While basic Tanzu can run on standard VDS (Virtual Distributed Switches), advanced networking and security features for Kubernetes often require VMware NSX , which is included in the Cloud Foundation (VCF) tier.
You must license a minimum of 16 cores per physical processor . Even if your CPU has only 8 or 12 cores, you must purchase a 16-core license. vsphere kubernetes license
VMware’s licensing for Kubernetes on vSphere has undergone significant changes following the Broadcom acquisition. The legacy model of "vSphere with Tanzu" (Standard, Advanced, Enterprise) has been replaced/consolidated into new subscription bundles. The core takeaway: While basic Tanzu can run on standard VDS
vSphere allows you to enable Workload Management for a 60-day trial period without a license key. This is useful for Proof of Concept (PoC) environments but will restrict cluster operations once the timer expires. 3. DIY Kubernetes (CSI/CPI) VMware’s licensing for Kubernetes on vSphere has undergone
To understand the licensing, you must understand the architecture: