In VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 5.2, Aria Operations (formerly vRealize Operations) is deployed via SDDC Manager to monitor the environment. SDDC Manager automates the deployment of Aria components, including networking configuration, using Application Virtual Networks (AVNs). AVNs provide isolated network segments for management components. The question asks for valid AVNs for Aria Operations, which operates within the Management Domain. Let’s evaluate:
VCF Networking Context:
Region-Specific (Region-A): Refers to a single VCF instance or region, typically the Management Domain’s scope.
Cross-Region (X-Region): Spans multiple regions or instances, used for components needing broader connectivity.
VLAN-backed: Traditional Layer 2 VLANs on physical switches, common for management traffic.
Overlay-backed: NSX-T virtual segments using Geneve encapsulation, used for flexibility and isolation.
Aria Operations Deployment:
Deployed in the Management Domain by SDDC Manager onto a single cluster.
Requires connectivity to vCenter, NSX, and ESXi hosts for monitoring, typically using management network segments.
SDDC Manager assigns Aria Operations to an AVN during deployment, favoring VLAN-backed segments for simplicity and compatibility with management traffic.
Evaluation:
Option A: Region-A - Overlay backed segment
Overlay segments (NSX-T) are supported in VCF for workload traffic or advanced isolation, but Aria Operations, as a management component, typically uses VLAN-backed segments for direct connectivity to other management services (e.g., vCenter, SDDC Manager). While technically possible, SDDC Manager defaults to VLANs for Aria deployments unless explicitly overridden, making this less standard and not a primary valid choice.
Option B: Region-A - VLAN backed segment
This is correct. A VLAN-backed segment in Region-A aligns with the Management Domain’s networking, where Aria Operations resides. SDDC Manager uses VLANs (e.g., Management VLAN) for management components to ensure straightforward deployment and connectivity to vSphere/NSX. This is a valid and common AVN for Aria Operations in VCF 5.2.
Option C: X-Region - VLAN backed segment
This is correct. An X-Region VLAN-backed segment supports cross-region management traffic, which is valid if Aria Operations monitors multiple VCF instances or domains (e.g., Management and VI Workload Domains across regions). SDDC Manager supports this for broader visibility, making it a valid AVN, especially in multi-site designs.
Option D: X-Region - Overlay backed segment
Similar to Option A, overlay segments are feasible with NSX-T but less common for Aria Operations. X-Region overlay could theoretically work for multi-site monitoring, but SDDC Manager prioritizes VLANs for management simplicity and compatibility. This is not a default or primary valid choice.
Conclusion:The two valid Application Virtual Networks for Aria Operations deployment using SDDC Manager areRegion-A - VLAN backed segment (B)andX-Region - VLAN backed segment (C). These reflect VCF 5.2’s standard use of VLANs for management components, supporting both local and cross-region monitoring scenarios.
References:
VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2 Architecture and Deployment Guide (Section: Aria Operations Deployment)
VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2 Planning and Preparation Guide (Section: Networking for Management Components)
VMware Aria Operations 8.10 Documentation (integrated in VCF 5.2): Network Configuration
