What is the primary function of an NSX-T logical switch?

The primary function of an NSX-T logical switch is to connect virtual machines on the same overlay network. This is a core capability of NSX-T that enables VMs to communicate with each other over an isolated and encapsulated network layer. Logical switches in NSX-T utilize overlay segmentation, allowing for efficient traffic management and network flexibility.

By creating an overlay network, NSX-T abstracts the underlying physical network and provides a way to establish virtual networks independent of the hardware. This enables organizations to deploy and manage virtual machines seamlessly within the configured logical switches, ensuring that these VMs can communicate without being constrained by the limitations of the physical topology.

In this context, while routing traffic across different data centers may involve additional NSX-T components such as routers and gateways, the role of the logical switch is specifically focused on the internal connectivity of VMs within the same network segment. Similarly, functions like providing NAT and defining firewall rules are handled by their respective dedicated components, further highlighting the specific role of logical switches in connecting VMs.