VSAN network considerations

As a distributed storage layer, VSAN is exceedingly dependent on robust and reliable networking. In keeping with this, VSAN requires specific networking configurations and some non-mandatory optimizations that can be put in place to improve VSAN's performance and reliability. This appendix will discuss these considerations.

Uplinks

For redundancy and reliability, the VSAN vmkernel network interface should be backed by at least two network adapters.

For host configurations with comparatively few NICs (such as hosts with the straightforward and common 2x10GbE configuration), the VSAN portgroup should be able to access both interfaces.

If bandwidth management is a consideration (for example, to balance VSAN network demands against management and VM workloads when everything shares two or more NICs), strongly consider implementing Network IO control in the vSphere Distributed Switch. Regardless of the vCenter license level, the activation of a VSAN license automatically...