Join a VM host to a cluster.

Hi NAV,

Ideally the ESXi server vesion should be the same level in the DRS cluster member.

So before joining it to the DRS cluster (eg. using drag and drop), please make sure you keep it at the same level in terms of ESXi version and the Firmware level patching as well.

Once you have confirmed everything is the same including the VMkernel switch and vSwitch ports, you can then join it safely.

You should configure ALL networking on the new host before joining to the cluster.

Also, as for version, you need to check which version of ESXi build version it is e.g. 5.5 U3 or later, and that version of vCenter Server you have managing this.

so what versions do you have of ESXi and vCenter Server ?

My new host has esxi 5.5 vmkernal build 3568722 installed.  The old cluster hostS has esxi 5.5 vmkernal build 3116895 install.

Does it matter?

If not, what step I should do?

At present your ESXi server is on ESXi 5.5 Update 3a, can you  check if your vCenter Server is also on ESXi 5.5 Update 3a.

Because you will need to be on vCenter Server 5.5 Update 3b or later to manage ALL your existing ESXi servers and the new ESXi 5.5 Build 3568722 server.

The vcenter server is a VM its host is on ESXi Update 3a.  

Would you suggest a KB that show step by step to bring up the version of my current hosts in the cluster?