What is the VMware recommended way to deploy a virtual NSX Edge Node?

The VMware recommended and standard procedure for deploying a virtual NSX Edge Node is through the NSX Manager User Interface (UI). The NSX Manager provides a guided, wizard-driven workflow that automates the entire process. This includes deploying the Edge appliance Open Virtualization Format (OVF) onto a vCenter Server, configuring its size (form factor), assigning IP addresses for management and tunnel endpoints (TEPs), and joining the node to the NSX management and transport planes. This integrated method ensures consistency, simplifies complex configuration, and reduces the likelihood of manual errors, making it the most reliable and efficient approach.

B. The ISO-based installation method is exclusively used for deploying NSX Edge nodes onto physical, bare-metal servers, not for deploying them as virtual machines within a vSphere environment.
C. While technically possible to deploy the OVF from the vSphere Client, this is a generic VM deployment method. It would require extensive manual post-deployment configuration to join and integrate the node into the NSX fabric.
D. Using the OVF command-line tool is another manual deployment method. It bypasses the integrated NSX Manager workflow, necessitating significant manual configuration and lacking the automation provided by the recommended UI-based process.

1. VMware NSX-T Data Center Installation Guide: In the section "Install an NSX Edge on vSphere

" the procedure explicitly starts with logging into the NSX Manager UI.

Reference: VMware NSX-T Data Center Installation Guide

"Install an NSX Edge on vSphere" section. The first prerequisite step is: "Log in to the NSX Manager user interface." The procedure then details navigating through "System > Fabric > Nodes > Edge Transport Nodes" and clicking "Add Edge VM".

2. VMware NSX-T Data Center Installation Guide (Bare Metal): This document confirms that the ISO method is for bare-metal deployments.

Reference: VMware NSX-T Data Center Installation Guide

"Install an NSX Edge on a Bare Metal Server" section. The first step listed is: "Download the NSX Edge installation ISO file...". This clearly distinguishes the ISO method from the virtual appliance deployment.

3. VMware NSX Documentation - Add an Edge Node in a vSphere Environment: This official documentation page outlines the step-by-step process

which is initiated and managed entirely within the NSX UI.

Reference: VMware Product Documentation

"Add an Edge Node in a vSphere Environment". The procedure begins: "From a browser

log in with admin privileges to an NSX Manager at https://." and proceeds through the UI workflow.