When configuring a physical network switch in Prism Element, what information is required?

Prism Element's Network Visualization feature provides a graphical representation of the physical network topology, showing how Nutanix nodes are connected to the physical switches. To gather the necessary information from the switches (such as model, firmware version, and port connections), Prism Element uses the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). Therefore, when adding a physical switch in Prism Element for monitoring and visualization, you must provide the switch's IP address and the correct SNMP credentials (e.g., community string for SNMPv2c or user credentials for SNMPv3).

A. DNS Configuration: DNS is used for name resolution across the cluster and network but is not a specific requirement for Prism to query a switch for visualization data.

B. NTP Configuration: NTP is essential for time synchronization within the Nutanix cluster but is not used for communicating with or configuring a physical switch in Prism.

C. SMTP Configuration: SMTP is configured in Prism to send email alerts and notifications; it is not used to retrieve information from a network switch.

1. Nutanix Prism Web Console Guide (AOS 6.5): In the "Network Visualization" section, under the subsection "Adding a Network Switch," the guide explicitly states the required fields for adding a switch. These include the IP Address and SNMP information (Version, Port, Community for SNMPv2c, or Security Level/User Name for SNMPv3). This confirms that SNMP configuration is mandatory. (Reference: Prism Web Console Guide v6.5, Chapter: Visualizing the Network, Section: Adding a Network Switch).

2. Nutanix University - Nutanix Certified Associate (NCA) 6.5 Study Guide: The guide describes Prism's capabilities, including network visualization. It explains that this feature relies on protocols like LLDP and SNMP to discover and map the physical network connections between Nutanix nodes and the top-of-rack switches. (Reference: Nutanix Certified Associate (NCA) 6.5 Study Guide, Module 3: Managing the Nutanix Cluster, Section: Prism Element).