Architecture

I often think of vRealize Infrastructure Navigator as an extension to vSphere, to provide the additional functionality listed in the previous section.

The solution is installed as a virtual appliance and is connected to a vCenter Server. The virtual appliance collects information from vCenter regarding the applications and services running on the hosted Virtual Machines and the TCP/UDP ports through which these applications, and services communicate.

This information is gathered directly from the Virtual Machines by VMware Tools, using the VIX API.

Tip

There is a one-to-one mapping of Virtual Infrastructure Navigator appliance to vCenter. You will need to install one appliance for every vCenter that you have.

An illustration of the entire technical architecture can be seen from the following screenshot, taken from the Virtual Infrastructure Navigator's online help documentation: