Deploying HCX for VM Migration – Part 1

Deploying HCX in a VMware environment

This is part 1 of a step-by-step guide to deploying HCX in an Azure VMware Solution private data center.

In this post, I will guide you through the complex process of setting up and deploying VMware HCX Enterprise on AVS and on-premises.

Activate HCX Enterprise in Azure VMware Solution

The first step to deploying HCX begins with logging into your AVS Private Cloud and going to the Add-ons section. With a few clicks and scrolls, you will find options for migrating with VMware HCX. From there, it only takes a few minutes to accept the terms and conditions and activate your VMware HCX Enterprise deployment.

Explore HCX Manager ️

Once the deployment is complete, it’s time to log in to HCX Manager using AVS’s vCenter credentials. From here, HCX allows you to download the OVA or copy the link to import it into your content library. This demo shows how to download and import for on-premises deployment.

Deploy from OVF template

Once you have downloaded the OVA, it is now time to log into vCenter and deploy from the OVF template. Upload your files from your desktop and follow the simple steps.

Import into Content Library

Another way to approach this is to import it into your content library. Go back and create a content library in your on-premises vCenter, assign it a meaningful name, and import it using the URL provided in the HCX settings in AVS.

Activate the on-premises HCX connector VM

Now that you have the necessary components in place, it’s time to activate your on-premises HCX Connector VM. The VM is activated by importing the key from the HCX settings in your AVS private cloud and giving it a name.

HCX Configuration️

Take the key in hand and paste it into the activation section of the HCX connector. Once enabled, restart the appliance and after about 15 minutes you will see vCenter running in the HCX dashboard. You are now ready to configure your HCX settings.

final step

After doing a few more configurations, setting up the HCX roles, waiting for the plugin to show up in vCenter and you can finally see the HCX deployment and configuration complete. You have successfully downloaded the OVA, imported it, deployed HCX on-premises, and activated it in your Azure VMware Solution private cloud.

Part 2 will cover us. Create a site pairing to connect your on-premises HCX appliance to the AVS HCX appliance.

If you have any questions please leave a comment below

thank you
Amy Collier