Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Documentation

Manage VM Cluster Networks

Learn how to use the console to create, edit, download a configuration file, validate, and terminate your infrastructure network.

Parent topic: How-to Guides

About Managing VM Cluster Networks on Oracle Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer

The VM cluster provides a link between your Oracle Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer infrastructure and Oracle Databases you deploy.

Before you can create any databases on your Exadata Cloud@Customer infrastructure, you must create a VM cluster network, and you must associate it with a VM cluster.

The VM cluster network specifies network resources, such as IP addresses and host names, that reside in your corporate data center and are allocated to Exadata Cloud@Customer. The VM cluster network includes definitions for the Exadata client network and the Exadata backup network. The client network and backup network contain the network interfaces that you use to connect to the VM cluster virtual machines, and ultimately the databases that reside on those virtual machines.

Note

Avoid entering confidential information when assigning descriptions, tags, or friendly names to your cloud resources through the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Console, API, or CLI.

Using the Console to Create a VM Cluster Network

To create your VM cluster network with the Console, be prepared to provide values for the fields required for configuring the infrastructure.

  1. Open the navigation menu. Under Oracle Database, click Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer.
  2. Choose the Region and Compartment that contains the Exadata infrastructure for which you want to create a VM cluster network.
  3. Click Exadata Infrastructure.
  4. Click the name of the Exadata infrastructure for which you want to create a VM cluster network.

    The Infrastructure Details page displays information about the selected Exadata infrastructure.

  5. Click Create VM Cluster Network.
  6. Provide the requested information on the Data Center Network Details page:
    1. Provide the display name.

      The display name is a user-friendly name that you can use to identify the VM cluster network. The name doesn't need to be unique because an Oracle Cloud Identifier (OCID) uniquely identifies the VM cluster network.

    2. Assign IPs to DB servers.

      By default, all DB servers are assigned IP addresses to enable easy addition and removal of VMs to the cluster in the future. Note that while DB Servers can be added to or removed from the VM Cluster Network, addresses cannot be changed in the future. It is advisable to plan ahead and reserve enough addresses with your network team to accommodate any and all future growth of your VM Cluster to avoid a database migration scenario in the future. If needed, then edit the list of DB servers from assigning IP addresses. If needed, then edit the list of DB servers from assigning IP addresses.

      1. Click Edit DB Server Selection.

        Edit DB Server Selection dialog is displayed.

      2. Clear the checkboxes to omit one or more DB servers.
      3. Click Save Changes.

        Assign IPs to DB servers section displays the list of selected DB servers.

    3. Provide client network details.
      The client network is the primary channel for application connectivity to Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer resources. The following settings define the required network parameters:
      • VLAN ID: Provide a virtual LAN identifier (VLAN ID) for the client network between 1 and 4094, inclusive. To specify no VLAN tagging, enter "1". (This is equivalent to a "NULL" VLAN ID tag value.)
        Note

        The values "0" and "4095" are reserved and cannot be entered.
      • Database servers starting IP address: Using CIDR notation, provide the IP address range for the client network.
      • Netmask: Specify the IP netmask for the client network.
      • Gateway: Specify the IP address of the client network gateway.
      • Hostname Prefix: Specify the prefix that is used to generate the hostnames in the client network.
      • Domain Name: Specify the domain name for the client network.
    4. Provide backup network details.
      The backup network is the secondary channel for connectivity to Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer resources. It is typically used to segregate application connections on the client network from other network traffic. The following settings define the required network parameters:
      • VLAN ID: Provide a virtual LAN identifier (VLAN ID) for the backup network between 1 and 4094, inclusive. To specify no VLAN tagging, enter "1". (This is equivalent to a "NULL" VLAN ID tag value.)
        Note

        The values "0" and "4095" are reserved, and cannot be entered.
      • Database servers starting IP address: Using CIDR notation, provide the IP address range for the backup network.
      • Netmask: Specify the IP netmask for the backup network.
      • Gateway: Specify the IP address of the backup network gateway.
      • Hostname Prefix: Specify the prefix that is used to generate the hostnames in the backup network.
      • Domain Name: Specify the domain name for the backup network.
    5. (For authorized customers only) Optionally, provide disaster recovery network details. The disaster recovery network is typically used to segregate Data Guard network traffic. The following settings define the required network parameters:
      • Select the Enable disaster recovery network checkbox to configure the third network.

      • VLAN ID: Provide a virtual LAN identifier (VLAN ID) for the disaster recovery between 1 and 4094, inclusive. To specify no VLAN tagging, enter "1". (This is equivalent to a "NULL" VLAN ID tag value.)

        Note

        The values "0" and "4095" are reserved, and cannot be entered.

      • Database servers starting IP address: Using CIDR notation, provide the IP address range for the backup network.
      • Netmask: Specify the IP netmask for the backup network.
      • Gateway: Specify the IP address of the backup network gateway.
      • Hostname Prefix: Specify the prefix that is used to generate the hostnames in the backup network.
      • Domain Name: Specify the domain name for the backup network.
    6. Provide DNS and NTP server details.
      The VM cluster network requires access to Domain Names System (DNS) and Network Time Protocol (NTP) services. The following settings specify the servers that provide these services:
      • DNS Servers: Provide the IP address of a DNS server that is accessible using the client network. You may specify up to three DNS servers.
      • NTP Servers: Provide the IP address of an NTP server that is accessible using the client network. You may specify up to three NTP servers.
    7. Configure Advanced Options.

      Network: (Optional) Assign a SCAN listener port (TCP/IP) in the range between 1024 and 8999. Default is 1521.

      Tags: (Optional) You can choose to apply tags. If you have permission to create a resource, then you also have permission to apply free-form tags to that resource. To apply a defined tag, you must have permission to use the tag namespace. For more information about tagging, refer to information about resource tags. If you are not sure if you should apply tags, then skip this option (you can apply tags later) or ask your administrator.

  7. Click Review Configuration.

    The Review Configuration page displays detailed information about the VM cluster network, including the hostname and IP address allocations. These allocations are initially system-generated and are based on your inputs.

  8. (Optional) You can choose to adjust the system-generated network definitions on the Review Configuration page.
    1. Click Edit.
    2. Use the Edit dialog to adjust the system-generated network definitions to meet your requirements.
    3. Click Save Changes.
  9. Click Create VM Cluster Network.

    The VM Cluster Network Details page is now displayed. Initially, after creation, the state of the VM cluster network is Requires Validation.

Maximum and recommended CIDR block prefix lengths for each Exadata system shape

The following table specifies the maximum and recommended CIDR block prefix lengths for each Exadata system shape. The maximum CIDR block prefix length defines the smallest block of IP addresses that are required for the network. To allow for possible future expansion within Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer, work with your network team to reserve enough IP addresses to accommodate any future growth.

Max # Database Servers Client and DR Subnet Size Backup Subnet Size

5

/28 (16 IPs)

/29 (8 IPs)

13

/27 (32 IPs)

/28 (16 IPs)

29

/26 (64 IPs)

/27 (32 IPs)

32

/25 (128 IPs)

/26 (64 IPs)

Related Topics

Parent topic: Manage VM Cluster Networks

Using the Console to View VM Cluster Network Details

To view VM Cluster Network details, use this procedure.

  1. Open the navigation menu. Under Oracle Database, click Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer.
  2. Choose the Region and Compartment that contains the Exadata infrastructure for which you want to create a VM cluster network.
  3. Click Exadata Infrastructure.
  4. Click the name of the Exadata infrastructure that is associated with the VM cluster network that you are interested in.

    The Infrastructure Details page displays information about the selected Exadata infrastructure.

  5. Click the name of the VM cluster network that you want to view details.

    The VM Cluster Network Details page displays information about the selected VM cluster network.

Using the Console to View SCAN Listener Port Configured

You can only edit a VM cluster network that is not associated with a VM cluster.

  1. Open the navigation menu. Under Oracle Database, click Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer.
  2. Choose the Region and Compartment that contains the Exadata infrastructure that is associated with the VM cluster network that you want to edit.
  3. Click Exadata Infrastructure.
  4. Click the name of the Exadata infrastructure for which you want to view VM cluster network details.

    The Infrastructure Details page displays information about the selected Exadata infrastructure.

  5. Under VM Cluster Networks, click the name of the VM Cluster Network for which you want to view details.

    VM Cluster Network Details page displays SCAN Listener Port under VM Cluster Network Information.

Using the Console to Edit a VM Cluster Network

To edit a VM Cluster Network, use this procedure. You can only edit a VM cluster network that is not associated with a VM cluster.

  1. Open the navigation menu. Under Oracle Database, click Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer.
  2. Choose the Region and Compartment that contains the Exadata infrastructure that is associated with the VM cluster network that you want to edit.
  3. Click Exadata Infrastructure.
  4. Click the name of the Exadata infrastructure that is associated with the VM cluster network that you are interested in.

    The Infrastructure Details page displays information about the selected Exadata infrastructure.

  5. Click the name of the VM cluster network that you want to edit.

    The VM Cluster Network Details page displays information about the selected VM cluster network.

  6. Click Edit VM Cluster Network.
  7. Use the Edit dialog to edit the VM cluster network attributes:
    1. Client Network
      The client network is the primary channel for application connectivity to Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer resources. You can edit the following client network settings:
      • VLAN ID: Provide a virtual LAN identifier (VLAN ID) for the client network between 1 and 4094, inclusive. To specify no VLAN tagging, enter "1". (This is equivalent to a "NULL" VLAN ID tag value.)
        Note

        The values "0" and "4095" are reserved and cannot be entered.
      • Netmask: Specify the IP netmask for the client network.
      • Gateway: Specify the IP address of the client network gateway.
      • Hostname: Specify the hostname for each address in the client network.
      • IP Address: Specify the IP address for each address in the client network.
    2. Backup Network
      The backup network is the secondary channel for connectivity to Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer resources. It is typically used to segregate application connections on the client network from other network traffic. You can edit the following backup network settings:
      • VLAN ID: Provide a virtual LAN identifier (VLAN ID) for the backup network between 1 and 4094, inclusive. To specify no VLAN tagging, enter "1". (This is equivalent to a "NULL" VLAN ID tag value.)
        Note

        The values "0" and "4095" are reserved and cannot be entered.
      • Netmask: Specify the IP netmask for the disaster recovery network.
      • Hostname: Specify the hostname for each address in the backup network.
      • IP Address: Specify the IP address for each address in the backup network.
    3. Disaster Recovery Network
      If so equipped (for authorized customers only), you can edit the following disaster recovery network settings:
      • VLAN ID: Provide a virtual LAN identifier (VLAN ID) for the backup network between 1 and 4094, inclusive. To specify no VLAN tagging, enter "1". (This is equivalent to a "NULL" VLAN ID tag value.)
        Note

        The values "0" and "4095" are reserved and cannot be entered.
      • Netmask: Specify the IP netmask for the disaster recovery network.
      • Hostname: Specify the hostname for each address in the backup network.
      • IP Address: Specify the IP address for each address in the backup network.
    4. Configure DNS and NTP Servers
      The VM cluster network requires access to Domain Names System (DNS) and Network Time Protocol (NTP) services. You can edit the following settings:
      • DNS Servers: Provide the IP address of a DNS server that is accessible using the client network. You may specify up to three DNS servers.
      • NTP Servers: Provide the IP address of an NTP server that is accessible using the client network. You may specify up to three NTP servers.
  8. Click Save Changes.

    After editing, the state of the VM cluster network is Requires Validation.

Using the Console to Download a File Containing the VM Cluster Network Configuration Details

To provide VM cluster network information to your network administrator, you can download and supply a file containing the network configuration.

Use this procedure to download a configuration file that you can supply to your network administrator. The file contains the information needed to configure your corporate DNS and other network devices to work along with Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer.
  1. Open the navigation menu. Under Oracle Database, click Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer.
  2. Choose the Region and Compartment that contains the Exadata infrastructure that is associated with the VM cluster network that you are interested in.
  3. Click Exadata Infrastructure.
  4. Click the name of the Exadata infrastructure that is associated with the VM cluster network that you are interested in.

    The Infrastructure Details page displays information about the selected Exadata infrastructure.

  5. Click the name of the VM cluster network for which you want to download a file containing the VM cluster network configuration details.

    The VM Cluster Network Details page displays information about the selected VM cluster network.

  6. Click Download Network Configuration.

    Your browser downloads a file containing the VM cluster network configuration details.

Using the Console to Validate a VM Cluster Network

You can only validate a VM cluster network if its current state is Requires Validation, and if the underlying Exadata infrastructure is activated.

  1. Open the navigation menu. Under Oracle Database, click Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer.
  2. Choose the Region and Compartment that contains the Exadata infrastructure that is associated with the VM cluster network that you want to validate.
  3. Click Exadata Infrastructure.
  4. Click the name of the Exadata infrastructure that is associated with the VM cluster network that you are interested in.

    The Infrastructure Details page displays information about the selected Exadata infrastructure.

  5. Click the name of the VM cluster network that you want to validate.

    The VM Cluster Network Details page displays information about the selected VM cluster network.

  6. Click Validate VM Cluster Network.

    Validation performs a series of automated checks on the VM cluster network. The Validate VM Cluster Network button is only available if the VM cluster network requires validation.

  7. In the resulting dialog, click Validate to confirm the action.

    After successful validation, the state of the VM cluster network changes to Validated and the VM cluster network is ready to use. If validation fails for any reason, examine the error message and resolve the issue before repeating validation.

    If network validation fails, then a banner with the Download Report button is displayed. Download the report, edit the network resources assignment, and then try validating again.

Using the Console to Download Network Validation Report

Learn to validate and inspect the network validation failure report without active involvement from Oracle Cloud Ops in troubleshooting networking configuration issues.

You can download the network validation report only when the VM Cluster Network State life cycle state is Validation Failed.

You cannot download the network validation report for the following VM Cluster Network State life cycle states:
  • Validated (Successful validation run does not generate a results file)
  • Requires Validation
  • Updating
  • Allocated
  1. Open the navigation menu. Under Oracle Database, click Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer.
  2. Choose the Region and Compartment that contains the Exadata infrastructure that is associated with the VM cluster network that you want to validate.
  3. Click Exadata Infrastructure.
  4. Click the name of the Exadata infrastructure that is associated with the VM cluster network that you are interested in.

    The Infrastructure Details page displays information about the selected Exadata infrastructure.

  5. Click the name of the VM cluster network for which you want to download a file containing the VM cluster network configuration details.

    The VM Cluster Network Details page displays information about the selected VM cluster network.

  6. Click Download Report.

Example 5-2 Validation Report

{
   "Physical_Links":[
      "Issue detected with Physical Links. Please check the cables connected to ExaCC, or contact Oracle Support."
   ],
   "VLAN":[
      "Gateway  <G1> is not accessible from source <ipaddr > with vlan id <vlanId>. Please ensure vlan Id, IP address and Gateway are correct",
      "Gateway  <G2> is not accessible from source <ipaddr > with vlan id <vlanId>. Please ensure vlan Id, IP address and Gateway are correct"
   ],
   "Gateway":[
      "Gateway  <G1> is not accessible from source <ipaddr > with vlan id <vlanId>. Please ensure vlan Id, IP address and Gateway are correct",
      "Gateway  <G2> is not accessible from source <ipaddr > with vlan id <vlanId>. Please ensure vlan Id, IP address and Gateway are correct"
   ],
   "DNS":[
      "Missing reverse DNS entry(ies) <hostname> for <IP addr> in the DNS server <dnsIP>. Please update the DNS Server with appropriate entry(ies).",
      "Missing DNS entry(ies) <IP> for <hostname> in the DNS server <dnsIP>. Please update the DNS Server with appropriate entry(ies).",
      "Wrong reverse DNS entry(ies) <hostname> found for <IP addr> in the DNS server <dnsIP>. Please update the DNS Server with appropriate entry(ies).",
      "Wrong DNS entry(ies) <IP addr> found for <hostname> in the DNS server <dnsIP>. Please update the DNS Server with appropriate entry(ies)."
   ],
   "NTP":[
      "NTP <ntpIP> is not accessible from source <domU_ipaddr> with vlan id <vlanId> using gateway <gatewayIP>. Please ensure NTP, VlanId, IP address, Gateway are correct."
   ],
   "IP_Availability":[
      "IP <IP1> is already in use. Please ensure this IP is available.",
      "IP <IP2> is already in use. Please ensure this IP is available.",
      "IP <IP3> is already in use. Please ensure this IP is available."
   ]
}

Using the Console to Terminate a VM Cluster Network

Before you can terminate a VM cluster network, you must first terminate the associated VM cluster, if one exists, and all the databases it contains.

Terminating a VM cluster network removes it from the Cloud Control Plane.

  1. Open the navigation menu. Under Oracle Database, click Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer.
  2. Choose the Region and Compartment that contains the Exadata infrastructure that is associated with the VM cluster network that you want to terminate.
  3. Click Exadata Infrastructure.
  4. Click the name of the Exadata infrastructure that is associated with the VM cluster network that you are interested in.

    The Infrastructure Details page displays information about the selected Exadata infrastructure.

  5. Click the name of the VM cluster network that you want to terminate.

    The VM Cluster Network Details page displays information about the selected VM cluster network.

  6. Click Terminate.
  7. In the resulting dialog, enter the name of the VM cluster network, and click Terminate VM Cluster Network to confirm the action.

Using the Console to Add Another DB Server to the VM Cluster Network

To a DB server to the VM Cluster Network, complete this procedure.

Note

Oracle strongly recommends that customers use the latest GI version, or at least GI version 19.11.
  1. Click the name of the VM Cluster Network that you want to edit.

    Exadata Infrastructure Details page displays the configured DB servers.

  2. Click Add DB Servers to Network to assign IP addresses.

    Add DB Servers to Network page is displayed.

  3. Select one or more DB servers from the list.
  4. Click Add DB Servers to Network.
  5. Enter IP addresses in the Client network and Backup network sections.
  6. Click Add DB Server to Network IP.

    Exadata Infrastructure Details page displays a banner with the count of DB servers selected.

    If you want to change the IP addresses, click Edit VM Cluster Network. Make changes on the Edit VM Cluster Network page and then click Save Changes.

  7. Click Validate VM Cluster Network.

    Validate VM Cluster Network goes into validating state.

    The statuses of the DB servers change to Validated if the validation is successful.

Using the Console to Remove DB Servers from a VM Cluster Network

To remove a database server, use this procedure.

Note

You cannot remove network resources that are currently allocated to a virtual machine.

  1. Open the navigation menu. Under Oracle Database, click Exadata Database Service on Cloud@Customer.
  2. Under Infrastructure, click Exadata Infrastructure.
  3. In the list of Exadata Infrastructures, click the display name of the infrastructure you wish to view details.
  4. Click the VM Cluster Network from the list of VM Cluster Networks.

    VM Cluster Network Details page is displayed.

  5. Under Network Configuration, in the Client network or Backup network section, identify the database server that you want to remove.
  6. Click the Actions icon (three dots) for a virtual machine, and then click Remove.
  7. Click Remove on the confirmation dialog displayed.