VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 1
Introduction to the
VMware vSphere Training Course
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is VMware vSphere?
 The most advanced
virtualization platform
available
 The replacement for the
“VMware Virtual
Infrastructure Suite”
 Includes VMware ESX
Server
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What will we cover in this vSphere Training Course?
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Instructor introduction and scenario overview
VMware Certification – VCP and VCDX
Introduction to Virtualization
Virtualization Product Compared
VMware ESXi 4 Free Edition for the SMB
Installing the vSphere Client
Navigating vSphere and using the vSpere client
Running ESX 4 inside Workstation
Installing ESX 4
Installing ESXi 4
1
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What will we cover in this vSphere Training Course?
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Installing vCenter 4
Configuring your new vCenter virtual infrastructure
Creating and Modifying Guest virtual machines
Installing and configuring VMware Tools
Adding virtual machine hardware with Hot Plug
Using vSphere host profiles
Administering VMware ESX server security
Intro to and Installing VMware Data Recovery
Backup and Restore with Data Recovery
Virtual Storage 101 and Storage Terminology
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What will we cover in this vSphere Training Course?
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Configuring vSphere Storage
Creating a Free iSCSI SAN with OpenFiler
vSphere Virtual Networking
vNetwork Distributed Switch
Understanding and using Tasks, Events, and Alarms
Performance Optimization in vSphere
Upgrading from ESX 3.x and VI to vSphere 4
Moving VMs with VMotion
Moving virtual storage with SVMotion
Load balancing with DRS
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What will we cover in this vSphere Training Course?
 Implementing High Availability with VMware HA (VMHA)
 Super High Availability with VMware Fault Tolerance (FT)
 And many more videos are on the way!
2
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 2
Meet your Instructor:
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Meet your Instructor
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15+ years in IT
Used Virtualization in production
vExpert, VCP, Linux+, CISSP, & CCIE
Author of hundreds of
virtualization articles
 Author of 6 Train Signal video
training courses
 Speaker and Judge at Virtualization
events
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Why is VMware ESX so important to me, you, and the future of IT?
 Flexibility & Power come with
virtualization
 Prevent server proliferation
 Server consolidation
 Testing & Development
 Disaster Recovery
 High Availability
 Cost savings (ROI)
3
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 3
Our Scenario with the
Wired Brain Coffee Company
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Our Scenario @ the Wired Brain Coffee Company
 The Wired Brain Coffee Co. (WBC) is a
chain of highly successful coffee houses.
Their many locations are found in most
US cities and they are spreading to other
continents such as the EU and Asia.
 Tom Jenner III is the CIO at WBC. As a
consultant from California, you have met
Tom at their headquarters and primary
data center, located in Bandon, Oregon.
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Our Scenario @ the Wired Brain Coffee Company
 Wired Brain Coffee has 3 data centers in
the US to support the technology needs
of their coffee houses and corporate HQ.
 With the economy tightening and the
never ending need to maximize
shareholder value, Tom at WBC is always
looking for ways to make the most out of
the IT staff’s time and reduce costs.
4
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Our Scenario @ the Wired Brain Coffee Company
 You are here to:
• Help Tom justify why VMware vSphere is a
good fit for their needs
• Design the VMware vSphere infrastructure
• Install VMware ESX, vCenter, and all the
pieces of the vSphere Suite
• Fully Implement the vSphere into production
and consolidate physical servers into virtual
servers (P2V)
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 4
VMware Certification
Preparing for the VCP and VCDX
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
5
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
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What are my VMware certification options?
What does it take to get a VCP?
What are the benefits to becoming a VCP?
How do I upgrade my VCP to the latest
version?
 How do I best prepare for the VCP?
 What is a VCDX and how do I achieve it?
 What is a vExpert?
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What are my VMware Certification Options?
 VMware Certified Professional
(VCP)
 After that, you can work toward
the VMware Certified Design
Expert (VCDX)
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What does it take to get a VCP?
 VCP certification is based on VMware
ESX & vSphere
 VCP 2, VCP3, and now VCP4 is current
 To obtain your VCP, you must attend an
official VMware class (instructor or
online) and pass the VCP exam.
 The VCP exam is taken a VUE testing
center & is test VCP-310.
6
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What does it take to get a VCP?
 There is no self study option that
allows you to obtain a VCP at this time.
 This course is designed to teach you
how to use VMware ESX Server
effectively in a production
environment, in the real world
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What are the benefits to becoming a VCP?
 Demonstrate your VMware technical
expertise to employers and customers
 Increase your potential for career
advancement
 Use the VMware Certified Professional
logo on your business card or website
 Free license for VMware Workstation
for Windows or Linux
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
How do I upgrade my VCP certification?
 VCP certifications were available in ESX
2, then ESX 3, now they are available in
ESX 4 / vSphere 4.
 If you already have a VCP, you need to
upgrade it.
 You must upgrade your VCP3 to a VCP4
by December 31, 2009 in order to avoid
having to take a VMware training
course.
7
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
How do I best prepare for the VCP?
 Hands-on experience – download and
try for yourself
 Video training – recreate the exercises in
this course in your own lab
 Books
 VCP test simulation questions
 VMware Communities
 Classroom training
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What does it take to get a VCDX?
 VCDX – VMware Certified Design Expert
• Pass VCP
• Pass Enterprise Admin Exam
• Pass Design Exam
• Present and defend a VMware
Infrastructure Design
8
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is a vExpert?
 vExpert – VMware award given to
individuals who have significantly
contributed to the community of
VMware users and helped spread the
word about virtualization over the past
year (an award good for one year).
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 What are my VMware certification options?
 What does it take to get a VCP?
 What are the benefits to becoming a VCP?
 How do I upgrade my VCP to the latest
version?
 How do I best prepare for the VCP?
 What is a VCDX and how do I achieve it?
 What is a vExpert?
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 5-1
Introduction to Virtualization
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
9
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 What is Virtualization?
 What are the various types of virtualization?
(Server, Storage, Network, Application, and
Desktop)
 What form of virtualization is right for you?
 How can Server Virtualization help me?
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is Virtualization?
 "Virtualization is a journey, not
a project."
 Virtualization is an ambiguous
term requiring clarification.
Specifically, we are talking
about Server Virtualization.
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is Virtualization?
 Server virtualization is where you
use virtual machines to separate
the hardware from the virtual
operating systems, allowing you to
run multiple operating systems on
a single computer, all at the same
time.
10
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is Virtualization?
 For many IT Pros getting started with
virtualization or using it on their
desktop, virtualization is done with a
general virtualization product like MS
Virtual PC/Server or VMware
Workstation/Server.
 But, in the datacenter, you are going to
use a product like VMware ESX.
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is Virtualization?
 These two approaches to virtualization
are:
• Virtualization Management Layer
• Dedicated Virtualization
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is Virtualization? – Virtualization Management Layer Approach
(also called “hosted”)
11
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is Virtualization? – Dedicated Virtualization Approach
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What are the various types of Virtualization?
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Server
Storage
Network
Application
Desktop
(all umbrella terms that require clarification)
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is Server Virtualization?
 Many physical servers are
consolidated into fewer
virtual servers
 Termed “P2V
consolidation”
 Many IT and business
benefits are gained from
this consolidation
 Examples: VMware ESX,
MS Hyper-V, or Citrix Xen
Graphic Thanks to VMware.com
12
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is Storage Virtualization?
 If you can virtualize your servers, why not virtualize
your storage?
 Removes the physical mapping of storage and
moves storage into logical objects.
 These logical (or virtual) objects are much more
easily managed.
 Many benefits are achieved from the virtualization
of storage – lower cost of storage, ease of data
migration, and less administrative burden
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is Network Virtualization?
 Internal network virtualization provides
network functionality in software.
Example: VMware ESX & Microsoft HyperV virtual networks
 External network virtualization provides
multiple network functions in one unit.
Example: a Cisco switch with VLAN
capabilities or integrated applications
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is Application Virtualization?
 Virtualization of applications
so that they are
encapsulated and are able to
run on another system
without actually installing
them
 This allows any app to run
without conflicts, usually via
streaming
 Examples: VMware ThinApp,
XenApp, and MS Softgrid
Graphic Courtesy of VMware.com
13
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is Desktop Virtualization?
 Desktop Virtualization is
also called VDI (virtual
desktop infrastructure)
 Desktop Virtualization is
the consolidation of
desktop computers into
virtualized server systems
 Examples:
Graphic Courtesy of VMware.com
• VMware VDM / View
• Citrix / XenDesktop
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What type of Virtualization is right for you?
 Various types of virtualization are all related in
some way
 Implementation of one type of virtualization
may drive needs in other areas
 Type of virtualization needed depends on your
company’s business needs (devices, users,
applications, geography, dynamics)
 Every company (or individual) could benefit
from some form of virtualization
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What makes virtualization so appealing?
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Fewer servers & less infrastructure needed
Ease administrative burden
Less energy required = “going green”
Speed response to business needs
Increased availability of servers
Easier disaster recovery
Lower overall cost and + ROI
14
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
How can Server Virtualization help me?
 Production data centers
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•
•
•
Consolidate servers (especially legacy applications)
Consolidate desktops
Make more efficient use of hardware (greener?)
Enhance IT staff productivity
− Fewer points of admin
− Less hardware maintenance and fewer infrastructure
requirements
− Faster server deployment
− React faster to business needs
− Faster Server replacement
• High Availability & Load-balancing
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
How can Server Virtualization help me?
 Testing and Development
• Point in Time Snapshots
• Network Isolation
• Appliance download
 Disaster Recovery
• Hardware Independence (application
portability)
 Also - see the VMware TCO Calculator
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 What is Virtualization?
 What are the various types of
virtualization? (Server, Storage,
Network, Application, and Desktop)
 What form of virtualization is right for
you?
 How can Server Virtualization help me?
15
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 5-2
Virtualization Products Compared
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 How do the various virtualization products
compare?
•
•
•
•
•
VMware ESX/ESXi
VMware Server
Microsoft Hyper-V
Microsoft Virtual Server
Citrix XenServer
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Virtualization products compared…
 VMware ESX 4 Server
• Enterprise grade virtualization solution (directly on HW)
• Offers large suite of enterprise-grade features in the vSphere Suite
(formerly known as the Virtual Infrastructure Suite)
• Most proven solution on the market (ESX 1.0 launched in 2001)
• Runs on only on 64-bit servers
• Memory over-commitment is a huge feature
• Comes in 3 flavors:
− ESX Full
− ESXi
− ESXi Free
16
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Virtualization products compared…
 VMware Server
• Free
• Uses virtualization management layer approach causing greater
overhead
• Runs on Windows or Linux
• Has a web interface for management (new in version 2)
• Runs x86 or x64 VMs
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Virtualization products compared…
 Microsoft Hyper-V
• Enterprise grade virtualization solution (directly on HW)
• Offers centralized management with System Center Virtual Machine
Manager (SCVMM)
• 64 bit hypervisor that runs on only on 64-bit servers
• Runs either x86 or x64 VMs
• Comes in either stand-alone (free) or in the various versions of Windows
Server 2008
• Windows 2008 R2 (currently in RC) offers Live Migration, hot add VM
storage, and more
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Virtualization products compared…
 Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 with SP1
• Free
• Uses virtualization management layer approach causing greater
overhead
• Runs on Windows Server 2003
• Has a web interface for management and can integrate into SCVMM
• Can run more VMs when running on a x64 platform
• Runs only x86 VMs
17
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Virtualization products compared…
 Citrix XenServer
•
•
•
•
•
Free
Enterprise grade virtualization solution (directly on HW)
64 bit hypervisor that runs on only on 64-bit servers
Runs either x86 or x64 VMs
Offers a huge number of features: 8 virtual CPUs, centralized
management, live motion, VM template library, centralized configuration
management, patch management, hot swappable disks and NICs, and
more
• Offers advanced features with Essentials (available for Xen or Hyper-V)
such as lab management, dynamic provisioning, workflow, and HA
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Virtualization products compared…
Graphic thanks to VMware, Inc
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Virtualization products compared…
Graphic thanks to VMware, Inc
18
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Virtualization products compared…
Graphic thanks to VMware, Inc
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 How do the various virtualization
product offering stack up?
 VMware ESX/ESXi
 VMware Server
 Microsoft Hyper-V
 Microsoft Virtual Server
 Citrix XenServer
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 6
VMware ESXi 4 Free Edition
for the SMB
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
19
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 What does VMware ESXi Free Edition offer
you?
 Why is ESXi Free ideal for the SMB?
 What hardware does ESXi Free run on?
 Where do I obtain ESXi Free and install it?
 VMware Free Edition FAQ
 When will I need to upgrade to the vSphere
Suite and why?
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What does VMware ESXi Free Edition offer you?
 Use one server for more than one
OS and application
 Save on hardware, power, and
cooling costs
 Enable easier backup and restore
 Ease administrative burden
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Why is ESXi Free ideal for the SMB?
 Ease of upgrade to the most full
featured virtualization platform
today = vSphere
 Allows you to do more with less
 Save time and money
 Twice the consolidation ratio
20
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What hardware does ESXi Free run on?
 ESXi 4 will run on most 64 bit
hardware
(see the VMware vSphere HCL)
 If you only have 32 bit hardware,
consider ESXi 3.5
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Where do I obtain ESXi Free and how do I install it?
 VMware.com
• VMware ESXi (free download)
 Register to download
 Download
 Create installation media
 Install
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware ESXi Free Edition FAQ
 Is there support for ESXi Free?
 Can I import VMs from MS VS,
VPC, and VMware Server?
 How are ESXi Free and ESXi
different?
 Can I eval the full vSphere suite to
compare?
21
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
When will I need to upgrade to the vSphere Suite and why?
 When you feel the need to have
centralized management
(3 servers or greater?)
 More features – patch
management, high availability,
VMotion, and more
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 What does VMware ESXi Free Edition offer
you?
 Why is ESXi Free ideal for the SMB?
 What hardware does ESXi Free run on?
 Where do I obtain ESXi Free and install it?
 VMware Free Edition FAQ
 When will I need to upgrade to the vSphere
Suite and why?
22
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 7
VMware vSphere 4 and ESX
Essentials
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 vSphere Overview
 This just in! vSphere Offers All New Features
 Learning “vEverything” – vCloud, vCompute,
vNetwork, vStorage, and vMore
 Packaging, Versions, Components, and more
 No you cannot buy ESX
 New Licensing Changes in vSphere
 Upgrading from VI 3.x
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
vSphere Overview
 A virtualization
platform and
associated suite of
products
 Replaced “Virtual Infrastructure”
(VI Suite)
 ESX is a part of vSphere
23
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
This just in! vSphere Offers All New Features
 New packaging,
pricing, and licensing
 Data Recovery
 Fault Tolerance
 Hot Add
 Host Profiles
 vShield Zones
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
This just in! vSphere Offers All New Features
 dvSwitch
(enabling
Cisco Nexus
1000v)
 Thin
Provisioning
 > Performance
Graphic Courtesy
of VMware.com
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Graphic Courtesy
of VMware.com
24
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Learning “vEverything” – vCloud, vCompute, vNetwork, vStorage, and vMore
 vCloud
 vSphere
• Applications – Availability, Security,
and Stability
• Infrastructure – vCompute, vStorage,
and vNetwork
 vCenter
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Graphic Courtesy
of VMware.com
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
vSphere Components
 ESX and ESXi
 vCenter Server Agent
 vStorage VMFS
 vSMP
 vCenter Update Manager
 VMotion / SVMotion
25
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
vSphere Components
 HA / FT
 DRS and DPM
 vStorage Thin Provisioning
 Data Recovery
 vShield Zones
 Host Profiles
 vNetwork Distributed Switch
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
vSphere Components
 Hot Add
 vStorage APIs (VCB)
 vApps
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere-related products
 vCenter
 vCenter Site Recovery Manager (SRM)
 vCenter Lab Manager
 Capacity Planner
 vCenter Lifecycle Manager
 vCenter Stage Manager
26
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere-related products
 vCenter Server Heartbeat
 vCenter AppSpeed
 vCenter Converter
 vCenter Orchestrator
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Packaging and Versions
 ESXi Free
 Essentials & Essentials Plus
 Standard
 Advanced
 Enterprise
 Enterprise Plus
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Graphic Courtesy
of VMware.com
27
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Graphic Courtesy
of VMware.com
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
No, you cannot buy ESX
 Can I buy just VMware ESX Server?
 It’s just called “ESX”
 Its part of vSphere
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
New Licensing Changes in vSphere
 Centralized Licensing (or not)
 Buy vSphere per CPU socket (up to 6)
• Adv & Enterprise Plus go up to 12 core
 vCenter is still separate
• Available in 3 editions – standard,
foundation, and essentials
28
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
New Licensing Changes in vSphere
 License keys are 25 characters
instead of complex files
 No more license server – built into
vCenter
 Only License keys for each edition of
vSphere – no feature keys
 License keys has encoded CPU Qty
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Upgrading from Virtual Infrastructure Suite / ESX 3.x
 “VI” is no more
 You want to visit the VMware
vSphere Upgrade Center & use
Upgrade Advisor
Graphic Courtesy
of VMware.com
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Graphic Courtesy
of VMware.com
29
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Upgrading from Virtual Infrastructure Suite / ESX 3.x
 Licenses are sold in 1 CPU
increments instead of 2 CPU
increments
Graphic Courtesy
of VMware.com
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 vSphere Overview
 This just in! vSphere Offers All New Features
 Learning “vEverything” – vCloud, vCompute,
vNetwork, vStorage, and vMore
 Packaging, Versions, Components, and more
 No you cannot buy ESX
 New Licensing Changes in vSphere
 Upgrading from VI 3.x
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 8-1
vSphere
Management Options
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
30
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…






How do I manage this thing?
What’s the password, man?
Point your web browser to ESX & vCenter
Command line junkies – COS and SSH
Hacking the ESXi Console to gain access
I Love the vSphere Client!
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
How do I manage this thing?
 3 Options for an Admin to
manage vSphere:
• CLI – COS and SSH
• Web Access – vCenter or ESX
• vSphere Client – vCenter or ESX
 RDP to vCenter Server
 Mobile options via 3rd party apps
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What’s the Password, man?
 vCenter – domain admin
 ESXi – root & blank
 ESX – root + password configured
during install
 You should configure your own
passwords and only login with
your user account
31
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Point your web browser to ESX and vCenter
 IE or Firefox pointed to ESX or
vCenter
 ESXi doesn’t offer it
 Dubbed “vSphere Web Access”
 Limited functionality
 Usually used to install vSphere
client and little else
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Command line Junkies – COS and SSH
 Only ESX has the Console OS (COS)
and supported SSH
 May be able to enable SSH in ESXi
(maybe not)
 Supported options for ESXi CLI are–
Remote CLI (RCLI) and VIMA
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Hacking the ESXi Console to gain access
 Go to the ESXi console and press
alt+F1
 Type: unsupported
(No prompt, typing blindly)
 Enter the root password
32
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
I Love the vSphere Client!
 99% of what we will use
 Does it all – simple to advanced
 Easy to use
 Quick and Easy to install
 Always available for download
 Plugins extend the power
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 How do I manage this thing?
 What’s the password, man?
 Point your web browser to ESX & vCenter
 Command line junkies – COS and SSH
 Hacking the ESXi Console to gain access
 I Love the vSphere Client!
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 8-2
Installing the
VMware vSphere Client
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
33
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…





Installation Requirements
vSphere Client Includes…
Downloading the vSphere Client
Installing the vSphere Client
Connecting to ESX and vCenter with the
vSphere client
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
vSphere Client Installation Requirements
 CPU – 1 CPU
 Processor – 266MHz or faster Intel or AMD
processor (500MHz recommended)
 Memory – 200MB RAM
 Disk Storage – 1GB free disk space for a
complete installation and 400MB free on the
drive that has your %temp% directory.
 Networking – Gig-E Recommended
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
vSphere Client Includes…
 Microsoft .NET 2.0
 Microsoft .NET 3.0 SP1
 Microsoft Visual J#
 vSphere Client 4.0
 vSphere Host Update Utility 4.0
34
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Downloading the vSphere client
 Use your web browser
 Download from:
• an ESX host
• vCenter Server
 Or, off of the vCenter Installation
media (ISO)
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Installing the vSphere Client and logging in
 VMware-viclient.exe
 Basic steps• Language and License agreement
• Name and Company
• Choose to install the host update
utility, or not
• Select your path
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 Installation Requirements
 vSphere Client Includes…
 Downloading the vSphere Client
 Installing the vSphere Client
 Connecting to ESX and vCenter with the
vSphere client
35
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 8-3
Navigating vSphere using the
vSphere Client
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…







vSphere Terminology (lingo)
Using the vSphere Client
Navigating the vSphere Client with Hotkeys
Searching the Virtual Infrastructure
Sorting and Filtering in the vSphere Client
Exporting Data & Running Reports
Performing VM Guest Remote Control
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
vSphere Terminology (lingo)








vCenter Server
Data Center
VM (virtual machines)
Host / Guest
Folder
Datastore
Cluster
Networks (virtual networks)
36
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Using the vSphere Client
 Only displays what you have
licensed
 Different views when connected
to vCenter vs ESX host
 Remembers last connection view
 “Back” functionality, like a web
browser
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
37
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Navigating the vSphere Client with Hotkeys
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Searching the Virtual Infrastructure
 “Google” for your VI
 From the Home Screen OR any
vSphere client window
 Search for VMs, hosts, datastores,
networks, and folders
 Linked Mode is supported
 Simple and Advanced Searching
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Sorting and Filtering in the vSphere Client
 Sort Lists by clicking on column
headings
 Filter a list by keyword
 You can also export a list in a
variety of formats
38
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Exporting Data
 List Export
• HTML, HTML with CSS, XLS, CSV, or XML
 OVF File, Events, Maps, and System Logs
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Running Reports
 Host Summary
 Host Performance
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Running Reports
39
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Running Reports
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Performing VM Guest Remote Control
 Make sure you install the VMware Tools
 Console tab OR pop-up window
 Hot Keys
• Ctrl-Alt = release mouse (no VMware Tools)
• Ctrl-Alt-Ins = Ctrl-Alt-Del
• Ctrl-Alt-Enter = to switch back and forth to full
screen
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Performing VM Guest Remote Control
40
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 vSphere Terminology (lingo)
 Using the vSphere Client
 Navigating the vSphere Client with Hotkeys
 Searching the Virtual Infrastructure
 Sorting and Filtering in the vSphere Client
 Exporting Data & Running Reports
 Performing VM Guest Remote Control
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 9
Running VMware ESX 4 in
Workstation
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 Why would you want to run ESX in WS?
 What is required?
 How do you configure your
Workstation VM that will run ESX?
 Putting it to the test…
41
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Why would you want to do this?




Testing
Development
Learning
Portability
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is required?





Intel VT or AMD-V 64-bit CPU
Decent amount of RAM
VMware Workstation (eval will do)
VMware ESXi Free, ESXi, or full ESX
Know-how of steps and custom VMX
configuration changes
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Do I have the right CPU?
 64-bit CPU with Intel VT or AMD-V is
required
 Run CPU-Z from CPUID.com to find out
your CPU spec
 Google your CPU spec to see what it
features
 Don’t believe the VMware CPU
compatibility tool
42
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
How do you configure your Workstation VM that will run ESX?
 Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 64-bit
 1 virtual CPU, 2GB of RAM, SCSI Disk
 Use Intel-VT / AMD-V Execution Mode
 Disable 3D Graphics
 Remove unneeded hardware
 Edit VMX with
monitor_control.restrict_backdoor=true
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Putting it to the test…
Let’s try it out!
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Special Thanks and Resources
 XtraVirt.com – for their VI in
a box whitepaper
 VMware Communities
 And other resources…
(see my reference links)
43
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 Why would you want to run ESX in WS?
 What is required?
 How do you configure your
Workstation VM that will run ESX?
 Putting it to the test…
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 10-1
Installing VMware ESX 4
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 Why is hardware compatibility so
important?
 How to Check Hardware Compatibility
 Official Hardware Requirements
 Downloading ESX 4
 Installing VMware ESX 4, step by step
 Installation Tips and Tricks
44
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Why is Hardware Compatibility so important?
 ESX runs directly on your hardware
 ESX talks directly to your devices like the
video card, SATA/SCSI controller, and NIC
 ESX is your operating system
 ESX may run poorly or, more often, just
won’t work
 New name-brand servers will work
 Can even run ESX inside Workstation to test
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
How to Check Hardware Compatibility
 #1 place you need to go is:
www.vmware.com/go/hcl
 VMware “Search the Compatibility Guide”
(previously the HCL)
 Just because it isn’t on the list doesn’t mean
that it won’t run
 Keep VMotion & FT requirements in mind
 Separate HCLs for SAN, IO, Guest OS, & more
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Official Hardware Requirements
(from VMware ESX 4 Getting Started Guide)
CPU
 VMware ESX 4.0 will only install and run on
servers with 64-bit x86 CPUs.
 Known 64-bit processors:
• All AMD Opterons support 64 bit.
• All Intel Xeon 3000/3200, 3100/3300, 5100/5300,
5200/5400, 7100/7300, and 7200/7400 support 64 bit.
• All Intel Nehalem support 64 bit.
45
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Official Hardware Requirements
RAM
 2GB RAM minimum
Network Adapters
 One or more network adapters. Supported
network adapters include:
• Broadcom NetXtreme 570x gigabit controllers
• Intel PRO 1000 adapters
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Official Hardware Requirements
Storage
 SCSI Adapter
 Fibre Channel Adapter
 Internal RAID Controller
 Hardware iSCSI
 Serial attached SCSI (SAS)
 SATA
Check the HCL!
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Downloading VMware ESX 4
 ESXi is free
 ESX / vSphere available with 60 day eval
www.vmware.com/tryvmware
 Or, with registered license, just download
the ISO
www.vmware.com/download
 798MB DVD ISO
46
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Installing VMware ESX 4, step by step
1. Burn ISO to DVD and put in drive
2. Mount ISO using virtual CD with many
server management cards
3. Boot DVD
4. Answer installation questions & monitor
file copy
5. Verify successful reboot
6. Connect with vSphere client and/or add to
vCenter
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Installation Tips and Tricks






Burn it to a DVD, not CD & need DVD reader
Make sure VT is enabled in server BIOS
Can install custom drivers, if needed
Can enter a host-based license with ESX 4
Make sure you test your network settings
If using SAN, carefully select the LUN to
prevent data loss
 Have NTP server info ready- pool.ntp.org
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Installation Tips and Tricks
 View VMware ESX 4.0 Installation Best
Practices which recommends:
•
•
Root, swap, and optional partitions are stored in
esxconsole-<UUID>.vmdk  set a minimum size
of 8GB for this virtual disk
Create a separate partition for /var/log to
prevent logs from filling up root partition
47
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 Why is hardware compatibility so
important?
 How to Check Hardware Compatibility
 Official Hardware Requirements
 Downloading ESX 4
 Installing VMware ESX 4, step by step
 Installation Tips and Tricks
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 10-2
Installing VMware ESXi
version 4
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…







Why is hardware compatibility important?
How to Check Hardware Compatibility
Official Hardware Requirements
ESXi is the “real deal”
Comparing the three types of ESXi
Downloading and Installing ESXi 4
5 Steps to configuring your new ESXi Server
48
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Why is Hardware Compatibility so important?
 ESXi runs directly on your hardware
 ESXi talks directly to your devices like the
video card, SATA/SCSI controller, and NIC
 ESXi is your operating system
 New name-brand servers will work
 Can even run ESXi inside Workstation to
test
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
How to Check Hardware Compatibility
 #1 place you need to go is:
www.vmware.com/go/hcl
 VMware “Search the Compatibility Guide”
(previously the HCL)
 Just because it isn’t on the list doesn’t mean
that it won’t run
 Keep VMotion & FT requirements in mind
 Separate HCLs for SAN, IO, Guest OS, & more
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Official Hardware Requirements
(from VMware ESXi 4 Installable Setup Guide)
CPU
 VMware ESX 4.0 will only install and run on
servers with 64-bit x86 CPUs.
 Known 64-bit processors:
• All AMD Opterons support 64 bit.
• All Intel Xeon 3000/3200, 3100/3300, 5100/5300,
5200/5400, 7100/7300, and 7200/7400 support 64 bit.
• All Intel Nehalem support 64 bit.
49
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Official Hardware Requirements
RAM
 2GB RAM minimum
Network Adapters
 One or more 1Gb+ Ethernet controllers (see
the HCL)
 Recommend a dedicated NIC for virtual
machines
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Official Hardware Requirements
Check the HCL!
Storage
 SCSI Adapter, Fibre Channel Adapter, Internal
RAID Controller, Serial attached SCSI (SAS), or
SATA
 Installing ESXi on a FC SAN is experimental
 Installing on SAN such as NAS or iSCSI is not
supported
 Cannot use SATA CDROM without IDE
emulation
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
ESXi Installation Notes
 Don’t forget that ESXi has no service console,
only the direct console
 However, you can access the unsupported
service console
 Make sure that 3rd party apps support ESXi
50
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
ESXi is the “real deal”
 The commercial versions of ESXi are:
• Has a direct console instead of a full console (when
compared to ESX)
• Potentially better than using ESX
• Take up fewer resources on the host
• Require less patching than ESX
• Potentially, more secure
• Allow for all the advanced vSphere features
• Install and Boot faster
• Highly recommended!
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
The Difference between ESXi free, ESXi Installable, and ESXi Embedded
 ESXi is available in 3 versions
• Free – unlimited use but has limitations
• Installable – commercial version of ESXi
that you download and install on your own
server – fully supports all advanced
vSphere features that you have licensed
• Embedded - ESX image preinstalled as
firmware in the factory or burned onto an
external USB key
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Downloading VMware ESXi version 4
 (not covering ESXi free in this video)
 ESXi Installable / vSphere available with 60
day eval at www.vmware.com/tryvmware
 Or, with registered license, just download
the ISO from www.vmware.com/download
 348MB CD ISO (compared to 798MB DVD
for ESX)
51
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Installing VMware ESXi version 4, step by step
1. Burn ISO to CD and put in drive
2. Optional: mount ISO using virtual CD with
many server management cards
3. Boot CD
4. Answer installation questions with Enter,
F11, Enter, F11, reboot, and you are ready
to use ESXi 4
5. Server will reboot after file copy
6. Connect with vSphere client !
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Installation Tips and Tricks
 ESXi image and installer is called the
“VMvisor”
 Make sure VT is enabled in server BIOS
 May need to press ESC or change boot order
to boot installation CD
 Even on a slow computer, installs and is ready
to use in 5-10 min.
 Always installs in 60 day eval mode
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
5 steps to configuring your new ESXi Server
1. Set root password
2. Configure IP address, SM, DG, DNS servers,
hostname, and domain
3. Add to your DNS server
4. Add to vCenter by DNS name
5. Optionally- configure lockdown mode and
connect to SAN
52
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 Why is hardware compatibility important?
 How to Check Hardware Compatibility
 Official Hardware Requirements
 ESXi is the “real deal”
 Comparing the three types of ESXi
 Downloading and Installing ESXi 4
 5 Steps to configuring your new ESXi
Server
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 11-1
Installing VMware vCenter 4
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…








vCenter 101 – what you need to know
What’s new in vCenter 4 ?
Installation Requirements & Prerequisites
vCenter Server Components & Add-ons
Required Ports for vCenter
How to download vCenter 4
Advantages to installing vCenter in a VM
Installing vCenter 4, step by step
53
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
vCenter 101 – what you need to know
 Centralized control and visibility for
multiple ESX/ESXi hosts
 Contains centralized licenses
 Necessary for most advanced features of
vSphere
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54
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What’s New in vCenter 4?








New UI
Searching
New hardware monitoring
New storage maps and reports
Improved alerts and notifications
Improved performance graphs
Host profiles
Improved energy efficiency
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What’s New in vCenter 4?






vCenter Orchestrator
Improved patch management
vCenter server heartbeat option
Integrated P2V converter
Improved guided consolidation
Now manages up to 300 hosts and 3,000
VMs (and 1000 hosts and 10,000 VMs with
linked mode)
VMware vSphere Training
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What’s New in vCenter 4?
 New APIs to integrate with products like
systems management tools
 Improved distributed resource scheduler
 Automatic restart of failed VMs with VMHA
 Improved permissions and access control
 Integration with Windows AD
 Custom roles and permissions
 Session management
55
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Installation Requirements and Prerequisites




2 CPU 2Ghz Intel or AMD x86
3GB RAM
2GB free on disk
SQL or Oracle DB –OR- you can install SQL
Express during the install (may require more
resources)
 1Gb NIC
VMware vSphere Training
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Installation Requirements and Prerequisites
 Windows XP Pro SP2 (SP2 required)
 Windows Server 2003, SP1 and SP2 32bit and
64bit all editions
 Windows Server 2003, R2 and SP2 32bit and
64bit all editions
 Windows Server 2008 32bit all editions
 Windows Server 2008 64bit Standard and
Enterprise editions
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Installation Requirements and Prerequisites
 You can install vCenter in an ESX VM
 For physical server install, you must have a
physical DVD of vCenter
 Do not reinstall vCenter if you really want to
do an upgrade
 Ensure that your vCenter server is a member
of the domain and you are logged in as
administrator
 Correct time and date (recommend NTP)
VMware vSphere Training
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Installation Requirements and Prerequisites
 Computer name cannot be more than 15
characters
 vCenter server should not be AD DC
 Account you are installing under should have• Member of administrator group
• Act as part of Operating System
• Log on as a service
VMware vSphere Training
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Installation Requirements and Prerequisites
 Must have a static IP address
 Server must be in DNS with matching name
and you must be able to resolve it from all
ESX hosts
 NTFS formatted disk
 Know if you will use standalone or linked
mode
 You can run the installers from a network
drive but not install it on a network drive
57
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Installation Requirements and Prerequisites
 Database is required for vCenter and Update
Manager
• Database Options
−Install on an existing SQL Server or Oracle DB
−Install SQL Express on the local vCenter server
• For larger deployments, a separate DB is
recommended for vCenter and Update
Manager
• Each vCenter server must have its own DB
VMware vSphere Training
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Installation Requirements and Prerequisites
 Database continued
• For an existing DB, check to ensure that your
version is supported and that it has the necessary
patches installed
• For existing DB, you will need to create a 32-bit
DSN prior to vCenter server installation
• If you use SQL Express local option, standard DB
maintenance must be performed
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vCenter Server Components & Add-ons
 Required
• vCenter Server
• .NET 3.0 SP1 Framework
• vCenter Orchestrator
58
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vCenter Server Components & Add-ons
 Optional and on vCenter DVD
•
•
•
•
•
SQL Server Express 2005
vSphere Client
vCenter Converter Enterprise
vCenter Guided Consolidation
vCenter Update Manager
VMware vSphere Training
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vCenter Server Components & Add-ons
 Sold Separately
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
VMotion, SVMotion, DRS, DPM, VMHA, and FT
Site Recovery Manager (SRM)
Chargeback
Lab Manager
vCenter Server Heartbeat
AppSpeed
Data Recovery
Capacity IQ (late 2009)
Config Control (late 2009)
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Required Ports for vCenter








HTTPS Web = 443
HTTP Web = 80
Heartbeat for ESX hosts = 902 UDP
vSpere Client VM console = 902/903
LDAP for directory services = 389
SSL for directory services = 636
VMware vCenter Web = 8080
VMware vCenter Mgmt Web = 8443
59
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How and where to download vCenter 4
 60 day evaluation at
www.vmware.com/tryvmware
 Or, with registered license, just download
the ISO from www.vmware.com/download
 Available as an ISO or ZIP file
 1.7GB ISO should be named
VMware-VIMSetup-en-4.0.0-140822.ISO
VMware vSphere Training
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Advantages to installing vCenter in a VM
 No physical machine required
 Can use VMotion to move it from one ESX
host to another for maintenance
 High Availability is provided if you put it in a
VMHA cluster
 Can use snapshots before upgrades, etc.
 Can back it up with same method as other
VMs
 ESX hosts are not 100% dependant on vCenter
VMware vSphere Training
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Installing vCenter 4, step by step
1.
2.
3.
4.
Burn ISO to DVD or mount image
Choose to install vCenter
Agree to license
Enter user info and optionally enter
license
5. Choose your database type
6. Choose DB account
60
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Installing vCenter 4, step by step
7. Choose installation folder
8. Choose if vCenter will be in linked mode
9. Accept port numbers
10.Install vCenter
11. Click Finish and you are done!
12.Go back and install any optional
components
VMware vSphere Training
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What We Covered
 vCenter 101 – what you need to know
 What’s new in vCenter 4 ?
 Installation Requirements & Prerequisites
 vCenter Server Components & Add-ons
 Required Ports for vCenter
 How to download vCenter 4
 Advantages to installing vCenter in a VM
 Installing vCenter 4, step by step
VMware vSphere Training
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Video 11-2
vCenter 4 - Configuring your new
Virtual Infrastructure
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
61
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In this video…







Planning the virtual infrastructure
Adding datacenters, folders, and hosts
Configuring vSphere licensing
Removing “Getting Started” tabs
Configuring the ESX server clock and NTP
vCenter Server Settings & Plugins
Reviewing system logs, vCenter sessions, &
service status
 Monitoring ESX host health hardware status
VMware vSphere Training
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Planning the Virtual Infrastructure
 Proper naming and organization of the
virtual infrastructure is critical
 This structure will be used to delegate
permissions to users and groups
 Develop a standard naming convention for
ESX hosts and guest VMs
 Organize by physical site, company division,
purpose of infrastructure, or other system
that makes sense in your organization
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Planning the Virtual Infrastructure
 vCenter inventory can contain• Folder or datacenter
 Folder can contain• Folder or datacenter
 Datacenter can contain•
•
•
•
Folder
Cluster
Host
Virtual Machine
62
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VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 Planning the virtual infrastructure
 Adding datacenters, folders, and hosts
 Configuring vSphere licensing
 Removing “Getting Started” tabs
 Configuring the ESX server clock and NTP
 vCenter Server Settings & Plugins
 Reviewing system logs, vCenter sessions, &
service status
 Monitoring ESX host health hardware status
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 11-3
Creating and Modifying
Virtual Guest Machines
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
63
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In this video…
 Changing BIOS settings
 Creating ISO Images of CD/DVD Install
media
 Transferring ISO files to your ESX server
 Create a new virtual machine
 Install a guest OS in the Virtual Machine
 Downloading VMs from Virtual Appliance
Marketplace
VMware vSphere Training
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Changing BIOS settings in a Guest VM
 Telling the BIOS to boot a guest OS Install
CD/DVD can be tricky
 To enter the Phoenix BIOS press F2 before
the guest OS begins booting
 To boot an a CD/DVD, press ESC for the
boot menu
 In the BIOS you can set the boot order (CD
then HD)
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Creating ISO Images of CD/DVD Install media
 Important to have an ISO library of
commonly used OS and App CD/DVD media
 Benefits:
• No media to worry about
• No physical access to servers
• No slow network transfers or mounts
 Store this on your SAN so that all ESX hosts
can access it
64
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Creating ISO Images of CD/DVD Install media
 You can create an ISO with most CD/DVD
authoring applications.
 For a quick and easy ISO authoring app, I
recommend:
• LC ISO Creator
http://www.lucersoft.com/freeware.php
• FREE ISO Recorder (XP and Vista/7 versions)
http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/W7.htm
VMware vSphere Training
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Transferring ISO files to your ESX Server
 Options to mount ISOs• Move to server
• vSphere Client Mount
 Recommend to store ISOs on SAN in shared
storage so you have single instance
 Options to transfer ISO files to ESX Server• Datastore Browser Upload
• Secure Copy Protocol (SCP)
• Samba Client Share
VMware vSphere Training
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Transferring ISO files to your ESX Server
 In ESX 3.x the SMB client was loaded
automatically
 In vSphere, if you want to connect an ESX
host to a SMB share, you must load the
samba-client manually from the RPMs on
the ESX install CD
 Once loaded, you can connect to an SMB
share withmount -t smbfs -o username=<username>/<domain>,password=<password> //<server
name or IP>/<share name> /mnt/<mountpoint>
65
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Creating a new Virtual Machine and install the OS
 To create a new VM, you will need:
•
•
•
•
•
Name of VM
OS of VM (typical or custom)
Hardware Specs of VM
Path to Guest OS Installation CD/DVD
What datastore you want to store it in and how
large of a VMDK you want to create
• What datacenter/folder/cluster/host you want
the VM located in
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Creating a new Virtual Machine and install the OS
 Creating a new VM is easy but keep in mind
the consequences of doing so:
•
•
•
•
Cost of software license
Management overhead
Documentation
Training of junior administrators and support
staff
• Backups must be performed
• 3rd party software licenses based on # of servers
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Creating a new Virtual Machine and install the OS
 vSphere 4 Supports 100+ Guest OS’s
 vSphere Supports more Guest OS’s than any
other product
 See VMware’s Guest OS Install Guide
 Search Guest Compatibility Guide
66
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Creating a new Virtual Machine and install the OS
 Steps to installing your new Guest VM
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Create New Virtual Machine (Ctrl-N)
Answer questions for the wizard
Point to ISO file
Power on new VM and boot Guest OS
Go through normal guest OS installation
process
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 Changing BIOS settings
 Creating ISO Images of CD/DVD Install
media
 Transferring ISO files to your ESX server
 Create a new virtual machine
 Install a guest OS in the Virtual Machine
 Downloading VMs from Virtual Appliance
Marketplace
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 11-4
Installing and Configuring
VMware Tools
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
67
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In this video…





Why you should use the VMware Tools
Installing VMware Tools in Linux
Installing VMware Tools in Windows
Configuring the VMware Tools
How to determine if the VMware Tools are
out of date
 How to update the VMware Tools
automatically on VM boot
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Why you should use the VMware Tools
 VMware Tools are a set of drivers installed
in each VM Guest OS
 VMware’s documentation says “Installing
VMware Tools in the guest operating
system is vital. Although the guest
operating system can run without
VMware Tools, you lose important
functionality and convenience.”
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Why you should use the VMware Tools
 To the novice, the VMware Tools just appear
as a simple application
 The VMware Tools service / daemon is• Windows = VMwareService.exe
• Linux & Solaris = vmware-guestd
68
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Why you should use the VMware Tools
 VMware Tools:
• Provides time sync between host and guest
• Windows – controls grabbing/releasing mouse
• Contains the following drivers:
− SVGA
− vmxnet network driver for some guest OS’s
− BusLogic SCSI for some guests
− memory control driver for efficient memory allocation
between VMs
− Sync driver to quiesce IO for backup
− VMware Mouse Driver
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
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Why you should use the VMware Tools
 VMware Tools:
• VMware Tools Control panel to modify settings, shrink
virtual disks, and connect/disconnect virtual devices
• Scripts that can run when the power state of the VM
changes if you configure them
• VMware User Process (Windows = VMwareUser.exe Linux /
Solaris = vmware-user) enables copy & paste of text
between guest and host
• VMware Tools installers are ISO images, installed when ESX
or ESXi are installed
• Without VMware Tools the Guest shutdown and restart
options in the vSphere client do not work
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Installing the VMware Tools in Linux




USE A SUPPORTED LINUX GUEST OS
You can use the RPM or TAR installer. RPM is preferred.
If you use the TAR file, you will run vmware-install.pl
Either way, when you are done, you need to run
vmware-config-tools.pl
located in /usr/bin.
 Tools are installed in /usr/lib/vmware-tools, configuration
files are in /etc/vmware-tools, and executables are in
/usr/bin
 Then to start the VMware Tools Toolbox, run
vmware-toolbox &
69
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Installing the VMware Tools in Windows
 Simple and easy…
 Make sure you read the VMware Guest Install Guide for info
on your specific Windows OS
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 Why you should use the VMware Tools
 Installing VMware Tools in Linux
 Installing VMware Tools in Windows
 Configuring the VMware Tools
 How to determine if the VMware Tools are
out of date
 How to update the VMware Tools
automatically on VM boot
VMware vSphere Training
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Video 11-5
Adding Virtual Machine Hardware
with vSphere Hot Plug
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
70
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In this video…
 Adding, modifying, and removing virtual
hardware
 What are the requirements to use vSphere
Hot Add / Hot Plug?
 Using Hot Add to add RAM to a VM
 Using Hot Plug to add CPU to a VM
 Adding a 2nd virtual disk to a running VM
 Expanding a virtual disk on a running VM
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Adding, Modifying, and Removing Virtual Hardware
 Typically, USB, Ethernet, and Hard drives
are the only HW that can be added “hot”
 You cannot remove any hardware “hot”
 There are many virtual machine options
that you should explore
 When a VM is powered off, you can add or
remove virtual hardware. Keep in mind that
your OS and apps also need to recognize it.
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
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What are the requirements to use vSphere Hot Add / Hot Plug?
 Hot Add is for RAM
 Hot Plug is for CPU
 Hot remove of RAM is not supported by
vSphere
 Support for these “hot” features are
highly dependant on your Guest OS – not
on vSphere
71
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What are the requirements to use vSphere Hot Add / Hot Plug?
 Thanks to Jason Boche & blog.boche.net!
VMware vSphere Training
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What are the requirements to use vSphere Hot Add / Hot Plug?
 Which Guest OS supports HOT CPU PLUG
without a reboot?
• Windows 7 ENT & ULT 64-bit
• Win 2008 64 bit DATACENTER
 Stay tuned for more guests (Windows and
Linux) to support hot plug without reboot!
VMware vSphere Training
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What are the requirements to use vSphere Hot Add / Hot Plug?
 Note that Hot Add & Hot Plug are NOT
turned on by default (must power off to
enable)
 Note that Hot Add / Hot Plug are NOT
compatible with VMware Fault Tolerance
(FT)
72
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What We Covered
 Adding, modifying, and removing virtual
hardware
 What are the requirements to use vSphere
Hot Add / Hot Plug?
 Using Hot Add to add RAM to a VM
 Using Hot Plug to add CPU to a VM
 Adding a 2nd virtual disk to a running VM
 Expanding a virtual disk on a running VM
VMware vSphere Training
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Video 11-6
Using vSphere Host Profiles
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 Standardizing ESX Server configuration
with vSphere Host Profiles
 5 Steps to Using Host Profiles
 Creating & Editing Host Profiles
 Checking Compliance
 Applying Host Profiles to Servers and
Clusters
73
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Standardizing ESX Server configuration with vSphere Host Profiles
 The problems
• Too many ESX servers with various
configurations
• How do you change configurations on many
ESX hosts at one time (mass changes)?
• How do you know if all your ESX servers are
secure?
VMware vSphere Training
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Let’s Configure
Host Profiles!
5 Steps to using Host Profiles
1.
2.
3.
4.
Configure a “golden server”
Create a Host Profile based on that server
Attach the profile to a host or cluster
Check the host or cluster’s compliance to
that profile
5. Apply the profile to the host or cluster
(remediate)
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 Standardizing ESX Server configuration
with vSphere Host Profiles
 5 Steps to Using Host Profiles
 Creating & Editing Host Profiles
 Checking Compliance
 Applying Host Profiles to Servers and
Clusters
74
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Video 12
Administering
VMware ESX Server Security
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…





Basics of vSphere Security
VMSafe & vShield Overview
Default vSphere Security Roles
Adding, Modifying, and removing ESX users and groups
Using Windows AD Users and Groups to Secure
vSphere
 Defining and applying roles & permissions
 Allowing root login via SSH
 Securing Guest Virtual machines
VMware vSphere Training
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Basics of vSphere Security
 ESX server has local Linux / SC accounts
 vCenter uses Windows Active Directory
(AD) account
 Recommend using Windows AD users and
groups to define permissions to VC objects
 All VI Client communications are encrypted
 VLANs can be used to segment service
console traffic
75
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Basics of vSphere Security
 Users and Groups are assigned Roles
 Roles are assigned to objects in the VI
 Combining user/group with a role is what
created a permission
 By default only root (or equiv) can login to ESX
and Win AD Admins (or equiv) on vCenter
server can login to VI Client
 Not recommended to run vCenter on a DC
VMware vSphere Training
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Basics of vSphere Security
 Permissions take effect immediately, no
need to log out and back in
 Permissions are inherited in a hierarchical
manor, just like alarms
 Remember the PoLP!
VMware vSphere Training
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Basics of vSphere Security
 Architect your design properly from day 1
 Design ideas for a for worldwide company:
• Folders for Continents
• Datacenters for each city and ESX servers
inside
• Could group servers by who will admin
them (ie: helpdesk, developers, etc)
• Don’t forget about clusters & naming
convention
76
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VMsafe and vShield Overview
 VMsafe is a set of APIs that 3rd party
software vendors will use to integrate their
security products with vSphere
 Tons of partners already building security
applications using VMsafe
 Use cases:
• vSphere anti-virus software
• Control, monitor, and filter VI traffic with 3rd
party security apps running as appliances
VMware vSphere Training
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VMsafe API
Graphic thanks to
VMware.com
VMware vSphere Training
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VMsafe and vShield Overview
 vShield is based on technology acquired
from BlueLane
 vShield allows you to monitor and enforce
(virtual firewall) traffic in the virtual
infrastructure using stateful packet
inspection (SPI)
 vShield Zones is included in vSphere
versions- Advanced, Enterprise, and
Enterprise Plus
77
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
vShield Zones
Graphic thanks to
VMware.com
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Default vSphere Security Roles









No Access
Read-Only
Administrator
VM Power User (sample)
VM User (sample)
Resource Pool Admin (sample)
VCB User (sample)
Datastore Consumer (sample)
Network Consumer (sample)
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Tasks to Perform….
 Adding, Modifying, and removing ESX users
and groups
 Using Windows AD Users and Groups to
Secure vSphere
 Defining and applying roles & permissions,
on different levels of the virtual
infrastructure
78
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
It’s not
recommended to
login as root!
Allowing root login via SSH
 By default, the root user is not
allowed to login to ESX using SSH or via SCP
 To bypass this, go to /etc/ssh and change the
following entry in the sshd_config file from “no”
to “yes”:
PermitRootLogon = yes
 Once you are done modifying the file, run service
sshd restart
 BUT - you really want to login as yourself, not root
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Securing Guest Virtual Machines
 Install AV
 Keep patches up to date (use Update Manager)
 Treat security of guest VM as you would any other
mission critical server
 Limit login, especially administrator/root
 Limit software install
 Properly secure VI Client, Web, and SSH access
 Keep vSphere / ESX Service Console patches
(again, Update Manager)
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 Basics of vSphere Security
 VMSafe & vShield Overview
 Default vSphere Security Roles
 Adding, Modifying, and removing ESX users and
groups
 Using Windows AD Users and Groups to Secure
vSphere
 Defining and applying roles & permissions
 Allowing root login via SSH
 Securing Guest Virtual machines
79
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 13-1
Introduction to and Installing
VMware Data Recovery (VDR)
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…




What is VMware Data Recovery (VDR)?
Why do I need VDR?
How do I get Data Recovery?
What are the benefits & limitations of using
VDR?
 How does VDR work?
 Installation of VMware Data Recovery
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is VMware Data Recovery (VDR)?
 A new VMware virtualizationspecific backup & recovery
application for ESX 4 / vSphere
 Backup and Restore ESX guest
Virtual Machines
(let’s take a look)
80
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Why do I need VDR?
 It isn’t efficient to backup VMs
with traditional backup apps
 Functions needed:
• Recognition of VI / vCenter
• Understand Adv. Virt. Features
• De-Duplication, Block-level
• Insight into VMDKs for file restore
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
How do I get Data Recovery?
 Need ESX 4 / vSphere
 Included in vSphere Enterprise
Plus, Advanced, and Essentials
Plus Suites
 A la carte with vSphere
Standard Edition
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What are the Benefits of using VDR?
 Appliance and Plugin (no phy)
 Works with ESX and ESXi
 Fully integrated with vCenter
 Works if VMs are on or off
 Uses Snapshots for anytime BU
 Supports VSS for Windows BU
81
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What are the Benefits of using VDR?
 Can backup entire VI with 1 click in
inventory
 No agents and works on any OS
 Can exclude VMs and VMDKs
 Deduplication and Compression
are automatic
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What are the Limitations of VDR?
 Backup Datastore limited to
500GB (of deduped data)
 8 concurrent VMDK backups
 Recommended for 100 VMs or
less
 File level restore is experimental
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
How does VDR work?
82
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
How does VDR work?
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Installing VMware Data Recovery?
 Unzip the Appliance & the plugin
 Import the Appliance
 Install the Plugin & restart vSphere
client
 Configure the VDR appliance to
recognize your vCenter & VI
Let’s install !
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 What is VMware Data Recovery (VDR)?
 Why do I need VDR?
 How do I get Data Recovery?
 What are the benefits & limitations of
using VDR?
 How does VDR work?
 Installation of VMware Data Recovery
83
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 13-2
Backup and Restore with
VMware Data Recovery (VDR)
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 Creating a Backup Destination – Local and
Network
 Creating a VDR Backup job, step by step
 Gotchas of VMware Data Recovery
 Checking Backup Job Status
 Recovering / Restoring an ESX Guest VM
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Creating a Backup Destination – Local and Network
 Local Backup is best
performance but data will be in
VMDK
 Network Share is best option
to get data out of VMFS
84
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Creating a VDR Backup Job – step by step
 Virtual Machines
 Destination
 Backup Window
 Retention Policy
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
The Gotchas of VMware Data Recovery
 Ideal for SMB (< 100 VM)
 Have a few jobs as possible
 Run backups during the day, if
possible
 All VMs should have VMware
Tools Installed
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
The Gotchas of VMware Data Recovery
 Limited to 100 VM guests
 Limited to 2 backup destinations
simultaneously
 Limited to 500GB of de-dup data
in backup destination
 Limited to 8 VMDKs at once
85
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
The Gotchas of VMware Data Recovery
 ESX host CPU must be < 80%
 Must have 5GB free space on
datastore per VM
 All VMs should be HW version 7
to use block tracking
 Like VMs should go to same
datastore
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Checking Backup Job Status
 The Reports tab is where it’s at
 Checkout:
•
•
•
•
•
Events
Running
Virtual Machines
Warnings and Errors
VDR Log File under Config Tab
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Recovering / Restoring an ESX Guest VM
 You can restore an individual
VMDK
 You can restore a VM to a
different name (no overwrite)
 You can restore with no
network or power
86
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 Creating a Backup Destination – Local
and Network
 Creating a VDR Backup job, step by step
 The Gotchas of VMware Data Recovery
 Checking Backup Job Status
 Recovering / Restoring an ESX Guest VM
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 14-1
Virtual Storage 101 and Storage
Terminology
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…








Storage 101 – virtual disks & VMFS
Storage Area Networks (SAN) 101
Understanding FC & iSCSI Storage
Why you need a SAN
Storage Terms you must know
What is in a Datastore?
ESX Server Storage Options
VMFS Specs and Maxs
87
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Storage 101
 “vSphere provides host-level storage
virtualization, which logically abstracts the
physical storage layer from virtual
machines.” – VMware FC Documentation
 VMs not aware
 VM use virtual disks
 VD’s can be managed easier
 VMs use virtual SCSI controllers to see VD
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Storage 101
 Each VM, through the SCSI controller, can
access VMFS datastore, NFS datastore, or
raw disk (RDM).
 VMFS is the VMware File System, a
specialized virtualization clustered FS –
providing distributed locking
 VM’s VDs are stored in VMFS Datastores
 VMFS could be local, iSCSI, or FC
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Graphic thanks to VMware, Inc
88
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Storage 101
 Centralized Storage is required for
advanced features of vSphere like
VMotion, VMHA, FT, and DRS
 Most of the time, that centralized storage
is a SAN
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Storage Area Networks 101
 SAN could be iSCSI or Fibre Channel (FC)
 A FC SAN packages SCSI commands into
FC frames
 Servers connect to the SAN using HBA
 HBA connect to FC switch
 FC switch connects to storage processor
(SP)
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Storage Area Networks 101
 Zones configured in the FC switch define
what HBA can connect to what SP and
what LUN
 ESX/ESXi fully support SAN multipathing
89
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Understanding iSCSI Storage
 iSCSI (Internet SCSI) is sending SCSI disk
commands and data over a TCP/IP network
 Why use it?
•
•
Low cost
Use existing hardware - Ethernet NIC,
switch, and OS features
• Supports almost all vSphere features
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Understanding iSCSI Storage
 Downside – performance? reliability?
 iSCSI Terms:
•
•
•
iSCSI hardware initiator - a special iSCSI NIC
card
iSCSI software initiator - use your own NIC
card and OS iSCSI software
iSCSI Target - the server running iSCSI
90
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Understanding iSCSI Storage
 iSCSI uses IQN (iSCSI qualified name) to
identify iSCSI Targets & Initiators
 It is laid out in this format:
•
•
•
•
date in year-month format
reversed domain
a unique org assigned name (ie: hostname)
For example:
2007-01.com.wiredbraincoffee:iscsi1
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Why you need a Storage Area Network (SAN)
 Justification for a SAN with vSphere:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Maintenance with zero downtime
Load balancing with VMotion & SVMotion
Storage consolidation and central management
Disaster Recovery
Simple Array migrations and storage upgrades
Use of advanced features like HA, FT, DRS, and
DPM
91
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Storage Terms you must know
 Datastore = a VMware file system / logical
volume - can be NFS or VMFS and can be
located on any supported storage - where
your VMs are stored
 Disk partition = an area on a disk set aside
for a datastore
 Extent = a disk area that can be added to a
datastore
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Storage Terms you must know
 Fibre Channel (FC) = high speed storage
technology with FC HBA, FC switch, FC SP,
and disk
 Internet SCSI (iSCSI) = SCSI over TCPIP,
server is initiator and storage is the target
 LUN (logical unit number) = an address
used to identify a SCSI disk
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Storage Terms you must know
 Multipathing / Failover = allows you to use
more than 1 path, offers failover &
redundancy
 NAS (network attached storage) =
networked disk storage, ESX uses NFS on
NAS
 NFS (network file system) = a file sharing
protocol used with ESX server (and
Unix/Linux)
92
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Storage Terms you must know
 Raw device mapping (RDM) = a special
type of storage disk where ESX controls
disk access
 Spanned Volume = a dynamic volume
spread across number of extents
 Volume = a disk volume - a logical storage
unit
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What is in a Datastore?







Virtual disk
Virtual memory
VM configuration file
ESX Server service console VMDK
Log files
Core Dumps
Anything you add, like an ISO file
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
ESX Server Storage Options
 Local Disk with VMFS Datastore
 SAN
•
•
•
iSCSI Software
iSCSI Hardware
Fibre Channel (FC)
 NAS
•
NFS
 Checkout the vSphere SAN & I/O HCL!
93
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMFS Specs and Maxs








Optimized for storing VMs & high perf
Cluster file system - multiple ESX Servers
Not a lot of features when compared to NTFS or
other
VMFS version 3 is the latest VMFS
You should have only one VMFS volume per LUN
Max disk size for a VM is 2TB – 512MB
That is also the max size of a VMFS volume if you use
an 8MB block
Best practice is to format LUNs with 8MB Block size
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 Storage 101 – virtual disks & VMFS
 Storage Area Networks (SAN) 101
 Understanding FC & iSCSI Storage
 Why you need a SAN
 Storage Terms you must know
 What is in a Datastore?
 ESX Server Storage Options
 VMFS Specs and Maxs
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 14-2
Configuring vSphere Storage
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
94
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 New! vSphere Datastore Inventory
 Datastore Tasks, Events, Alarms, Permissions,
Maps, and Performance
 Viewing Datastore Extents, blocksize, and paths
 Thin Provisioning for fun and profit
 Configure an alarm to prevent overprovision
 Digging into Datastores
 Taking and Using vSphere Snapshots
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Thin Provisioning for Fun and Profit
 What is Thin Provisioning?
• Disk space is not allocated until
used by the Guest OS
• Storage allocated in 1MB chunks
• Not entirely new but a GUI for it
and full support for all storage is
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Thin Provisioning for Fun and Profit
 Why use Thin Provisioning?
• Save you tons of $ on storage
• Save space on VMDK moves and,
potentially, backups
• Not use space until you need it
• VMware claims 50% storage savings
in their lab
95
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Thin Provisioning for Fun and Profit
Thin Provisioning
Gotchas!
1. Fault Tolerance is NOT
compatible with thin disks
2. Configure an alarm so you don’t
become over-subscribed
3. You can deflate a thick disk to a thin
disk during a SVMotion
4. You can inflate a thin disk to a thick disk
during SVMotion
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Thin Provisioning for Fun and Profit
5. If you get over-subscribed
you may have to increase
your VMFS or migrate disks
using SVMotion (or convert
thick to thin disks)
Thin Provisioning
Gotchas!
6. Yes, you can dynamically
expand your VMFS !
7. Disks do not
automatically shrink
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Taking and Using vSphere Snapshots
 Frozen state in time of a VM
 You can Go To a snapshot back in the
past or forward in the “future”
 Beware of the space used by
snapshots
96
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 New! vSphere Datastore Inventory
 Datastore Tasks, Events, Alarms, Permissions,
Maps, and Performance
 Viewing Datastore Extents, blocksize, and
paths
 Thin Provisioning for fun and profit
 Configure an alarm to prevent overprovision
 Digging into Datastores
 Taking and Using vSphere Snapshots
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 14-3
Creating a Free iSCSI SAN with
OpenFiler
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 OpenFiler can “open” your eyes to a
SAN
 Free SAN for all – downloading
OpenFiler
 Installing OpenFiler & configuring iSCSI
 Configuring iSCSI in vSphere 4
 Connecting ESX to an iSCSI SAN
97
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
OpenFiler can “open” your eyes to a SAN
 You need a SAN to perform advanced
vSphere functions like VMotion,
SVMotion, VMHA, FT, DRS, and DPM
 A SAN is the best way to manage
storage
 Recommend a dedicated server
 Recommend OF for testing and devl
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Free SAN for All – Downloading OpenFiler
 Available in 32 & 64 bit ISO
installer or VMware Appliance
 Download it from
www.openfiler.com
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Installing OpenFiler
 Configure a static IP address and DNS
entry to it
 Connect to it at:
• https://<hostname>:446
 Default username & password are:
• openfiler
• password
98
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Steps to Configure OpenFiler as an iSCSI SAN
 If using in a VM, create a second VMDK
before boot
 Configure NTP
 Create partition & volume
 Verify the IQN
 Create filesystem & select iSCSI
 Allow local network
 Enable iSCSI
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Configuring iSCSI in vSphere 4
 Add vMKernel network port
 Configure a static IP on the port
 Enable iSCSI on the port
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Configuring iSCSI in vSphere 4
 Configure the new storage adaptor
for iSCSI
• Enable it
• Use dynamic discovery and enter the
IP of the openfiler server
 If it’s the first connection to the iSCSI
SAN, use Add Storage to configure a
VMFS datastore on it
99
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
OpenFiler can “open” your eyes to a
SAN
Free SAN for all – downloading
OpenFiler
Installing OpenFiler & configuring iSCSI
Configuring iSCSI in vSphere 4
Connecting ESX to an iSCSI SAN
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 15-1
vSphere Virtual Networking
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 vNetwork Overview
 New vNetwork Features in vSphere
 vNetwork Terms - vmnic, vswitch, vswif, &
port group
 vNetwork Configuration Scenarios Private/Host-only, Single NIC, Multi-NIC Redundant & Load Balanced
 Using VLANs with vSphere
100
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 Viewing Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) stats
 Configuring vNetworks and vSwitches
 Adapter teaming, fault tolerance, and load
balancing
 CLI Network Troubleshooting Commands
 Best Practices for vSphere Networking
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
vNetwork Overview
 The past: physical network infrastructure
• Physical ethernet card
• Physical switch
• Physical network cables
 Moving to: Virtual Networks (vNetwork)
• Virtual NICs, switches, and connectivity
• Think about it…so much flexibility & power…
• aka: “Network Virtualization”
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
New vNetwork Features in vSphere
 New in vSphere:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
NEW! Networking Inventory
vSwitches can have 8-4088 ports
Max of 512 port groups on a host
Up to 10 virtual NICs per VM
VMXNET3 – third generation para-virt NIC
IPv6 – support for VMKernel and SC Ports
NIC teaming, L2 Security, VLAN tagging, CDP, &
outbound network traffic shaper
101
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New vNetwork Features in vSphere
 New in vSphere:
• vNetwork Distributed Virtual Switch
(dvswitch or vDS)
− Only in Enterprise Plus
− Private VLANs
− Network VMotion
− Allows you to use Cisco Nexus 1000-V
− Bi-Directional Traffic Shaping
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
vNetwork Terms - vmnic, vswitch, vswif, & port group
 VMware NIC (vmnic) - physical NIC in the server not a virtual NIC
 Virtual Switch (vSwitch)
 Service Console virtual interface (vswif0)
 Port group names (VM Network, Service Console,
and VMKernel) but you can create your own port group name is called a "Network Label“
 vmnic in each ESX Server maps to a port group &
each port group is inside a vSwitch
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
vNetwork Configuration Scenarios
 Single NIC
• Most common
• Default configuration
 Private / Host Only
• vSwitch not connected to a NIC
• Great for testing & development
• VM must be all on the same server (no dvswitch)
102
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VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
vNetwork Configuration Scenarios
 Multiple NICs
• Load Balancing
• Spread Load of VMs across multiple NICs to increase
performance
• Redundancy
 Other security-related scenarios, such as through
vShield Zones to create multiple virtual DMZs
 Distributed Virtual Switch (dvSwitch)
• Watch the video…
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Using VLANs with vSphere
 VLANs create logical groupings of ports / devices
rather than being forced into physical groupings
 VM Network, VMKernel, and Service Console
ports all can have VLAN IDs configured
 To use VLANs
• Enter a VLAN ID between 1-4094
• Enter VLAN ID 4095 the port group can see VLAN
traffic on any VLAN while leaving the VLAN tags
intact
 dvPorts offer many more VLAN options
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Viewing Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) stats
 Connect ESX server NICs to Cisco switches with
CDP enabled and you will be able to view CDP
stats in the vSphere Client
 Examples of what you can see are:
• Cisco switch model
• Software version
• Timeouts
 To have ESX make CDP info available to Cisco
switch, just do (both = advertise & listen):
esxcfg-vswitch -B both <vSwitch>
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Configuring vNetworks and vSwitches
 Wired Brain Coffee needs the following:
Create new VM Network for Linux servers on ESX1,
connected to a different physical NIC
Move Linux servers to new VM Network
ESX3 needs Network redundancy and load
balancing
Checkout network traffic shaping and security
options
104
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CLI Network Troubleshooting Commands
 esxcfg-vswif -l
Provides a list of the service console’s current network interfaces.
Check that vswif0 is present and that the current IP address and
netmask are correct.
 esxcfg-vswitch -l
Provides a list of the current virtual switch configurations. Check that
the uplink adapter configured for the service console is connected to
the appropriate physical network.
 exscfg-nics -l
Provides a list of the current network adapters. Check that the uplink
adapter configured for the service console is up and that the speed
and duplex are both correct.
VMware vSphere Training
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Service Console Command line Networking Tools
 esxcfg-nics -s <speed> <nic>
Changes the speed of a network adapter.
 esxcfg-nics -d <duplex> <nic>
Changes the duplex of a network adapter.
 esxcfg-vswif -I <new ip address> vswifX
Changes the service console’s IP address.
 esxcfg-vswif -n <new netmask> vswifX
Changes the service console’s netmask.
 esxcfg-vswitch -U <old vmnic> <service console vswitch>
Removes the uplink for the service console.
 esxcfg-vswitch -L <new vmnic> <service console vswitch>
Changes the uplink for the service console.
VMware vSphere Training
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Best Practices for vSphere Networking
 Separate network types on to their own physical
NIC for greater security and performance
 Example: keep the service console and VMKernel
VMotion connection on their own physical NIC
• This could be accomplished using VLANs if there are
not enough physical NICs
 Note that adding & removing NICs doesn’t affect
VMs connected to a vSwitch (unless there are zero)
 Implement vShield Zones for greatest security
105
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What We Covered
 vNetwork Overview
 New vNetwork Features in vSphere
 vNetwork Terms - vmnic, vswitch, vswif, &
port group
 vNetwork Configuration Scenarios -
Private/Host-only, Single NIC, Multi-NIC Redundant & Load Balanced
 Using VLANs with vSphere
VMware vSphere Training
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What We Covered
 Viewing Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) stats
 Configuring vNetworks and vSwitches
 Adapter teaming, fault tolerance, and load
balancing
 CLI Network Troubleshooting Commands
 Best Practices for vSphere Networking
VMware vSphere Training
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Video 15-2
vNetwork Distributed Switch
(vDS)
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
106
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In this video…
 Introduction to the Distributed Switch (vDS)
 Comparing the vSphere standard switch to
the distributed virtual switch
 Benefits of the distributed virtual switch
 Configuring vNetwork Distributed Switching
• Adding a new dvSwitch
• Migrate VM guests and adaptors to vDS
• Review maps, advanced config, and alarms
VMware vSphere Training
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Introduction to the vNetwork Distributed Switch (vDS)
 New in vSphere
 Requires vSphere License of Enterprise Plus
 Provides a single virtual switch across all
VMware ESX Servers
 And that provides consistent networking
across all hosts that a VM might migrate to
VMware vSphere Training
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Introduction to the vNetwork Distributed Switch (vDS)
 vNetwork Distributed Switch (vDS) or
dvSwitch is the virtual switch that VM guests
connect to
 Like a standard switch, the vDS connects the
VM guest and, if a physical adaptor (vmnic /
uplink adaptor) is connected to the vDS,
then the VMs can communicate to the
outside network LAN or the Internet
107
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Introduction to the vNetwork Distributed Switch (vDS)
 The vDS also gives you the option to use
third-party switches like the Cisco Nexus
1000-V (or Cisco N1KV)
 Each vDS can have one or more dvPort
groups assigned to it
 dvPort groups group ports with the same
configuration, have a unique label for their
datacenter, and VMs connect to that label
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Courtesy of
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VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
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(see comparison between all virtual switch offerings)
Courtesy of
VMware.com
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Benefits of the Distributed Virtual Switch
 All VMs connected to same switch
 Create a switch once and apply it to all ESX
servers in a cluster
 Consistent network configuration & stats as
VMs are migrated using VMotion
 Increased capabilities – security, traffic
control, VLAN, & more
 Ability to add 3rd party switch – Nexus 1000V
VMware vSphere Training
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vDS Configuration Tasks….
Create a new dvSwitch
Add Hosts and vmnics to dvSwitch
Create a dvport group
Migrate Legacy vSwitches and VM Networks
to dvSwitch
Migrate Virtual Adaptors (SC & VMKernel) to
dvSwitch
View dvSwitch mapping, adv conf, & alarms
109
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What We Covered
 Introduction to the Distributed Switch (vDS)
 Comparing the vSphere standard switch to
the distributed virtual switch
 Benefits of the distributed virtual switch
 Configuring vNetwork Distributed Switching
 Adding a new dvSwitch
 Migrate VM guests and adaptors to vDS
 Review maps, advanced config, and alarms
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 16
Understanding and Using Tasks,
Events, and Alarms
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 Understanding Tasks & Events
 Configure SNMP and SMTP
Email in vCenter
 Alerting you with vCenter
Alarms
110
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Understanding Tasks and Events
 Tasks are initiated by you (or in some cases
by “system”)
 Events record not only tasks but, more
importantly events that occur on the system
(alarm condition reached, datastore out of
space, etc)
 Tasks and Events are available at just about
every level of the VI and on every type of
object
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Understanding Tasks and Events




You can Filter & Sort Tasks and Events!
You can export Events
Checkout the “Events Home”
You can create Scheduled Tasks
VMware vSphere Training
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Configuring SNMP Traps in vCenter
 Different types of SNMP in vSphere:
• Outbound traps
• Inbound statistics gathering
(ESX and ESXi have different SNMP
capabilities related to SNMP statistic
gathering)
 Here, we are talking about sending
outbound traps to a network mgmt station
111
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Configuring SMTP Email in vCenter
 Like SNMP, SMTP is used as an alarm trigger
 vCenter does the sending, not the ESX
Server
 Very simple SMTP configuration in vCenter
 vCenter offers only the configuration of the
SMTP server and username
VMware vSphere Training
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Alerting with vCenter Alarms
 Alarms can alert you or take action on one of
hundreds of potential conditions in the VI
 You could receive a SNMP trap, SMTP Email,
Start/Stop a VM, execute a script, & more
 New in vSphere are alarms based on Thin
Provisioning and the vNetwork Distributed
Switch (vDS)!
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
Understanding Tasks & Events
Configure SNMP and SMTP
Email in vCenter
Alerting you with vCenter
Alarms
112
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Video 17
Performance Optimization in
VMware vSphere
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 What’s new in vSphere 4 related to
performance?
 Selecting the right hardware
 Performance best practices
 Why you should care about “Ready Time”
 vSphere performance management tools
 3rd party performance management tools
 Just use a DRS cluster and stop worrying!
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What’s new in vSphere 4 related to performance?
Courtesy of
VMware.com
113
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What’s new in vSphere 4 related to performance?
Courtesy of
VMware.com
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Selecting the right hardware
 Make the right hardware choices from the start,
based on your apps, to ensure ideal performance
 Consult the HCL – HW should not just work but be
tested and deemed compatible
 Make sure HW is compatible with DRS (VMotion
CPU compatibility)
 Know your applications and arrange hardware and
clusters accordingly
 Get as much RAM and as many CPU cores as you
can 
VMware vSphere Training
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Performance Best Practices
 Virtualization performance is more complex to
understand and troubleshoot than physical server
performance
 Virtualization Performance can be related to any of
the following:
•
•
•
•
Availability
Resource allocation
CPU, RAM, Storage, Network on ESX servers or SAN
VM application performance
114
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Performance Best Practices
 Mix high and low utilization systems (or use DRS)
 Load VMware Tools and keep them up to date
(needed for memory ballooning)
 Consider the new ESX VMXNET3 vNIC driver
 Remove unnecessary guest OS devices
 Use RAID 1, 5, or 10 on LUNs that store VMs
 Use a a 3rd party app to track historical perf.
VMware vSphere Training
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Why you should care about “Ready Time”
 Ready Time = the amount of time a VM wants to
run but has not be provided CPU resources on
which to execute
• Esxtop – simple % where normal is between 0-5%
• VC – 20,000 ms sample with 1,000ms is actually 5%
ready time
 Causes• Overloaded hosts
• Excessive use of SMP
VMware vSphere Training
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vSphere Performance Management Tools
 vSphere 4 offers improved performance data in
the vSphere client
 Performance Tab available at the Host, Guest VM,
Cluster, & Data Center level
• Overview and Advanced Views
• Offers 1+ year data – you control the level of detail kept
• Advanced view allows you to pop the window, save the
graph or print the graph
• Make sure you checkout Chart Options
 CLI Performance tool esxtop on ESX full and ESXi
115
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vSphere Performance Management Tools
 VMmark – CLI-based benchmarking tool (free)
 AppSpeed – ensures performance for multi-tiered
applications (add on)
 Capacity IQ – perform “what if” analysis (add on
and coming soon!)
 Also checkout VMware VROOM! and the VMTN
Performance Community
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
vSphere Performance Management Tools
 VMmark – CLI-based benchmarking tool (free)
 AppSpeed – ensures performance for multi-tiered
applications (add on)
 Capacity IQ – perform “what if” analysis (add on
and coming soon!)
 Also checkout VMware VROOM! and the VMTN
Performance Community
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
3rd Party Performance Management Tools
 Veeam Monitor
 Vizioncore vFoglight
 vKernel Capacity Analyzer
 Akorri BalancePoint
116
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Use Distributed Resource Scheduler
 DRS = Distributed Resource Scheduler
 Use DRS and let vSphere best optimize your
performance load!
 Don’t want to fool with performance too much?
Just put all VMs and ESX servers in a DRS cluster
and set it to “fully automatic”
 Checkout my video covering DRS!
(available in Enterprise and Enterprise Plus only)
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 What’s new in vSphere 4 related to
performance?
 Selecting the right hardware
 Performance best practices
 Why you should care about “Ready Time”
 vSphere performance management tools
 3rd party performance management tools
 Just use a DRS cluster and stop worrying!
VMware vSphere Training
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Video 18
Upgrading from VMware ESX 3.x and
Virtual Infrastructure to vSphere 4
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
117
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In this video…
 vCenter Server Upgrade
 ESX Host Upgrade
• vSphere Host Upgrade Utility
• vCenter Update Manager
 Upgrade VMware Tools in each VM then virt hw
 Upgrade your licensing
 WiredBrainCoffee.com:
Upgrading from ESX 3.x and VI to vSphere 4
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Upgrade Prerequisites
 Verify that ESX Servers will run vSphere 4
 Verify that your licenses will upgrade to the
level of vSphere that you require
 Plan, Plan, and Plan some more
 Review the 112 page upgrade document –
which scenario are you?
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Courtesy of VMware.com
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Courtesy of VMware.com
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Courtesy of VMware.com
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Courtesy of VMware.com
119
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Upgrade Checklist for the Wired Brain Coffee Company
Recommendation: use the vSphere
Migration Checklist
vCenter Server Upgrade
ESX Host Upgrade using the vSphere Host
Upgrade Utility
Upgrade VMware Tools in each VM then
virtual hardware version
Upgrade your licensing
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
 vCenter Server Upgrade
 ESX Host Upgrade
 vSphere Host Upgrade Utility
 vCenter Update Manager
 Upgrade VMware Tools in each VM then virt hw
 Upgrade your licensing
 WiredBrainCoffee.com:
Upgrading from ESX 3.x and VI to vSphere 4
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 19-1
Moving virtual machines with
VMotion
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
120
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In this video…
 Why you need VMotion
 VMotion Requirements
 Let’s VMotion some VMs!
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Why you need VMotion
 Move RUNNING virtual machines off of one ESX
server and on to another ESX server
 The VMs disk files stay where they are (on
shared storage)
 Uses:
• Balance the load on ESX Servers (DRS)
• Save power by shutting down ESX using DPM
• Perform patching and maintenance on an ESX
server (Update Manager or HW maintenace)
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMotion Requirements
 vSphere Advanced, Enterprise, or Ent. Plus
 Shared storage between ESX servers – iSCSI,
FC, or NFS
 VM Disk will be kept on that shared storage
 VM memory and config will be migrated
 VMkernel interface on both ESX servers with
VMotion enabled
 Works with standard switches or dvswitches
(vDS)
121
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What We Covered
Why you need VMotion
VMotion Requirements
Let’s VMotion some VMs!
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 19-2
Moving virtual storage with
SVMotion
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 What is SVMotion?
 SVMotion Requirements
 Thin Provisioning and SVMotion
 Step by Step, SVMotion your
storage
122
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What is SVMotion?
 Move the storage of RUNNING virtual machines
from one datastore to another datastore
 The running VM stays on the server that it is on
and the memory for that VM never moves
 Uses:
• Balance the datastore utilization
• Perform SAN maintenance or swap out
• Setup features like VMotion/DRS/DPM/VMHA
with no downtime
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
SVMotion Requirements
 vSphere Enterprise or Enterprise Plus ONLY
 Shared storage connected to ESX server - iSCSI,
FC, or NFS
 All storage needs to be accessible to the ESX
server where the VM is running
• This works: local to SAN or SAN to local
• Doesn’t work: local on ESX 1 to local on ESX 2
VMware vSphere Training
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SVMotion Requirements
 Moving a powered on VM with snapshots is
NOT supported
 Note that to use the option to “change both
host and datastore”, the VM must be powered
off
 Moving a large VMDK can take a LONG TIME,
depending on your network connection
123
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Thin Provisioning and SVMotion
 When you migrate storage you have the option
to change from• Thin to thick
• Thick to thin
 Why would you want to change to a thick virtual
disk to a thin virtual disk?
 Answer: Fault Tolerance (FT)
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
What is SVMotion?
SVMotion Requirements
Thin Provisioning and SVMotion
Step by Step, SVMotion your
storage
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 19-3
Load Balancing with Distributed
Resource Scheduler (DRS)
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
124
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 Auto Load Balancing with DRS
 Requirements to use DRS
 Reserving Resources
 Lock and Load - Going Fully
Automatic with DRS
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Auto Load Balancing with DRS




The number of VMs grow
The utilization of those VMs grows
All this grows disproportionally
It constantly expands and contracts
throughout the day, week, or month
 Over time, how are you going to balancing
this constantly fluctuating load?
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Auto Load Balancing with DRS
 DRS = Distributed Resource Scheduler (not
dynamic)
 Understands the resources of your VI
•
•
•
•
•
CPU
Memory
Power
Storage
Network
125
VMware vSphere Training
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Auto Load Balancing with DRS
 Hosts and Clusters provide the resources
 The VMs consume the resources
 Goals of DRS• Prevent one VM from monopolizing all
resources
• Guarantee service levels
• Offer most efficient use of server hardware
• Make your life as a VMware admin easier
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Auto Load Balancing with DRS
 DRS is enabled on a cluster
 Automation levels are:
• Manual – suggestions
• Partially automated – auto place on power on &
suggestions
• Fully automated – you set the migration threshold
 You can create migration rules to keep VMs
together or apart
 DRS can auto-place new VMs in the cluster
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Requirements to use DRS
 vSphere Enterprise or Enterprise Plus
 Shared storage between hosts
 All VMs in the cluster must be on that shared
storage
 DRS will use VMotion so it needs to work between
hosts (beware of CPU compatibility issues & if so,
checkout Enhanced VMotion Compatibility / EVC)
 Checkout the DRS tab and Resource Allocation tab
on the cluster as well as the cluster properties
126
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Reserving Resources
 4 different ways to reserve resources•
•
•
•
Physical resources of host or cluster
Reserve a certain amount of memory for the VM
Allocate a higher % of physical resources to this VM
Set an “upper bound” of resources to this VM
 Shares set the priority of CPU & RAM for a VM
• Set as high, normal, and low with 4:2:1 ratio
• Or, you can set a custom weight
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
Auto Load Balancing with DRS
Requirements to use DRS
Reserving Resources
Lock and Load - Going Fully
Automatic with DRS
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 19-4
Implementing High Availability
with VMware HA (VMHA)
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
127
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In this video…
 Why do you need High
Availability? (HA)
 VMHA saving the day
 Requirements for VMHA
 Configuring VMHA- step by step
 Best Practices for VMHA
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Why do you need High Availability (HA)?
 Quickly bring back up critical business
applications in the event of an ESX server
failure
 Decrease downtime and improve availability
 Examples of business critical applications:
• Exchange / Email
• SQL Server /Database
• Corporate File Server & Intranet / Web
VMware vSphere Training
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David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMHA Saving the Day
 Let’s say that you have an ESX server
hardware failure (say a bad CPU or even
disconnected network cable)
 Or, you could have an ESX server software
OS crash (unlikely)
 VMHA powers all VMs running on that server
on other servers in the VMHA cluster and
Apps are up in the time it takes guest OS to
boot
128
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMHA Saving the Day
 VMHA monitors not only ESX host failures
but also Guest OS failures
 Uniform HA protection for all VM guests and
all applications, no matter the OS or app
 Smart failover to best ESX host (requires
DRS)
 Supports up to 32 ESX servers in a cluster
 Enhanced isolation response
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMHA Saving the Day
 Heartbeats are default of 1 second with 15
seconds to assume an ESX host is dead
 Failed ESX server will reboot in maintenance
mode
 Admission Control ensures that resources
are available (could stop power on of a VM,
migrate a VM or increasing CPU/RAM
reservations
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMHA Saving the Day
 Heartbeats are default of 1 second with 15
seconds to assume an ESX host is dead
 Failed ESX server will reboot in maintenance
mode
 Admission Control ensures that resources
are available (could stop power on of a VM,
migrate a VM or increasing CPU/RAM
reservations
129
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Requirements for VMHA
 Shared storage for VMs running in HA
cluster
 Can use DRS with VMHA or just VMHA only
 vSphere Essentials Plus, Standard,
Advanced, Enterprise, Enterprise Plus
 Create a VMHA enabled cluster
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Configuring VMHA, step by step
Have all VMs on shared storage between ESX
servers
Create a cluster and enable VMHA
Add ESX hosts to the cluster
Optional Configuration:
Cluster rules
Guest VM restart priorities
Guest VM Monitoring of OS
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Best Practices for VMHA
 Keep an eye on Cluster Validity
 Recommend you disable host monitoring as
you make changes to your network or
dvSwitches
 All networks and VMs on HA clusters must have
compatible networks
 By default network isolation IP is the default
gateway but you can configure others
 Use network redundancy between ESX servers
130
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Best Practices for VMHA
 Configure redundant network paths• ESX – secondary SC port
• ESXi – secondary VMKernel port
 Configure the restart priority for VMs based on
your most critical applications
 Configure isolation response IP info
 Configure VM Monitoring in HA Cluster settings to
have VMware monitor the guest OS
 Configure alarms to alert you on cluster changes
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
Why do you need High
Availability? (HA)
VMHA saving the day
Requirements for VMHA
Configuring VMHA- step by step
Best Practices for VMHA
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Video 19-5
Super High Availability with
VMware Fault Tolerance (FT)
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
131
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
In this video…
 Achieve Zero Downtime with Fault
Tolerance (FT)
 Requirements of FT
 Constraints of FT
 Testing to see if you can use FT with
VMware Site Survey
 Flip the switch and enable FT
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Achieve Zero Downtime with Fault Tolerance (FT)
 FT provides continuous availability for a VM
(or, zero downtime)
 Takes VMHA to the next level
 Works for all applications and 99% of guests
operating systems
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Achieve Zero Downtime with Fault Tolerance (FT)
 Does this by creating a “live shadow” copy
of the running VM then keeping them in
“lockstep” using VMware’s vLockstep
 If an ESX server fails, the shadow will take
over and a new shadow will be created in
the cluster on another ESX server
132
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Achieve Zero Downtime
with Fault Tolerance (FT)
 Primary VM is called
the “Primary” and
the copied/lockstep
VM is the
“secondary”
 The virtual disk for
the VM is on shared
storage and never
moves
 “Continuous
VMotion”
Graphic Courtesy of
VMware.com
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Requirements of FT
 CPUs on all FT ESX servers must match and
be from a specific list of processors (see KB)
 Hardware virtualization enabled in the BIOS
 Hosts must be in a HA cluster
 Recommended minimum # of 1GB NICs = 3
 ESX servers must be running same build
 VM’s on shared SAN, accessible by servers
 vSphere Advanced, Enterprise, or Ent Plus
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Constraints of FT
 Single vCPU in each VM only (no SMP)
 Requires specific hardware
 Recommended minimum of 4 VMs running FT on
an ESX server
 “Line of site” between ESX servers due to latency
 Only Thick disk is supported
 Snapshots are not allowed
 Some guests not supported and some guests
require shutdown to enable
133
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
Testing to see if you can use FT with VMware Site Survey
 Checkout Eric Sloof’s FT Checklist…
 Site Survey saves time by automating this
check
 Run Site Survey on your cluster to see if you
can use FT
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
VMware vSphere Training
Train Signal, Inc.
David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE
What We Covered
Achieve Zero Downtime with Fault
Tolerance (FT)
Requirements of FT
Constraints of FT
Testing to see if you can use FT
with VMware Site Survey
Flip the switch and enable FT
134