[TUTO] – VMware vSphere Replication : Install and Configure step-by-step

Context

Here is the context for installing vSphere Replication in this tutorial :

• vCenter Server 6.0 Update 3a
• Servers are VMware ESXi 6.0 Update 2
• vSphere Replication 6.1.2
• Replication with single vCenter to another cluster on same site

vSphere Replication : Prerequisites

Check interoperability matrices

The first thing to do is to check the VMware compatibility matrix in order to have the most stable environment possible.
You can visit the official VMware link to verify compatibility with vCenter Server or other VMware products or see the screenshot below.

Check VirtualCenter.FQDN

The second thing to check is to use the FQDN on the vCenter. To do this, go to Manage> Settings > Advanced Settings > Search “VirtualCenter.fqdn“

 

vSphere Replication : Installation deployment

I draw your attention to the fact that the latest version compatible with a vCenter 6.0, and downloadable in OVF format, is version 6.1.1
To upgrade to version 6.1.2 it will be necessary to go through an update.

Download OVF

To download OVF, follow the link bellow and download “VMware-vSphere_Replication-6.1.1.13216-3849281.zip”

https://my.vmware.com/fr/web/vmware/get-download?downloadGroup=VR611

To update on the latest release, I explain it in the next part of this tutorial.

Deploy OVF

Now you can deploy vSphere Replication to your environment. To that, right click on your cluster and choose “Deploy OVF Template”

• Choose your OVF file, it named : vSphere_Replication_OVF10.ovf

 

• Click Next, Accept and Next

 

• Select where you want to put your VM

• Choose the CPU configuration…

• … select the storage…

• … then the network

 

• Here you must define the root password to access to the GUI of vSphere Replication

 

• Just a warning message to inform you that vSphere Replication must be accessible to the vCenter

• Click “Finish” and see the deployment in your vCenter.

 

Now, your vSphere Replication Appliance is install. We are ready to configure it now

vSphere Replication : First configuration

Go to https://your_ip:5480 and logon to VR with :

• username : root
• password : define in deployment

 

• This is the Home page of VR

 

Network

• Firstly, go to Network > Address sub-tab to control and finish the network configuration

 

Update to the last release

The second important action is to update your vSphere Replication (if your vCenter is to 6.0U3) before integer it to your vCenter !

The only way to update vSphere replication is to download the ISO, mount it in the VM then select “Use CD-ROM updates“. To make that, go to Update > Settings

• Select Use CD-ROM updates
• and “Save Settings”

 

Download the latest release

The latest release at this date is “VMWare-vSphere_Replication-6.1.2.14752-5082273-sles11-upgrade”

You can download it here : https://my.vmware.com/fr/web/vmware/details?productId=491&downloadGroup=VR612

 

Update your vSphere Replication

• Mount the ISO “VMWare-vSphere_Replication-6.1.2.14752-5082273-sles11-upgrade.iso“
• Stay on the “Update” tab and select the “Status” sub-tab
• Click “Check Updates“
• And “Install Updates“

 

• Go to “System” tab and select “Reboot“

 

• Your vSphere Replication will be update and reboot 1 or 2 times.

 

• You can check your VR is up-to-date !

 

Connection to vCenter

This is the last but mooooost important step ! In this screen you can see how to integrate your vSphere Replication Appliance, into your vCenter.

1. Go to VR > Configuration sub-tab
2. LookupService Address is add automatically, it’s your vCenter lookup service
3. SSO Administrator, enter credentials information to your vCenter (use administrator local account)
4. VRM Host is define by default, VRM Site Name is the identification of your VR in vCenter
5. Click “Save and Restart Service” to add it in your vCenter.

• HMS package will be install on all your ESX servers

 

• If all is OK, you can now see a new module in your vCenter : vSphere Replication !

 

Troubleshooting

vSphere Replication 6.1.2 plugin fails to load in vSphere Web Client

You no longer have access to the vCenter client web interface : restart vsphere-client services

 

I hope this full post help you to deploy vSphere Replication in your environment ! If you have any question about this post or about vSphere Replication, don’t hesitate to post a comment !