vSS: vSwitches are configured on each ESXi/ESX host.

vDS: The configuration of vDS is centralized to vCenter Server. The ESXi/ESX 4.x and ESXi 5.x hosts that belong to a dvSwitch do not need further configuration to be compliant.

 

These features are available with both types of virtual switches:

  • Can forward L2 frames
  • Can segment traffic into VLANs
  • Can use and understand 802.1q VLAN encapsulation
  • Can have more than one uplink (NIC Teaming)
  • Can have traffic shaping for the outbound (TX) traffic

These features are available only with a Distributed Switch:

  • Can shape inbound (RX) traffic
  • Has a central unified management interface through vCenter Server
  • Supports Private VLANs (PVLANs)
  • Provides potential customization of Data and Control Planes

 

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