VMware NSX-T: Is it Worth It?

Network virtualization is a simple enough concept, but it doesn’t take long for the simplicity to vanish when questions like whether or not NSX-T is worth it come up. Don’t let that discourage you, though – it’s easy to imagine what virtualizing your network is by thinking about the difference between owning a fleet of vehicles for your business vs. renting a vehicle.

If you own a vehicle, there is always one on hand, but you’re restricted to that vehicle's speed, towing capacity, passenger capacity, etc. If, instead, you rent, you get to choose whether you need a big truck, a fast and flashy sports car, or something in between, then return it when you don’t need it.

Network virtualization is much like the second option: more flexibility, power, and usually less cost. By reproducing an entire network in software, network virtualization is almost always worth it since it can manage any network topology and provision new ones in seconds, independent of the underlying hardware. But then the questions start. How do you choose which network virtualization provider to go with? How do you choose the correct version for your company? 

If you’re considering network virtualization with VMware and are unsure if NSX-T is worth it for you and your team, read on to learn more about NSX-T and whether it’s right.

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VMware is the gold standard when it comes to virtualization. As such, every systems administrator can benefit from learning how to use VMware technologies. You’ll find a wide variety of VMware training at CBT Nuggets.

If you’re a networking engineer considering earning NSX-T certification, we have an online NSX course that can help you prepare to take the exam while reinforcing the new skills you’ll be learning.

What is VMware NSX-T?

VMware is one of the world’s largest network virtualization providers. It produces the networking and security management tools necessary to virtualize not just networks but entire data centers and combine virtual networks of all shapes, sizes, and functions.

VMware NSX-Transformers, or NSX-T for short, is one of their most popular platforms for network virtualization. With NSX-T, it’s possible to build highly agile software-defined network infrastructures that allow multiple cloud networks in different environments to interact and be controlled from one central location.

NSX-T's ability to be deployed in heterogeneous environments is a significant step forward from the architecture platform’s predecessor, NSX-V (NSX-vSphere). That product was much loved for allowing deployment configuration and reconfiguration, rapid provisioning, and de-provisioning of on-demand virtual networks. 

But it wasn’t possible to connect NSX-V with more than one vCenter, the central hub for the virtualization magic. NSX-T is an improvement on NSX-V in many ways, but that’s the most important way: NSX-T isn’t confined to one vCenter deployment, and it’s possible to connect multiple servers, use one NSX manager and view the entire virtual network from one controlling interface.

What Does VMware NSX-T Do?

NSX-T is a powerful virtualization architecture with many options for building highly agile SDNs.

• Cheap, fast, and efficient network scaling

• Full-stack networking and security for distributed apps and containers

• Foundational security built directly into the virtualized architecture that prevents lateral threats

• Automation for network operations and security logging

• Streamlined and simplified operational management of virtual networks with Global Manager

Some people try to compare NSX-T to NSX-V, but NSX-T was developed from the ground up to improve on NSX-V in every way. NSX-T is the spiritual successor to NSX-V but is not technically an upgrade to the code itself. It is a new virtualization platform better suited to enterprise, campus, and large-scale digital networks.

What Experience or Training Will Administrators Need to Use VMware NSX-T?

Before a network can be virtualized with NSX-T, trained administrators must already be standing by—it’s not enough to have some experienced IT personnel familiar with virtualization. It doesn’t matter if the network is physical and on-prem, already virtualized in NSX-V, or operated with a different network virtualization architecture; problems and questions will inevitably arise. 

Fortunately, VMware offers a wide range of courses and certifications to ensure that a company is equipped with trained virtualization professionals who can handle any part of virtualization management.

VMware offers many products and many certifications for all of them. The certifications that apply to NSX-T are in the Network Virtualization branch of the company’s certification catalog.

There are five certifications, which represent four levels of expertise: Associate (VCTA), Professional (VCP), Advanced Professional (VCAP Deploy/Design), and Certified Expert (VCDX). The exams for those certifications challenge an administrator’s familiarity with all parts of managing, operating, and troubleshooting virtualized networks.

The VCTA and VCP are certifications designed for technical professionals who administer and configure active networks. The VCAP (VMware Certified Advanced Professional) Deploy and VCAP Design certifications denote the minimum skills and knowledge for planning and designing a virtual network or deploying and optimizing new NSX environments.

However, companies that decide to virtualize their networks aren’t doing it alone. In addition to their certifications, VMware offers official training on using its unique virtualization platform.

CBT Nuggets excels at developing courses to clarify complicated topics and provide practice opportunities. It’s even possible to set up a company training program that educates employees in a specific course of study so that your IT team is uniquely prepared for your custom virtualization set-up.

Is VMware NSX-T Worth It?

The VMware NSX-T architecture is among the best in the world. Although its biggest selling point is its ability to manage multi-cloud environments, even companies that don’t plan to transition to the cloud will benefit enormously from the insights, fine-tuned management, and automation it can extract. 

NSX-T is worth it for nearly all companies who need serious network virtualization solutions to speed up operations and reduce overhead.