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?

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

What will we cover in this vSphere Training Course?

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?

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!

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

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)

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 staffs time and reduce costs.

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

In this video

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.

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.

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

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

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?

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:
VMware VDM / View Citrix / XenDesktop

Graphic Courtesy of VMware.com

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 companys 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?

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

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

Train Signal, Inc. 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

Train Signal, Inc. 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

Train Signal, Inc. 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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Graphic Courtesy of VMware.com

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. 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

Train Signal, Inc. 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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

vSphere Components

Hot Add vStorage APIs (VCB) vApps

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. 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

Train Signal, Inc. 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? Its 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? Whats 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

Whats 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 doesnt 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? Whats 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 Dont 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

Lets 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 wont 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 isnt on the list doesnt mean that it wont 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 isnt on the list doesnt mean that it wont 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

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

Check the HCL!

Cannot use SATA CDROM without IDE emulation

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

ESXi Installation Notes

Dont 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 Whats 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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

54

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Whats 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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Whats 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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Whats 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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

56

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

vCenter Server Components & Add-ons

Required
vCenter Server .NET 3.0 SP1 Framework vCenter Orchestrator

58

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

What We Covered

vCenter 101 what you need to know Whats 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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Video 11-2
vCenter 4 - Configuring your new Virtual Infrastructure
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

61

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. 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

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

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. 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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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 OSs vSphere Supports more Guest OSs than any other product See VMwares Guest OS Install Guide Search Guest Compatibility Guide

66

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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 VMwares 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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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 OSs 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. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Video 11-5
Adding Virtual Machine Hardware with vSphere Hot Plug
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

70

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

What are the requirements to use vSphere Hot Add / Hot Plug?

Thanks to Jason Boche & blog.boche.net!

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

5 Steps to using Host Profiles

Lets Configure 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 clusters 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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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) Dont forget about clusters & naming convention

76

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

VMsafe API

Graphic thanks to VMware.com

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. 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

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

Its not recommended to login as 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

Train Signal, Inc. 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
(lets take a look)

80

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Why do I need VDR?

It isnt 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

Lets 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

Train Signal, Inc. 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 its 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

Train Signal, Inc. 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 VDs 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 VMs 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) NFS

NAS 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

1. Fault Tolerance is NOT compatible with thin disks 2. Configure an alarm so you dont 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

Thin Provisioning Gotchas!

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

Train Signal, Inc. 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 its 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 itso 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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

103

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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>

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

CLI Network Troubleshooting Commands

esxcfg-vswif -l Provides a list of the service consoles 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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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 consoles IP address. esxcfg-vswif -n <new netmask> vswifX Changes the service consoles 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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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 doesnt affect VMs connected to a vSwitch (unless there are zero) Implement vShield Zones for greatest security

105

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Video 15-2
vNetwork Distributed Switch (vDS)
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

106

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Courtesy of VMware.com

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Courtesy of VMware.com

108

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

(see comparison between all virtual switch offerings)

Courtesy of VMware.com

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. 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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. 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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Whats 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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Whats new in vSphere 4 related to performance?

Courtesy of VMware.com

113

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Whats new in vSphere 4 related to performance?

Courtesy of VMware.com

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. 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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. 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

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Use Distributed Resource Scheduler

DRS = Distributed Resource Scheduler Use DRS and let vSphere best optimize your performance load! Dont 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

Whats 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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Video 18
Upgrading from VMware ESX 3.x and Virtual Infrastructure to vSphere 4
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

117

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. 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?

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Courtesy of VMware.com

118

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Courtesy of VMware.com

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Courtesy of VMware.com

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Courtesy of VMware.com

119

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

Video 19-1
Moving virtual machines with VMotion
By: David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

120

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

In this video

Why you need VMotion VMotion Requirements Lets VMotion some VMs!

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. 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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

What We Covered

Why you need VMotion VMotion Requirements Lets 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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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
Doesnt work: local on ESX 1 to local on ESX 2

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. 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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. 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

Train Signal, Inc. 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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

VMware vSphere Training

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

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

Train Signal, Inc. 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

Train Signal, Inc. David Davis, vExpert, VCP, CCIE

VMHA Saving the Day

Lets 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 VMwares 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 VMs 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 Sloofs 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