Introduction
When NSX is already deployed on a cluster with an existing Virtual Distributed Switch (VDS), you may need to extend NSX security protections to workloads on a separate, VLAN-backed VDS for example when physical uplinks on ESXi hosts are connected to another VDS for different services. This guide outlines two approaches to secure those workloads using VMware NSX.
Configuration
Protect Workloads Using NSX VLAN-Backed Segments
This method leverages NSX segments mapped to VLAN transport zones to secure traffic for workloads on the new VDS.
1. Create a VLAN Transport Zone
- Define a new VLAN transport zone in NSX Manager.
- Ensure the transport zone is unique per host switch within your transport node profile.
2. Review the Current Transport Node Profile
- Examine the existing transport node profile to understand which host switches are already configured.
3. Edit the Host Switch Configuration
- Modify the host switch section of the transport node profile to include both the original and new VDS definitions.
4. Add the Second VDS
- In the host switch configuration, add the second VDS connected to the VLAN-backed networks.
5. Create NSX VLAN Segments
- On the newly created VLAN transport zone, define NSX VLAN segments corresponding to the VLANs used by your workloads.
6. Migrate and Test
- Move a test VM from the VDS port group into the matching NSX VLAN segment.
- Validate network connectivity, such as by pinging the gateway or other VMs, to confirm segment functionality.
7. Apply Distributed Firewall (DFW) Rules
- Define and publish DFW policies to control traffic between VMs attached to the NSX segments.
8. Verify Security
- Test your policies (e.g., block ICMP between test VMs) to confirm that NSX Distributed Firewall rules are enforced as expected.
By Awid Dashtgoli
