VCP-VVF Administrator Study Guide: Objective 4.3 - VVF: Operate, Describe the Cluster Components and Deployment Options of VCF Operations

Welcome back to our VMware Certified Professional – VMware vSphere Foundation Administrator (2V0-16.25) study guide series! This section is part of the upcoming VCP-VVF Study Guide Page, which will be released as a PDF when completed—check it out at https://www.vladan.fr/vcp-vvf-administrator/.

Today, we’re continuing with Objective 4.3 – VVF: Operate, focusing on Given a scenario, describe the cluster components and deployment options of VMware Cloud Foundation Operations. VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) Operations in VMware vSphere Foundation (VVF) 9.0 is a critical tool for managing, monitoring, and optimizing private cloud environments, including compute, storage, network, and Kubernetes workloads. This objective is essential for the 2V0-16.25 exam, testing your ability to understand the architecture and deployment flexibility of VCF Operations in real-world scenarios.

VCF OPerations can be deployed as a single node, for smaller environments, but for larger ones, it's recommended to deploy a “multi-node” environment where you replicate your data between nodes and use a distributed architecture where you do not run all the services (DB, frontend, stats, data node….) in a single VM, but you rather “spread” the load across multiple nodes.

Building on our previous posts (Objective 4.2 on Management and Objective 4.3, Part 1 on VCF Operations and Logs use cases), we’ll provide a detailed description of VCF Operations cluster components and deployment options, practical insights, and exam-focused guidance using a realistic scenario, aligned with VMware’s official vSphere 9.0 and VCF 9.0 documentation (https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/vsphere/vsphere/9-0.html and https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/vcf/vcf-9-0-and-later/9-0/infrastructure-operations.html). Let’s get into it and explore VCF Operations!

Why VCF Operations Cluster Components and Deployment Options Matter

VCF Operations in VVF 9.0 provides a unified platform for monitoring, lifecycle management, and compliance, integrating with vCenter, ESXi, vSAN, and the Supervisor. Understanding its cluster components (e.g., nodes, services) and deployment options (e.g., single-node vs. multi-node, Connected vs. Disconnected modes) is critical for operational efficiency and scalability. Objective 4.3 tests your ability to describe these components and select appropriate deployment options based on organizational needs, such as performance, high availability, or air-gapped environments. We’ll break down the architecture and deployment choices through a scenario, ensuring you’re prepared for the exam and real-world administration.

Describing VCF Operations Cluster Components and Deployment Options

Below, we detail the cluster components and deployment options of VCF Operations in the context of the scenario, with explanations verified against VMware documentation https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/vcf/vcf-9-0-and-later/9-0/infrastructure-operations.html and relevant web sources.

1. VCF Operations Cluster Components

VCF Operations in VVF 9.0 is deployed as a single VA or as a cluster of virtual appliances, with components that provide monitoring, analytics, lifecycle management, and compliance. The architecture supports scalability and high availability, critical for managing VVF environments. Read more details in the documentation about High Availability design or about Continuous availability VCF Operations model.

Cluster Components:

Primary Node:

Function: The main node hosting the VCF Operations user interface (UI), analytics engine, and core services, including monitoring, alerting, and compliance management.
Role: Collects and processes data from vCenter, ESXi, vSAN, and the Supervisor, coordinating cluster operations and providing dashboards for performance and health insights.
Scenario Relevance: The existing “vcf-operations-vm” (192.168.10.54) is the Primary Node, monitoring “VVF-Cluster” with 4 hosts, 20 VMs, and Kubernetes workloads in “Microservices-Namespace”.

Data Node (Optional):

Function: Scales storage and processing capacity for metrics and logs, handling increased workloads in larger environments.
Role: Offloads analytics tasks from the Primary Node, improving performance for high VM or pod counts.
Scenario Relevance: For future growth (adding 2 hosts and 10 VMs, totaling 6 hosts and 30 VMs), a Data Node is recommended to manage increased metrics and ensure performance.

Replica Node (Optional):

Function: Provides high availability (HA) by replicating the Primary Node’s configuration, metrics, and data.
Role: Ensures continuity of monitoring and management if the Primary Node fails, critical for production environments.
Scenario Relevance: Deploying a Replica Node is necessary to meet the scenario’s high availability requirement for uninterrupted monitoring of critical workloads.

Collector Node (Optional):

Function: Collects metrics and logs from remote or distributed environments, reducing network load on the Primary Node.
Role: Essential for air-gapped environments, aggregating data locally for offline transfer (e.g., via USB or secure file transfer).
Scenario Relevance: A Collector Node is required to comply with the air-gapped security policy, enabling data collection without internet connectivity.

Database Services:

Function: Stores time-series metrics, logs, and configuration data using databases like Cassandra (for metrics) and PostgreSQL (for configuration).
Role: Runs on Primary and Data Nodes, ensuring data persistence and fast query performance for monitoring and compliance tasks.
Scenario Relevance: Supports monitoring of “vSAN-Datastore” performance and Kubernetes workload metrics, with scalability for additional VMs.

Analytics and Monitoring Services:

Function: Processes metrics, generates alerts, and provides dashboards for compute, storage, network, and Kubernetes resources.
Role: Enables real-time insights and predictive analytics for performance optimization, such as identifying bottlenecks in web server VMs.
Scenario Relevance: Used to monitor CPU, memory, and network usage for the 20 VMs and Kubernetes pods, with capacity to handle future growth.

Verification:

Log in to the VCF Operations UI at https://192.168.10.54 using admin credentials.
Navigate to Administration → Cluster Management and confirm “vcf-operations-vm” is listed as the Primary Node with active Database and Analytics Services.
Verify integration with vCenter (192.168.1.20) under Administration → Solutions → vCenter Adapter, ensuring data collection from “VVF-Cluster”.

Scenario Example: Describe the Primary Node (“vcf-operations-vm”) for current monitoring of 4 hosts and 20 VMs, and propose adding a Replica Node for HA, a Data Node for scalability, and a Collector Node for air-gapped compliance to support 6 hosts and 30 VMs. (perhaps a bit small as a back-end, but hey, it's an excercise.)

Study Tip: Memorize the roles of Primary, Data, Replica, and Collector Nodes, and practice checking cluster status in VMware Hands-On Labs https://labs.hol.vmware.com/. Understand how each component supports VVF operations for the exam.

2. VCF Operations Deployment Options

Description: VCF Operations offers flexible deployment options to meet scalability, availability, and security requirements, including single-node vs. multi-node deployments, Connected vs. Disconnected modes, and FIPS compliance. These options ensure alignment with organizational needs, such as HA or air-gapped environments.

Deployment Options:

Single-Node Deployment:

Description: A single Primary Node hosting all services (UI, analytics, database, monitoring).
Use Case: Suitable for small to medium environments (<1000 VMs, <10 hosts) with basic monitoring and management needs.
Configuration:Deploy the VCF Operations OVA (e.g., operations-appliance-9.0.ova) from vcf.broadcom.com.
Assign IP (e.g., 192.168.10.54), storage to “vSAN-Datastore”, and a CA-signed certificate (Objective 4.2, Part 3).
Node size options: Small (4 vCPUs, 16 GB RAM, 250 GB storage) or Medium (8 vCPUs, 32 GB RAM, 500 GB storage).
Scenario Relevance: The current “vcf-operations-vm” is a single-node deployment (Medium size) monitoring 4 hosts and 20 VMs, sufficient for current operations but lacking HA and air-gapped compliance.

Multi-Node Deployment:

Description: Includes a Primary Node, optional Replica Node(s) for HA, and Data Node(s) for scalability.
Use Case: Ideal for production environments requiring HA and scalability (>1000 VMs or >10 hosts).
Configuration:Deploy additional nodes via the OVA (e.g., Replica Node at 192.168.10.56, Data Node at 192.168.10.57).
Configure HA in Administration → Cluster Management → Add Replica Node.
Add Data Nodes for increased metrics processing in Cluster Management → Add Data Node.
Node size: Medium or Large (16 vCPUs, 64 GB RAM, 1 TB storage) for Replica/Data Nodes.
Scenario Relevance: Deploy a Replica Node for HA and a Data Node to support future growth (6 hosts, 30 VMs).

Connected Mode:

Description: The VCF Operations instance connects to vcf.broadcom.com for automatic license updates, compliance pack downloads, and telemetry.
Use Case: Simplifies management in environments with internet access, enabling seamless updates and reporting.
Configuration:Register with the VCF Business Services console using an activation code (Objective 4.2, Part 2).
Enable connectivity in Administration → Settings → Connectivity.
Scenario Relevance: Currently used for “vcf-operations-vm” but incompatible with the air-gapped security policy.

Disconnected Mode:

Description: Operates without internet access, using manual license file uploads every 180 days and offline compliance pack imports.
Use Case: Required for air-gapped environments to meet strict security policies.
Configuration:Set Disconnected Mode in Administration → Settings → Registration.
Manually upload license files via Licensing → Add License and compliance packs via Compliance → Import Pack.
Use a Collector Node to aggregate data offline and transfer via secure methods (e.g., USB).
Scenario Relevance: Switch to Disconnected Mode with a Collector Node to comply with the air-gapped policy.

FIPS Compliance:

Description: Enables Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) for cryptographic operations, ensuring compliance with security regulations.
Use Case: Required for environments with strict security standards, such as PCI DSS or air-gapped setups.
Configuration:Enable FIPS during OVA deployment or post-deployment in Administration → Security → FIPS Compliance.
Scenario Relevance: Enable FIPS for the air-gapped environment to meet security requirements.

Verification:

In the VCF Operations UI (https://192.168.10.54), check Administration → Cluster Management to confirm node roles (Primary, Replica, Data, Collector).
Verify mode (Connected/Disconnected) in Administration → Settings → Registration.
Confirm FIPS status in Administration → Security.
Ensure monitoring of “VVF-Cluster” and “Microservices-Namespace” in Monitoring → Dashboards.

Scenario Example: Describe the single-node deployment (“vcf-operations-vm”, Medium size, Connected Mode) and recommend a multi-node deployment with a Replica Node (192.168.10.56), Data Node (192.168.10.57), and Collector Node (192.168.10.58) in Disconnected Mode with FIPS enabled to support 6 hosts, 30 VMs, and air-gapped compliance.

Study Tip: Understand the configuration steps for single vs. multi-node deployments and Connected vs. Disconnected modes. Practice deploying nodes and enabling FIPS in VMware Hands-On Labs https://labs.hol.vmware.com/.

3. Applying Components and Options to the Scenario

Detailed Process:

Current State:

Components: Single Primary Node (“vcf-operations-vm”, 192.168.10.54) with Database and Analytics Services.
Deployment: Single-node, Medium size, Connected Mode, non-FIPS.
Suitability: Adequate for monitoring 4 hosts and 20 VMs but lacks HA and air-gapped compliance.

Proposed Changes:

Add Replica Node: Deploy a Replica Node (192.168.10.56, Medium size) for HA.In vCenter (https://192.168.1.20/ui), deploy the VCF Operations OVA, then join the cluster via VCF Operations → Administration → Cluster Management → Add Replica Node.
Add Data Node: Deploy a Data Node (192.168.10.57, Large size) for scalability.Configure in Cluster Management → Add Data Node to handle metrics for 6 hosts and 30 VMs.
Add Collector Node: Deploy a Collector Node (192.168.10.58, Medium size) for air-gapped data aggregation.Configure in Cluster Management → Add Collector Node for offline data collection.
Switch to Disconnected Mode: In Administration → Settings → Registration, set Disconnected Mode and upload license files manually from vcf.broadcom.com.
Enable FIPS: Enable FIPS in Administration → Security → FIPS Compliance for air-gapped security.
Verification:Confirm all nodes (Primary, Replica, Data, Collector) in Cluster Management.
Verify Disconnected Mode and FIPS status in Administration → Settings.
Check monitoring of “VVF-Cluster” (6 hosts, 30 VMs) and “Microservices-Namespace” in Monitoring → Dashboards, ensuring no disruptions to web server, database, or VDI workloads.

Scenario Example: Propose a multi-node VCF Operations deployment with a Replica Node, Data Node, and Collector Node in Disconnected Mode with FIPS enabled to support 6 hosts, 30 VMs, and air-gapped compliance, ensuring HA and scalability.

Study Tip: Practice deploying additional nodes and configuring Disconnected Mode in a lab. Understand the resource requirements for each node size (Small, Medium, Large) and their impact on performance for the exam.

Exam Scenarios and Tips

Scenarios:

Scenario: A VVF environment requires uninterrupted monitoring during a Primary Node failure. Which component is needed?
Answer: A Replica Node to provide high availability by replicating the Primary Node’s data and configuration.

Scenario: An air-gapped VVF environment needs VCF Operations. Which deployment option is required?
Answer: Disconnected Mode with a Collector Node for offline data aggregation and manual license uploads.

Scenario: A VVF cluster grows to 10 hosts and 1000 VMs. Which component ensures scalability?
Answer: A Data Node to handle increased metrics and analytics processing.

Study Tips:

Practice deploying VCF Operations nodes in VMware Hands-On Labs https://labs.hol.vmware.com/.
Memorize: Cluster components (Primary, Data, Replica, Collector Nodes, Database, and Analytics Services) and deployment options (single/multi-node, Connected/Disconnected, FIPS).
Review VMware vSphere 9.0 and VCF 9.0 documentation for operations details (https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/vsphere/vsphere/9-0.html, https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/vcf/vcf-9-0-and-later/9-0/infrastructure-operations.html).
Focus on scenario-based questions involving scalability, high availability, and air-gapped requirements for the 2V0-16.25 exam.

Resources:

VCP-VVF Study Guide Page: https://www.vladan.fr/vcp-vvf-administrator/
VMware vSphere 9.0 Documentation: https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/vsphere/vsphere/9-0.html
VMware VCF 9.0 Infrastructure Operations: https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/vcf/vcf-9-0-and-later/9-0/infrastructure-operations.html
VMware Hands-On Labs: https://labs.hol.vmware.com/

Sample Exam Questions

What is the role of the Replica Node in VCF Operations?
A. Collects metrics from remote sites
B. Provides high availability for the Primary Node
C. Scales storage for large environments
D. Manages vSAN encryption
Answer: B. Provides high availability for the Primary Node.

Which deployment option is required for an air-gapped VVF environment?
A. Single-node, Connected Mode
B. Multi-node, Disconnected Mode
C. Single-node, FIPS-disabled
D. Multi-node, vSAN-only
Answer: B. Multi-node, Disconnected Mode.

Which component supports increased metrics processing in a VVF cluster with 10 hosts?
A. Replica Node
B. Data Node
C. Collector Node
D. Primary Node
Answer: B. Data Node.

Final Words

Understanding the cluster components and deployment options of VCF Operations is a important to know for the 2V0-16.25 exam and VVF 9.0 administration. By leveraging Primary, Replica, Data, and Collector Nodes in single- or multi-node deployments with Connected or Disconnected modes, you can meet scalability, high availability, and security requirements, such as air-gapped compliance. The upcoming VCP-VVF Study Guide Page, available at https://www.vladan.fr/vcp-vvf-administrator/, will be released as a PDF to support your preparation. Stay tuned for the next part of Objective 4.3! Happy studying, and good luck on your VCP-VVF journey!

VCP-VVF Administrator Study Guide: Objective 4.3 – VVF: Operate, Describe the Cluster Components and Deployment Options of VCF Operations

Why VCF Operations Cluster Components and Deployment Options Matter