Configuring Logical Networking in VMM Illustrated Overview

Updated: May 13, 2016

Applies To: System Center 2012 SP1 - Virtual Machine Manager, System Center 2012 R2 Virtual Machine Manager, System Center 2012 - Virtual Machine Manager

This overview illustrates logical networks in Virtual Machine Manager (VMM). Logical networks were introduced in VMM in System Center 2012. Logical networks are named networks that serve particular functions in your environment, for example, the "Backend," "Frontend," or "Backup" network.

For illustrations that show virtual machine networks (VM networks), which were first introduced in System Center 2012 SP1 and extend the ways you can use networking in VMM, see Configuring VM Networks in VMM Illustrated Overview.

For more information about logical networks, see Configuring Logical Networking in VMM Overview and How to Create a Logical Network in VMM.

The following illustration shows a logical network in VMM. For some networking elements, fictitious names such as "Contoso1" are included to help illustrate the purpose of those elements.

Figure 1 Logical network

This illustration shows how a logical network in VMM is a container for network sites, also called logical network definitions, and for IP subnet information, virtual local area network (VLAN) information, or both. It also shows how host groups in VMM can be associated with a network site and how IP address pools can be assigned to subnets within the logical network.

In the preceding illustration, the names of elements that you configure by running a wizard or by opening a property sheet are shown in bold text, while elements that are on a page of the wizard or on a tab of the property sheet are shown without bold text.

The following illustration shows the network object model for logical networks in VMM. The illustration shows the relationships among network objects only, and does not provide information about the wizards and property sheets through which the objects are configured in the VMM console. The illustration can be especially useful if you are learning about configuring VMM through Windows PowerShell scripts, which reflect the network object models directly.

For some objects, sample names such as "Contoso1" and "Building1" are included to help illustrate the purpose of those objects. The object that is labeled "Network site" is also known as a "logical network definition."

Figure 2 Object model for logical networks

The following key explains the notations on the arrows:

• 1-1 means "one to one."

• 1-M means "one to many."

• M-M means "many to many."

In the preceding illustration, bold text is used for each VMM object name, regardless of how that object is configured through the VMM console.

How to Create a Logical Network in VMM
Configuring Logical Networking in VMM Overview
Configuring VM Networks in VMM Illustrated Overview
Configuring Ports and Switches in VMM Illustrated Overview
Common Scenarios for Networking in VMM in System Center 2012
Common Scenarios for Networking in System Center 2012 SP1 and System Center 2012 R2