When you begin the deployment of the downloaded OVA, you will be prompted to choose a configuration size. Your choice depends on the number of objects in your vSAN cluster: Up to 10 VMs 2 vCPUs, 8 GB RAM, 40 GB Flash Up to 500 VMs 2 vCPUs, 16 GB RAM, 350 GB Flash Large Over 500 VMs 2 vCPUs, 32 GB RAM, 350+ GB Flash
If you are preparing to deploy this soon, let me know your , whether you are setting up a 2-node or stretched cluster , and if you need help with the network routing commands . Share public link
vCenter will now configure the cluster logic. The Witness host will move from being a generic host in your inventory to being "owned" by the Stretched Cluster configuration. download vsan witness appliance
Follow these steps to download the official VMware vSAN Witness Appliance.
Following the Broadcom acquisition of VMware, the download portal has transitioned to the Broadcom Support Portal. Step 1: Access the Broadcom Support Portal When you begin the deployment of the downloaded
In a standard vSAN cluster, data is mirrored or distributed across multiple hosts. However, in smaller or geographically separated environments—such as or vSAN Stretched Clusters —a third entity is required to maintain a quorum. The Witness Appliance does not store actual data; instead, it stores metadata (witness components). If one node fails, the Witness allows the remaining node to verify that it holds the most recent version of the data, preventing "split-brain" scenarios. Why Download the Virtual Appliance?
What the witness does (and why it matters) The Witness host will move from being a
: It is imperative to download the Witness version that matches your vSphere/vSAN environment (e.g., vSAN 8.0 Update 2).
The VMware vSAN Witness Appliance is a virtual machine. It acts as a tie-breaker in vSAN cluster setups. It is needed for two-node clusters and stretched clusters.
VMware downloads are hosted on the Broadcom Support Portal. You need an active profile associated with your licenses to access the binaries.