Deploying VMware Cloud Director and configuring VCD Primary Cell

Deploying and configuring VMware Cloud Director (VCD) involves several steps. Below is a general guide to deploying and configuring VCD cells. Remember that the process may evolve, so always refer to the official VMware documentation for the most up-to-date information.

the VMware Cloud Director Appliance architecture typically involves the deployment of one or more instances of the VMware Cloud Director Appliance to form a server group. Each instance of the appliance runs a collection of services called a VMware Cloud Director cell, and all cells share a single VMware Cloud Director database and transfer server storage. The deployment can include a primary cell, standby cells, and additional application cells, depending on the desired configuration and high availability requirements.

Download VMware Cloud Director:

Obtain the VMware Cloud Director installation package from the VMware website. https://customerconnect.vmware.com/downloads/details?downloadGroup=VSPP_VCD10411&productId=1312

Deploying the VMware Cloud Director Appliance:

1.?????? Using the vSphere Client, deploy the OVF template for the VMware Cloud Director Appliance

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2.?????? Enter the necessary details such as the appliance name, network settings, and resource allocation during the deployment process.

It's important to consider the specific requirements and recommendations outlined in the official VMware Cloud Director documentation, as they may provide more detailed and up-to-date information. Additionally, when deploying VMware Cloud Director in a production environment, it's advisable to perform capacity planning based on the expected workload and scalability requirements. Here are some considerations for a small-scale VMware Cloud Director POC

Production NIC -> pg-SA-Production

The external network is used for communication with external services, such as DNS, NTP, and LDAP servers.

Configure the external network settings on each VCD cell to ensure proper connectivity to these services. Backed-end NIC -> pg-SA-Management

VCD cells require connectivity to the management network. This network is used for communication between VCD cells, the database server, vCenter Server, and other management components.

Ensure that the management network has adequate bandwidth and low latency for efficient communication.

Networks must be placed on separate subnets!

In section VCD Appliance Settings, you have to configure the Appliance details such as NTP Server, root password, and network details (DNS server, Domain name, IP address, gateway, and Subnet mask) for both eth0 and eth01 interfaces.

Power on the newly created VM when deployment is completed

You configure the primary VMware Cloud Director appliance in the appliance management UI.

1. Open a new browser tab and enter https://172.20.10.103:5480 to log in to the appliance management UI of the primary appliance instance

Regarding the steps and considerations for preparing NFS for VMware Cloud Director (vCD), I recommend checking VMware's official documentation specific to your vCD version. https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Cloud-Director/10.4/VMware-Cloud-Director-Install-Configure-Upgrade-Guide/GUID-BCC3CFF0-E85A-450C-8A5E-3723DFC1A093.html

The VMware Cloud Director (VCD) installation ID is used to ensure the uniqueness of network addressing and network traffic. It is the ID of the entire VCD installation, not of a single cell, and must be the same for all the cells in the installation. When generating MAC addresses for virtual NICs, the installation ID is used as part of the process to ensure uniqueness. By default, the installation ID is set to "vcd1" or "1" during the installation process,

If your deployment is successful, the Embedded Database Availability and Service tabs appear.

Absolutely, and I appreciate your understanding. The information I've shared here is meant to offer general guidance and insights. However, for specific and accurate details regarding any product, especially complex systems like VMware Cloud Director, it's always recommended to refer to the official product documentation provided by VMware. The product documentation contains the most up-to-date and comprehensive information, including step-by-step guides, best practices, and changes introduced in newer versions.

Eslam Amin...