In VCF 5.2, the logical design focuses on high-level architectural decisions that define the system’s structure and behavior, as opposed to physical or operational details. Networking decisions in the logical design emphasize scalability, security policies, and connectivity frameworks, per theVCF 5.2 Architectural Guide. Let’s evaluate each:
Option A: Use of 2x 64-port Cisco Nexus 9300 for top-of-rack ESXi host switchesThis specifies physical hardware, a detail typically documented in the physical design (e.g., BOM, rack layout). TheVCF 5.2 Design Guidedistinguishes hardware choices as physical, not logical, unless they dictate architecture (e.g., spine-leaf), which isn’t implied here.
Option B: NSX Distributed Firewall (DFW) rule to block all traffic by defaultThis is a security policy configuration within NSX, defining how traffic is controlled. While critical, it’s an operational or detailed design decision (e.g., rule set), not a high-level logical design element. TheVCF 5.2 Networking Guideplaces DFW rules in implementation details, not the logical overview.
Option C: Implement overlay network technology to scale across data centersOverlay networking (e.g., NSX VXLAN or Geneve) is a foundational architectural decision in VCF, enabling scalability, multi-site connectivity, and logical separation of networks. TheVCF 5.2 Architectural Guidehighlights overlays as a core logical design component, directly impacting how the solution scales across data centers, making it a prime candidate for the logical design.
Option D: Configure Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) - Listen mode on all Distributed Virtual Switches (DVS)CDP in Listen mode aids network discovery and troubleshooting on DVS. This is a configuration setting, not a logical design decision. TheVCF 5.2 Networking Guidetreats such protocol settings as operational details, not architectural choices.
Conclusion:Option C belongs in the logical design, as it defines a scalable networking architecture critical to VCF 5.2’s multi-data center capabilities.References:
VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2 Architectural Guide(docs.vmware.com): Logical Design and Overlay Networking.
VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2 Networking Guide(docs.vmware.com): NSX and DVS Configuration.
VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2 Design Guide(docs.vmware.com): Logical vs. Physical Design.