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  • Writer's pictureJJC Systems
    • Aug 4
    • 2 min read

Migrating Virtual Machines using vMotion

1. Purpose: The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to outline the steps for migrating virtual machines using vMotion, a feature provided by virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere. This procedure ensures a smooth and efficient migration process while minimizing downtime and maintaining service availability.


2. Scope: This SOP applies to the IT team responsible for managing virtual machines in the

virtualized environment.


3. Pre-requisites:

  • Access to the virtualization management platform (e.g., VMware vSphere).

  • Proper network connectivity between source and destination hosts.

  • Sufficient resources (CPU, memory, storage) available on the destination host.

  • Compatibility between the source and destination hosts (same CPU architecture, virtualization features enabled).


4. Procedure:


Step 1: Preparation

  • Identify the virtual machine to be migrated and ensure it meets the pre-requisites.

  • Verify the availability and readiness of the source and destination hosts.

  • Check the network connectivity between the hosts.

  • Ensure sufficient resources are available on the destination host.


Step 2: Validate Compatibility

  • Verify that the CPU architecture of the source and destination hosts is the same.

  • Ensure that the virtualization features (e.g., Intel VT-x or AMD-V) are enabled on both hosts.

  • Check for any specific requirements or limitations for migrating the virtual machine (e.g., hardware version, virtual machine compatibility).


Step 3: Perform a Live Migration


  • Log in to the virtualization management platform (e.g., VMware vSphere client).

  • Locate the virtual machine to be migrated and select it.

  • Right-click on the virtual machine and choose the "Migrate" option.

  • Select the "Change host" or "Change datastore" option, depending on your migration requirements.

  • Choose the destination host or datastore from the available options.

  • Configure the migration settings (e.g., resource allocation, network mappings) as per the requirements.

  • Review the migration summary and ensure all settings are accurate.

  • Start the migration process.


Step 4: Monitor the Migration

  • Monitor the migration progress through the virtualization management platform.

  • Regularly check for any errors or warnings during the migration process.

  • Verify that the virtual machine is running smoothly on the destination host after migration.


Step 5: Post-Migration Tasks

  • Validate the functionality of the migrated virtual machine to ensure it is working as expected.

  • Update any necessary DNS records or IP configurations if the network settings have changed.

  • Update any monitoring or management tools with the new host and virtual machine details.

  • Communicate the completion of the migration to the relevant stakeholders.


5. Troubleshooting: If any issues or errors occur during the migration process, refer to the

virtualization platform's documentation or consult with the technical support team. Ensure that you have proper backups of the virtual machine before performing any troubleshooting steps.


6. Documentation: Maintain proper documentation of the migration process, including the source and destination hosts, migration settings, and any issues encountered. This documentation will serve as a reference for future migrations and troubleshooting purposes.

Note: This SOP provides a general guideline for migrating virtual machines using vMotion. The steps may vary depending on the virtualization platform and its specific features. Always refer to the official documentation and best practices provided by your virtualization vendor.

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