Setting Up a Virtual Switch in eEVOS
In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up a Virtual Switch in eEVOS. A Virtual Switch offers a more advanced and flexible networking solution compared to a Virtual Network, making it ideal for environments with complex VLAN configurations or multiple network requirements. By using uplink ports, a Virtual Switch allows for better traffic management and more granular control over your virtual machines’ (VMs) network connections.
What is a Virtual Switch?
A Virtual Switch in eEVOS functions like a physical network switch, but in a virtualized environment. It connects your VMs to the physical network infrastructure using uplink ports, which are unconfigured physical NICs on the host system. With a Virtual Switch, you can manage network traffic more effectively, configure VLANs directly on the virtual NICs of your VMs, and achieve better load balancing and redundancy.
Key Benefits:
- Advanced VLAN Management: Virtual Switches allow you to set up and manage VLANs directly on each VM’s virtual NIC, providing better network isolation and segmentation.
- Traffic Control: By using uplink ports, Virtual Switches enable more precise control over network traffic and better load balancing.
- Scalability: Virtual Switches are ideal for larger and more complex network environments, offering the flexibility needed to grow with your infrastructure.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Virtual Switch
To set up a Virtual Switch in eEVOS, follow these steps:
1. Access the Virtual Switch Configuration
Start by navigating to the “Network” section in the eEVOS management interface. Then, click on “Virtual Networks” and select “Create Virtual Network.” Instead of selecting a Virtual Network, you will choose to create a Virtual Switch.
2. Select Virtual Network Type
In the next step, you will be prompted to select the network type. Choose “Virtual Switch” to enable advanced network management features, including the use of uplink ports and VLAN configurations.
3. Select Uplink Ports on Each Node
You will now select the uplink ports on each node. These are the physical NICs that will connect the Virtual Switch to the external network. Unlike Virtual Networks, the uplink ports used by a Virtual Switch must not be configured at all. This ensures that these ports are fully dedicated to handling the network traffic managed by the Virtual Switch.
**Note:** The selected uplink ports should be physically connected to the correct network infrastructure, such as switches or routers, to ensure proper network functionality.
4. Completion
After selecting the uplink ports, the setup of your Virtual Switch is complete. The newly created Virtual Switch will now appear in the Virtual Networks overview. You can now assign this switch to the virtual NICs of your VMs, enabling them to leverage advanced networking features such as VLAN tagging and enhanced traffic management.
4. Assigning the Virtual Switch and VLANs to the Virtual Network Port
In the properties of the VM you can now assign this switch to the virtual network port and also define VLANs.
You can also assign ranges of VLANs. For example 5-10.
Once your Virtual Switch is set up, you can assign it to the virtual network port within the VM’s properties. This allows you to define specific VLANs or ranges of VLANs for that particular port, giving you granular control over network traffic.
Assigning VLANs:
- Single VLAN: You can assign a single VLAN to the virtual network port by specifying the VLAN ID.
- VLAN Range: For more complex configurations, you can assign a range of VLANs. For example, entering 5-10 will allow traffic for VLANs 5 through 10 on that port.
- Custom Tagging: If you need to tag most VLANs but leave one untagged, you can use comma-separated values. For instance, if you want VLAN 5 to be untagged while all others are tagged, you can specify the range 1-4,6-4094 and set VLAN 5 as untagged.
This flexibility enables you to fine-tune the network behavior of your VMs according to your specific requirements, ensuring that your network configuration aligns with your overall infrastructure design.
Best Practices for Virtual Switches
- Proper Uplink Configuration: Ensure that the physical NICs selected as uplinks are connected to the appropriate network segments and switches to avoid connectivity issues.
- VLAN Tagging: Take advantage of VLAN tagging on the virtual NICs of your VMs to organize and segment network traffic efficiently.
- Redundancy and Load Balancing: If possible, use network bonding to provide redundancy and load balancing, ensuring network resilience and performance.
By following these steps, you can easily set up and manage a Virtual Switch in eEVOS, providing your virtualized environment with robust and flexible networking capabilities. Whether you need to manage multiple VLANs, optimize network traffic, or scale your infrastructure, a Virtual Switch offers the control and scalability required for complex virtual environments.