VMware HCX (Hybrid Cloud Extension) is a key workload migration tool in VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 5.2, enabling seamless movement of VMs between on-premises environments and VCF instances (or between VCF instances). To plan an HCX-based migration, the architect must ensure prerequisites are met for deployment, connectivity, and operation. Let’s evaluate each option:

Option A: Extended IP spaces for all moving workloadsThis is incorrect. HCX supports migrations with or without extending IP spaces. Features like HCX vMotion and Bulk Migration allow VMs to retain their IP addresses (Layer 2 extension via Network Extension), while HCX Mobility Optimized Networking (MON) can adapt IPs if needed. Extended IP space is a design choice, not a prerequisite, making this option unnecessary for completing the objective.

Option B: DRS enabled within the VCF instanceThis is incorrect. VMware Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS) optimizes VM placement and load balancing within a cluster but is not required for HCX migrations. HCX operates independently of DRS, handling VM mobility across environments (e.g., from a source vSphere to a VCF destination). While DRS might enhance resource management post-migration, it’s not a prerequisite for HCX functionality.

Option C: Service accounts for the applicable appliancesThis is correct. HCX requires service accounts with appropriate permissions to interact with source anddestination environments (e.g., vCenter Server, NSX). In VCF 5.2, HCX appliances (e.g., HCX Manager, Interconnect, WAN Optimizer) need credentials to authenticate and perform operations like VM discovery, migration, and network extension. The architect must ensure these accounts are configured with sufficient privileges (e.g., read/write access in vCenter), making this a critical prerequisite.

Option D: NSX Federation implemented between the VCF instancesThis is incorrect. NSX Federation is a multi-site networking construct for unified policy management across NSX deployments, but it’s not required for HCX migrations. HCX leverages its own Network Extension service to stretch Layer 2 networks between sites, independent of NSX Federation. While NSX is part of VCF, Federation is an advanced feature unrelated to HCX’s core migration capabilities.

Option E: Active Directory configured as an authentication sourceThis is correct. In VCF 5.2, HCX integrates with the VCF identity management framework, which typically uses Active Directory (AD) via vSphere SSO for authentication. Configuring AD as an authentication source ensures that HCX administrators can log in using centralized credentials, aligning with VCF’s security model. This is a prerequisite for managing HCX appliances and executing migrations securely.

Conclusion:The two prerequisites required for HCX migration in VCF 5.2 areservice accounts for the applicable appliances(Option C) to enable HCX operations andActive Directory configured as an authentication source(Option E) for secure access management. These align with HCX deployment and integration requirements in the VCF ecosystem.

References:

VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2 Architecture and Deployment Guide (Section: HCX Integration)

VMware HCX User Guide (VCF 5.2 compatible): Prerequisites and Configuration

VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2 Planning and Preparation Guide (Section: Identity and Access Management)