VMware to OpenStack Migration Guide

Migrating from VMware to OpenStack involves transferring virtual machines, networks, and storage configurations to a cloud-native environment. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to ensure a seamless transition while minimizing downtime and data loss.

Prerequisites

Before beginning the migration, ensure the following prerequisites are met:

• A functional OpenStack environment (Kubernetes-based recommended)
• Access to VMware vCenter Server
• Admin privileges on both VMware and OpenStack
• Sufficient storage and network resources in OpenStack

Tools Required

Use the following tools to facilitate the migration process:

1. VMware vSphere API for exporting VM data
2. OpenStack CLI for managing resources
3. 虚机迁移工具 (VM Migration Tool) for automating the transfer
4. Network configuration tools for mapping VLANs

Step 1: Export VMware VMs

Export VMs from VMware vCenter Server using the following steps:

1. Log in to vCenter Server with admin credentials
2. Navigate to the VMs you wish to migrate
3. Right-click and select Export VM
4. Choose the export format (OVF recommended)
5. Save the exported files to a secure location

Step 2: Prepare OpenStack Environment

Configure OpenStack to accept the migrated VMs:

1. Ensure all OpenStack services (Nova, Neutron, Cinder, Glance) are running
2. Verify storage availability in Cinder
3. Define network segments and VLAN mappings

Use the following OpenStack CLI commands to check readiness:

openstack compute service list
openstack network agent list
openstack image list
openstack volume list

Step 3: Import VMs to OpenStack

Import the exported VMs using the following steps:

1. Upload the OVF package to Glance:

openstack image create --file /path/to/vm.ova --disk-format ovf --container-format bare --public

2. Create a volume from the VM disk image:

openstack volume create --size 50 --volume-type standard myvm-volume

3. Launch the VM with the imported image and volume:

openstack server create --image myvm --flavor m1_small --volume myvm-volume --network mynet

Step 4: Migrate Networks

Map VMware VLANs to OpenStack networks:

1. Identify VLAN IDs used in VMware
2. Create corresponding subnets in OpenStack Neutron:

openstack network create --provider-physical-network vnet --provider-network-type vlan myvmnet
openstack subnet create --network myvmnet --subnet-range 192.168.1.0/24 --gateway 192.168.1.1

3. Update VM network configurations post-migration

Step 5: Verify Migration

Confirm the migration was successful with the following checks:

• Verify VM status in OpenStack:

openstack server list

• Test network connectivity:

ping 192.168.1.100

• Check storage usage:

openstack volume list

Advanced Considerations

For complex environments, consider:

• Migrating VM snapshots
• Transfering VMware vApp configurations
• Automating the process with custom scripts

The migration from VMware to OpenStack can be achieved through careful planning and execution of the outlined steps. By leveraging the right tools and validating each phase, organizations can successfully transition to a cloud-native infrastructure.