What I'm wondering is-
What is the IP address on the host for. Obviously you can download vmware client and also use this address to add it into vcenter. Does it have any other purpose?
-I think it may have already been answered but the Ip address on each host is for communication and control. Vcenter uses this ip address to intitate actions and controll the host via the API that runs on this port. In addition it can be used to directly controll the host.
I think the confusion can come from the four available networks involved in the process:
1. Management - For individual management and vcenter management
2. Vmotion - strictly for vmotion traffic
3. FT - strickly for Fault tolerance logging
4. Vm - For virtual machines
Any nic can carry all of these or a single it really depends on your setup. For example if your Management contained number 1,2,3 then it's possible to see how you can wonder why we need a IP for all three... different services run and require specific port bindings...
I hope this helps... let me know if you have additional questions.
Thanks