Modernizing your infrastructure and gaining the benefits of a full-stack, software-defined data center (SDDC) is a key goal for many organizations. Converting your existing vSphere environment to VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) allows you to achieve this, automating the deployment and lifecycle management of your infrastructure. This post will guide you through the process, providing the necessary technical insights and resources.

Understanding the Conversion Process

The conversion, often referred to as a “brownfield” deployment, transforms your existing vSphere environment into a VCF-managed SDDC. This process leverages the brownfield.py script and the SDDC Manager to automate the transition.

Prerequisites

Before initiating the conversion, ensure your environment meets the following prerequisites:

• vCenter Server:
  • Version: 8.0 U3c or later.
  • Ensure the vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) is healthy and functioning correctly.
• ESXi Hosts:
  • Version: 8.0 U3c or later.
  • Verify hardware compatibility with the target VCF version using the VMware Compatibility Guide.
  • All hosts must be on the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) for the target VCF version.
• Networking:
  • Proper DNS configuration with forward and reverse lookup zones.
  • NTP server synchronization.
  • Sufficient IP address ranges for management, workload, and NSX-T components.
  • VLANs available for management, workload, and NSX-T overlay networks.
  • MTU consistency across the network.
• Storage:
  • vSAN health check (if applicable).
  • VMFS compatibility.
  • Storage policies should be understood before conversion.
• Licensing:
  • Valid vSphere and NSX licenses.
• Software Downloads:
  • SDDC Manager OVA: Download the latest SDDC Manager OVA from the VMware Customer Connect portal.
    • VMware Customer Connect
  • VCF Import Tool: This tool is usually included in the SDDC manager download package.
  • NSX-T Bundle: Download the appropriate NSX-T bundle for your target VCF version.
    • Again, this can be found at the VMware Customer Connect portal.
• NSX-T Configuration File:
  • NSX-T JSON configuration file. This file is critical for NSX-T deployment, and includes network information, licenses, and deployment sizes.

Conversion Steps

1. Pre-Check with brownfield.py:
   • Download the brownfield.py script. This script is usually provided by VMware.
   • Run the pre-check script on your vCenter Server to identify any prerequisites that need to be addressed.
     • Example command: python brownfield.py --precheck -u <vCenter_username> -p <vCenter_password>
   • Analyze the output and remediate any issues.
2. Prepare the NSX-T Configuration File:
   • Populate the NSX-T JSON file with the necessary configuration details, including:
     • NSX-T license keys.
     • Deployment size (small, medium, large).
     • Network configurations (IP addresses, VLANs).
     • DNS and NTP server information.
     • Edge node information, if required.
3. Deploy the SDDC Manager:
   • Deploy the SDDC Manager OVA to your vSphere environment.
   • Configure the SDDC Manager with the necessary network settings.
   • Verify the SDDC manager is reachable, and that it shows that it is ready for the conversion process.
4. Run the Conversion:
   • Upload the VCF import tooling to the SDDC Manager.
   • Log in to the SDDC Manager via SSH.
   • Execute the brownfield.py script with the convert command, providing the necessary parameters, including:
     • Domain name.
     • Path to the NSX-T JSON file.
     • vCenter Server credentials.
     • SDDC manager password.
     • Example command: python /opt/vmware/vcf/lcm/lcm-app/scripts/brownfield.py --convert -d <domain_name> -n <NSX_JSON_path> -u <vCenter_username> -p <vCenter_password> -w <SDDC_Manager_password>
   • Monitor the conversion process closely. This process automates the deployment of the new NSX-T environment.
   • Be prepared to provide input as the process continues.
5. Post-Conversion Tasks:
   • Verify the successful completion of the conversion in the SDDC Manager interface.
   • Verify the health of the NSX-T environment.
   • Validate vCenter Server integration.
   • Create workload domains as needed.
   • Apply any needed patches, and updates.
   • Test all critical workloads.

Key Technical Considerations

• Network Segmentation: Proper network segmentation is crucial for NSX-T and VCF.
• DNS and NTP: Ensure reliable DNS and NTP services.
• MTU: Maintain consistent MTU sizes across the network.
• Logging: Regularly review logs for troubleshooting.
• API Interactions: Understand how the SDDC Manager uses APIs to interact with vSphere and NSX-T.

Troubleshooting

• Analyze SDDC Manager, NSX-T, and ESXi logs.
• Use API debugging tools.
• Consult the VMware knowledge base.
• Engage VMware support if necessary.

Converting your vSphere environment to VCF offers significant benefits, including automation, simplified management, and improved scalability. By carefully following these steps and addressing the prerequisites, you can successfully transform your data center.