VMware Cloud on AWS: Enhancing Storage Capabilities with Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP
Since its release, VMware Cloud on AWS has continued to evolve and innovate, keeping ahead of the curve in terms of flexibility, architecture, and design choices. One area that has seen significant enhancements is storage, with a focus on capability, performance, and cost. In this blog post, we’ll explore the latest developments in storage for VMware Cloud on AWS, specifically with Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP, and how it can benefit your organization.
Enhancements in Storage for VMware Cloud on AWS
Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP provides a flexible, scalable, and performant storage option for VMware Cloud on AWS, suitable for both multi and single-availability zone configurations. This external storage option offers several benefits, including the ability to scale your storage requirements based on your compute and memory needs.
In the latest version of VMware Cloud on AWS (SDDC 1.22), an enhancement has been introduced that allows the vSphere NFS client to open multiple network connections to each datastore mount. These connections are used on a round-robin basis, allowing each vSphere host to increase the per datastore throughput. Currently, two connections are supported in this configuration, resulting in up to 1000 MB/s going towards each host. This capability may see further enhancements in the future, so it’s essential to keep an eye on future developments.
VPC Peering: The Game-Changer for Amazon FSx on NetApp ONTAP
One of the most exciting announcements for VMware Cloud on AWS customers is the introduction of VPC peering for connectivity between VMware Cloud on AWS and Amazon FSx on NetApp ONTAP. This new capability will significantly reduce egress data charges, making the solution far more cost-effective for users.
To understand the impact of this announcement, let’s consider the current scenario where connectivity between VMware Cloud on AWS and Amazon FSx on NetApp ONTAP is through a VMware Transit Connect Gateway. While this setup works well from a connectivity and performance perspective, it can lead to significant data transfer charges when there’s a lot of activity between the two VPCs.
With VPC peering, customers can now establish direct connectivity between their VMware Cloud on AWS SDDC and Amazon FSx on NetApp ONTAP without relying on the Transit Connect Gateway. This will not only reduce egress data charges but also simplify the setup and management of the storage solution.
Technical Considerations and Next Steps
While VPC peering is an exciting development, there are a few technical considerations to keep in mind:
1. Currently, this connectivity option is only available by raising a ticket with VMware Cloud on AWS Support. Once the feature is released, it will become a self-serve option.
2. Existing deployments can benefit from VPC peering by contacting VMware Cloud on AWS Support to configure the connectivity.
3. Traffic will automatically switch to the new route once VPC peering is established, and you should see a reduction in data transfer activity on the relevant VMware Transit Connect attachments.
Conclusion
The latest enhancements in storage for VMware Cloud on AWS, particularly with Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP, offer significant benefits to customers looking to scale their storage requirements based on their compute and memory needs. With VPC peering, customers can now reduce egress data charges and simplify the setup and management of this brilliant storage solution.
If you’re already using VMware Cloud on AWS with Amazon FSx on NetApp ONTAP, be sure to explore VPC peering to take advantage of the cost savings and simplified connectivity. If you’re new to VMware Cloud on AWS, consider these enhancements as a compelling reason to give it a try.
Remember to keep an eye on future developments in this area, as VMware Cloud on AWS continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible with cloud computing.