defined Data Center". The paper which contains 29 pages describes a reference architecture for a Software Defined Data Center (SDDC) using VMware vCloud Suite Enterprise 5.8, VMware NSX for vSphere 6.1, VMware IT Business Management Suite Standard Edition 1.1, and VMware vCenter Log Insight 2.0.
The design uses three cluster types, each with its own distinct function. It provides a management plane that is separate from the user workload virtual machines. In addition, it leverages an edge cluster, which provides dedicated compute resources for network services such as edge routers; these provide access to the corporate network and the Internet.
The design simplifies the network configuration by eliminating the need to trunk a large number of VLANs to all hosts. Virtual machine–to–virtual machine and virtual machine–to–edge traffic utilizes the NSX for vSphere distributed logical router, which is implemented as a kernel module in each ESXi host. Virtual machines are secured on the network, using the NSX for vSphere distributed firewall, which is also implemented as a kernel module. This enables firewall rules to be enforced before any traffic is put on the wire.
The paper contains the following sections:
- Executive Summary
- Audience
- Overview
- VMware Software Components
- Architectural Overview
- Physical Component Details
- Software-Defined Data Center Component Details
- SDDC Operational Configuration
Thanks to Eric Sloof for providing the news