Managing large-scale VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) environments can be challenging, especially when it comes to adding multiple hosts. The bulk commission feature, which uses a JSON template, simplifies this process significantly, making it more efficient and error-free. In this blog, we’ll walk through how to commission hosts in VCF using the bulk commission method with JSON, along with screenshots for each step.

Why Use Bulk Commission?

1. Efficiency: Quickly add multiple hosts without repetitive manual steps.
2. Consistency: Ensure all hosts are configured according to predefined standards.
3. Scalability: Ideal for large environments, reducing administrative overhead.

Step-by-Step Guide to Bulk Commission Hosts Using JSON

Step 1: Prepare the JSON Template

First, create a JSON file that includes the details of the hosts you want to commission. Here’s an example template:

{
    "hostsSpec": [
        {
            "hostfqdn": "wd1-cls1-esx1.test.com",
            "username": "root",
            "storageType": "VSAN",
            "password": "password",
            "networkPoolName": "wd1-cls1-networkpool-001"
        },
        {
            "hostfqdn": "wd1-cls1-esx2.test.com",
            "username": "root",
            "storageType": "VSAN",
            "password": "password",
            "networkPoolName": "wd1-cls1-networkpool-001"
        },
        {
            "hostfqdn": "wd1-cls1-esx3.test.com",
            "username": "root",
            "storageType": "VSAN",
            "password": "password",
            "networkPoolName": "wd1-cls1-networkpool-001"
        }
    ]
}

Ensure that each host meets the necessary criteria for VCF, such as compliance with the VMware Hardware Compatibility Guide.

Step 2: Upload the JSON Template to SDDC Manager

1. Log in to the SDDC Manager.
2. Navigate to the ‘Hosts’ section.
3. Click on ‘Commission Hosts’.
4. ‘Select All’ in the checklist and click on Proceed
5. Click on ‘Import’ and Upload the JSON file containing your host details.

Step 3: Validate and Commission the Hosts

1. SDDC Manager will validate the JSON template and the hosts listed.
2. Review the validation results. If any issues are found, correct them in the JSON file and re-upload.
3. Confirm the commissioning to proceed with adding the hosts to the SDDC Manager.

Step 4: Monitor the Commissioning Process

1. Monitor the progress in the SDDC Manager dashboard.
2. Check for any errors or warnings during the process and resolve them as needed.

Conclusion

Using the bulk commission feature in VMware Cloud Foundation with a JSON template streamlines the process of adding multiple hosts, making it faster and more reliable. This method not only enhances efficiency but also ensures consistency across your infrastructure. By following these steps, you can easily scale up your VCF environment with minimal effort.