vCF · October 14, 2024 0

Essential VMware Knowledge Base Articles for VCF 5.x: Upgrades, Compatibility, and Troubleshooting

Here are some of the key VMware Knowledge Base (KB) articles for VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 5.x, each covering specific issues, updates, and guidelines essential for upgrades and operational management:

1. **Important Notes for VCF 5.1.x Releases** 

   This KB includes critical information on lifecycle management, hardware compatibility, and upgrading considerations for environments with Tanzu and NSX Federation. 

https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/313217/vmware-cloud-foundation-51x-releases-im.html

2. **Lifecycle Management (LCM) Service Crashes** 

   This article addresses issues with LCM crashing on SDDC Manager during upgrades, detailing corrective actions. 

https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/324659/lifecycle-management-lcm-service-crashin.html

3. **Upgrading from VCF 4.x to 5.x with NSX Federation** 

   Important guidance on NSX Federation compatibility and recommended upgrade paths for seamless upgrades in federated environments. 

https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-NSX/4.1/upgrade/GUID-B828A8FC-DD9F-486E-A616-9531D9F2E9C1.html

4. **vCenter Snapshots and Enhanced Linked Mode** 

   Guidelines for taking vCenter snapshots in Enhanced Linked Mode before upgrades, including best practices for file-based backups. 

https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/324660/vmware-vcenter-in-enhanced-linked-mode.html

5. **Async Patch Tool Usage for VCF 5.x** 

   This KB describes the process and requirements for environments that have applied out-of-band patches, enabling future upgrades with the Async patch tool. 

https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/324661/async-patch-tool-documentation.html

6. **Mixed vCenter Version Considerations** 

   Addresses limitations in vCenter Enhanced Linked Mode with mixed vCenter versions (7.x and 8.x) when upgrading to VCF 5.x. 

https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/324662/limitations-of-vcenter-enhance-linked-m.html

These articles cover essential aspects of VCF 5.x, from lifecycle management to upgrade paths and specific technical requirements, helping ensure smooth operation and compatibility during and after upgrades.