VMware vSphere Foundation (VCF) subscription licensing supports a Disconnected mode for environments with strict security policies that prohibit direct internet connectivity. To maintain license validity in this mode, the administrator must perform a manual, air-gapped license synchronization. This involves generating a registration request file from the local VCF Operations instance, securely transferring it to an internet-connected machine, uploading it to the VMware Cloud Services Portal (VCF Business Services console), and then downloading the resulting license file. This new license file must be transferred back and applied to the VCF instance. This entire process must be completed at least once every 180 days to ensure the subscription remains active and compliant.

A. Switching to Connected mode violates the stated security restrictions. Additionally, the required validation interval is 180 days, not 365.

C. VMware vSphere Foundation uses a subscription-based license model which is not perpetual. It requires periodic validation to remain active, even in Disconnected mode.

D. Providing a direct internet connection to VCF Operations is the definition of Connected mode and directly contradicts the security requirement for operating in Disconnected mode.

1. VMware Cloud Foundation+ FAQ:

Reference: Under the "General" section

the question "What if my environment is not connected to the VMware Cloud?" is addressed.

Quote/Paraphrase: The documentation states that for disconnected environments

the user must manually download a new license key from the VMware Cloud Services Portal and apply it to their VMware Cloud Foundation instance at least once every 180 days. This confirms the manual process and the 180-day interval. (This information is widely available in the official VCF+ FAQ documents).

2. VMware Cloud Foundation Administration Guide (Version 5.1 or similar):

Reference: Section on "Licensing for VMware Cloud Foundation

" subsection "Disconnected Mode."

Quote/Paraphrase: The guide details the procedure for Disconnected mode

which involves generating a token request from the SDDC Manager

uploading it to the VMware Cloud portal

and downloading a token response to apply back to the SDDC Manager. It specifies that this manual update is required periodically to keep the license valid. The 180-day term is the standard for this subscription model.