What information must be configured for each VMkernel port in vSphere?

For each VMkernel port in vSphere, it is essential to configure an IP address, netmask, and gateway to ensure proper network connectivity. The IP address allows the VMkernel port to be uniquely identified on the network, enabling communication with other devices. The netmask defines the subnet within which the VMkernel port will operate, determining which part of the IP address refers to the network and which part refers to the host. The gateway serves as the next-hop IP address for the VMkernel traffic when it needs to communicate with devices outside its local subnet.

This configuration is critical for VMkernel ports because they facilitate various essential services such as vMotion, NFS, iSCSI communications, and management traffic. Without correctly configuring the IP address, netmask, and gateway, the VMkernel port may not function correctly, leading to issues in communication and management of the associated virtual machines.

Other options either include unnecessary details or omit critical configurations. For instance, while the MAC address and DNS name can be relevant in certain contexts, they are not mandatory configurations for establishing basic VMkernel port functionality. The broadcast address is also typically calculated based on the IP address and netmask, and the option mentioning only an IP address fails to cover the necessary netmask and