Enabling VLAN on PureFlex for ESXi servers

The IBM PureFlex System offering combines storage, networking, virtualization, and management into a single infrastructure. More information about IBM PureFlex System can be here

Through this guide we will go through the creation of VLAN on PureFlex switches [EN4093 & G8264-TOR] then we will configure it on the vSphere side. Assuming that VLAN is already trunked on the external physical switches

In this example, I will also assume that VLAN ID is 214 and The VLAN name is Development. I will assume also the VLAN is trunked on the external production switches which connect the PureFlex switches to production switches.

Adding new vlan on the Pureflex switches

1. Login the PureFlex switch you need using admin user
2. Use ena and conf t commands to start the configuration
3. Use vlan VLAN-ID command to create the required vlan
4. Use name VLAN-Name command to give the vlan the required name
5. Use member command to assign the vlan to the required switch ports
6. Use ena and wr commands to write and enable the configuration
7. Command sh vlan give you the list of vlans check the vlan was added

IBM-SW-C1>ena
IBM-SW-C1>conf t
IBM-SW-C1(config)#vlan 214
IBM-SW-C1(config)#name Development 
IBM-SW-C1(config)#member INTA2-INTB2,EXT1,EXt2
IBM-SW-C1(config)#ena
IBM-SW-C1(config)#wr

 Note: You can get the assigned ports for vlans by sh vlan command

Another way to configure VLAns is using IBM System Networking Switch Center. The process is described in “IBM Flex System in an IBM BladeCenter Environment” redbook 

Adding new VLAN -Port Group- to vSphere Distributed Switch

Login to vCenter server and do the following actions

• In vCenter, go to Home > Inventory > Networking
• Select Inventory > vSphere Distributed Switch > New Port Group.
• Enter a Name and the Number of Ports for your new distributed port group.
• Select a VLAN Type.

For more information about  Distributed Port Groups check this link

The following two tabs change content below.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

Mahmoud Nassar

Mahmoud has more than 9 year experience in IT filed, He is member of the VMware Centre of Excellence team. He holds multiple certifications from VMware, Citrix, Microsoft, NetApp, ITIL,project management ..Etc. He joined IBM in 2008 and now he is acting now as VMware team leader and he is vExpert 2014,2015.

Latest posts by Mahmoud Nassar (see all)

• IBM FlashSystem – Integration with ESXi - March 17, 2015
• VMware NSX or Honda (Acura) NSX… What is your decision - March 2, 2015
• Kemp: Is every Loadbalancer = Application Delivery Controller? - February 9, 2015