VMkernel interfaces are configured to provide network connectivity for services in the vSphere environment. VMkernels provide network paths for service connectivity. Multiple VMkernel interfaces can be created to provide physical or logical separation for these services.
Identify services that require a VMkernel interface.
Create a VMkernel interface to support the service.
Enable services on the VMkernel interface.
Most vSphere services require a VMkernel interface to provide network connectivity. These services include the following:
ESXi management
vMotion
Fault tolerance
Virtual SAN
vSphere replication
IP storage (NFS, iSCSI, FCoE)
Multiple services can share a single VMkernel port, or the services can be separated across multiple VMkernel ports for performance, management, and security. Services can be enabled on VMkernel interfaces at the time of creation or by editing Port properties, as shown in the following screenshot:
![](https://static.packt-cdn.com/products/9781785283468/graphics/B05328_06_23.jpg)