It depends on the workload, type of data and size, number of VMs and applications one needs to run. However broadly it would need.
Servers, cabling, Hypervisor and Software-Defined Storage (SDS) and going a bit away from the key question to ensure you look at the flexibility of replication to offsite, Cloud and Backup integration with snapshots while evaluating along with encryption of data at rest and while in use.
Coming back to HCI, if it’s a small setup you may start with 2 servers and direct cabling which could be FC (or Ethernet) depending on the performance you are looking for, and keep adding more servers. But do keep in mind, some of the SDS need a minimum of 2, and some need 3 servers to start with.
Servers could have a mix of NvME SSD and HDD to balance the IOPs requirements and capacity.
As you grow you may keep adding more servers however ensure that the SDS is capable of supporting multiple nodes or, in case you want to create small clusters (to create kind of air gaps), you may decide accordingly.
Last but not the least, you may like to consider the security and hence, do evaluate the encryption offering from an HCI/SDS provider.
Hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) integrates compute, storage, and networking into a single unified system, simplifying data center operations and management. It enhances agility, scalability, and lowers costs by using a software-centric architecture.HCI solutions offer a dynamic approach to IT infrastructure by combining essential components into a simplified platform. This approach reduces complexity, enhances system efficiency, and supports seamless scalability. Organizations can spend...
At the high level the main components would be:
- Storage virtualization
- Compute virtualization
- Networking virtualization
- Advanced management capabilities (including automation)
Hi,
It depends on the workload, type of data and size, number of VMs and applications one needs to run. However broadly it would need.
Servers, cabling, Hypervisor and Software-Defined Storage (SDS) and going a bit away from the key question to ensure you look at the flexibility of replication to offsite, Cloud and Backup integration with snapshots while evaluating along with encryption of data at rest and while in use.
Coming back to HCI, if it’s a small setup you may start with 2 servers and direct cabling which could be FC (or Ethernet) depending on the performance you are looking for, and keep adding more servers. But do keep in mind, some of the SDS need a minimum of 2, and some need 3 servers to start with.
Servers could have a mix of NvME SSD and HDD to balance the IOPs requirements and capacity.
As you grow you may keep adding more servers however ensure that the SDS is capable of supporting multiple nodes or, in case you want to create small clusters (to create kind of air gaps), you may decide accordingly.
Last but not the least, you may like to consider the security and hence, do evaluate the encryption offering from an HCI/SDS provider.
- Servers (Compute)
- Storage (SSD/HDD, RAID)
- Networking (10G Adapters, Switches, VLANs, Cabling)
- Virtualization Software (VMware VSAN, Hyper-V, Nutanix AHV) with Infrastructure Management Software.
As a thumb rule following are the HCI solution Blocks
1. Converged infrastructure - Compute and storage (Internal Storage generally) but not limited to.
2. Virtualization Layer - Compute, Storage & Network
3. Software Definition - Software defined Compute, Storage, Network through Virtualization layer
4. Orchestration, Automation and provisioning layer
5. Cloud management platform - CPM (May or many not be part of the solution depending upon the requirements and size of the solution)