VMware NSX has been revolutionizing network virtualization and security since its inception. The latest generation, NSX-T, takes it to the next level with a completely re-architected design, robust feature set, and support for diverse modern workloads.
As NSX-V nears end-of-life, organizations face an important decision – whether to migrate to NSX-T. This comprehensive guide covers:
- Powerful new capabilities in NSX-T
- Technical architecture and components
- Key differences between NSX-V and NSX-T
- The detailed step-by-step migration process
- Training options to develop NSX-T skills
- The compelling business drivers for upgrading to NSX-T
Let’s dig in and illuminate what’s involved in making the move.
Transforming Networking, Security, and Operations with NSX-T
NSX-T revolutionizes private and public cloud networking. Key capabilities include:
- Automated provisioning, configuration, and management via API-driven architecture. Speeds network deployment.
- Native integration with Kubernetes, OpenStack, public clouds, and VMware Cloud Foundation. Enables multi-cloud networking.
- Micro-segmentation, distributed firewall, IDS/IPS, malware prevention, and advanced threat detection. Stops lateral attack propagation.
- Unified networking and security across containers, VMs, bare metal, and any endpoint on the logical switch fabric.
- Declarative policy framework, consumer-focused UI, REST APIs, and ecosystem integration. Simplifies operations.
In summary, NSX-T combines simplified operations, multi-cloud agility, and a radical advance in security.
NSX-T Architecture and Components
NSX-T has a fundamentally new architecture optimized for cloud-native apps and multi-cloud environments. Key components include:
- NSX Manager – Centralized network management, monitoring, and configuration plane.
- NSX Controller – Distributed state management for logical switches and routers. Provides programmability.
- NSX Edge – Gateway services for north-south routing, VPN, DHCP, and load balancing.
- Distributed Logical Routers and Switches – East-west routing and switching between workloads and endpoints.
- Security Components – Distributed firewall, IDS/IPS, malware prevention, and analytics.
This architecture delivers optimized performance, scalability, and resiliency.
How NSX-T Differs from NSX-V
While both provide network virtualization, NSX-T differs from NSX-V in:
- Multi-hypervisor support – NSX-T works with KVM, ESXi, and cloud-native platforms. NSX-V is ESXi-only.
- Controller architecture – NSX-T has distributed controllers. NSX-V controllers are centralized.
- Management plane – NSX-T uses cloud-native APIs and UI. NSX-V has vSphere-centric management.
- Gateway support – NSX-T has distributed gateways. NSX-V uses centralized NSX Edge.
- Security – NSX-T has native advanced security. NSX-V requires additional products.
These differences make NSX-T ideal for rapidly provisioning and securing modern multi-cloud applications.
Step-by-Step Migration Process
Migrating from NSX-V to NSX-T involves:
- Audit existing NSX-V deployment – document all logical switches, routers, security policies, and integrations.
- Build NSX-T sandbox – create NSX Manager, controllers, edges, logical switches, and routers. Test thoroughly.
- Take NSX-T training – develop expertise in operations, management, security, and troubleshooting.
- Develop a detailed migration plan and validate all steps/timing to minimize application downtime.
- Deploy NSX-T in parallel to NSX-V – add NSX-T components to infrastructure.
- Migrate app tier-by-tier – apply NSX-T policies to each app tier, define IPs, and cut over traffic.
- Retire NSX-V – once all apps are on NSX-T, remove NSX-V components.
- Optimize, tune, and monitor NSX-T – fine-tune performance, availability, and security posture.
With careful planning and execution, organizations can migrate seamlessly to NSX-T.
Developing Skills for NSX-T
To successfully operate NSX-T, network teams should take training on the following:
- NSX-T architecture, components, and capabilities
- Installation, configuration, management, monitoring
- Operations, troubleshooting, high availability
- Micro-segmentation and advanced security
- Cloud integration and multi-site networking
- Automation with APIs and Terraform
VMware offers comprehensive training and certification for NSX-T through self-paced eLearning, instructor-led classrooms, and hands-on labs.
LearnQuest offers comprehensive VMware training, including NSX-T courses to develop hands-on skills. LearnQuest is a VMware Authorized Training Partner providing expert instruction through self-paced eLearning, instructor-led classrooms, and hands-on labs.
Invest in certified NSX-T training from LearnQuest to gain the skills to leverage NSX-T’s full potential.
Contact LearnQuest today to discuss VMware and NSX-T training options tailored to your team’s needs.
The Business Case for NSX-T Migration
Upgrading to NSX-T enables organizations to:
- Enhance security and reduce risk exposure through micro-segmentation and native threat prevention.
- Speed up deployment of new apps and services through automation.
- Reduce TCO by consolidating network and security stacks.
- Support modern containerized and cloud-native applications.
- Gain operational agility to respond faster to business needs.
For organizations running NSX-V, migrating to NSX-T is a strategic opportunity to transform networking, security, and IT delivery. With end-of-support looming, now is the time to start planning the transition.
Next Steps
Migrating to NSX-T requires careful planning but pays major dividends. For assistance with the transition, engage our NSX experts. We’re here to help you successfully upgrade to NSX-T!
