VM Copy vs Replication (initial)

[CraigConstable]

I have a thin VM on an ESX 4.0 host. I want to make a copy that will be on an ESXi 4.0 host on the same network 1Gbps.
Using "VM Copy" it takes 3 Hours
Using "Replication" it takes 1 Hour and 18 Mins

Why is there such a difference in speed to transfer the same data?

Note: I am talking about the initial replication

[Vitaliy S.]

Hello Craig,

Could you please confirm that you were copying/replicating the same VM to the same destination target? There shouldn't be such a huge difference. It would helpful if we could see the log files for both jobs. Have you already opened a support case? If no, please do, so our technical team could compare both log files.

Thank you!

[CraigConstable]

Hi,

Yes it was the exact same VM.
What log files and where are they located?
Here is the HTML reports but I don't think that is what you were after.

[Vitaliy S.]

Craig,

You can find job log files at Help|Support Information. Please send them with the reference to this forum topic and tell me your ticket number, so I assist you if needed.

Thanks!

[CraigConstable]

Hi Vitaliy S.

The ticket number is #524950 I have also sent the logs files via email in reply to the support email.

Is it safe to replicate to the other server then use the disk files to build a VM? I need to do this tonight at 7:30pm and don't want to risk a 3hour down time.

[Vitaliy S.]

Craig,

Thank you for posting your ticket number! Yes, it is absolutely safe to replicate VM to other server. Actually it is what the product is made for