VMware Index

1. VMware Introduction 1
1.1 Differences between Physical and Virtual Machine 1
1.2 History of VMware 1
1.3 Versions of VMware 1
1.4 Difference Between ESX and ESXi 2
1.5 Different Companies Providing VMs 2
1.6 License type in VM 2
1.7 Types of Hypervisor 2
1.8 Minimum requirement to install ESX and ESXi 2
1.9 ILO 3
2. Installing ESXi Host 5
2.1 Pre-Checks before installing ESXi (ILO Configuring) 5
2.2 Preparation of Server/Hardware 5
2.2.1 Insight Diagnostic Test 6
2.2.2 Firmware Update 6
2.3 Installation Of ESXi 7
2.4 ILO access 7
2.5 Creating Virtual Machine 8
2.6 Login to VM 8
2.7 Installing Vsphere Client 9
2.8 Creating VMs through Vsphere Client 10
2.9 Installing OS in VM 10
2.10 Post Checks 11
2.11 Mounting ISO Image Methods 13
2.12 Data stored in VM 14
2.13 Check files in VM 14
2.14 CPU and RAM/Memory Increased while VM Power On 14
3. Disk Provision 15
4. Memory Techniques 16
5. VM Tools 16
5.1 Virtual Machine Tools 16
5.2 Advantage and Disadvantage of VM tools 16
5.3 Installing VM Tools (Tools not in VM) 17
5.4 Installing VM Tools (Tools present in VM) 17
5.5 Checking Usage of VM 18
6. VMware Hardware Version 18
7. Snapshot 18
8. Vcenter 22
9. Management Agents 24
10. Templates 26
11. Clones 27
12. Vmotion 29
13. SVmotion 31
14. HA 32
15. DRS 34
16. Fault Tolerance 38
17. Conversion 40
18. Update Manager 43
19. Storage 47
20. Networking 51
21. Real Time 54
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 1

VMware INTRODUCTION
1.VM - Virtual Machine
VMware founded in 1998

VMware is a Virtualization Platform Services.

Note: Host/Server/Node all is same.

As a VMware Admin our role is to create, manage/maintain, and troubleshoot VM.

Virtual - Creation of virtual server without physical hardware.

1.1 Difference between Physical and Virtual Machine

Physical Machine - All hardware components which are tangible and can be seen.

Drawback of PM

 It is hard to maintain
 Cost of company (COC) is very high
 Security requirement very high
 More space for infrastructure and more cost

Virtual Machine – A machine created virtually without any physical hardware. For VM there is a
separate OS called ESXi (Elastic Sky X Integration).

ESXi – It is a Hypervisor to run and perform VM for clients.

Advantages of ESXi

 N number of VM can be created.

 Bulk capacity storage
 Any OS can be installed
 Independent to each other
 Simultaneously running at a time

VM is OS without hardware’s but have all components virtually (CPU, RAM, Storage etc.)

1.2 History of VMware

 Started at 1998 by VMware company

 On 2004 EMC acquired VMware
 On 2015 Dell acquired EMC (DELLEMC Square)

1.3 Versions of VMware

ESX – 1.X,2.X,3.X,4.X

After 4.X version the next version was named as ESXi

 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 2

ESXi – i.4,5.0,5.1,5.5,6.0,6.5,6.7(Latest Version)

1.4 Differences between ESX and ESXi

ESX ESXi
 It has been created by two companies tie  It is own Hypervisor (OS) of VMware
up VMware and Linus  More secure
 Less secure  Less time to reboot
 Takes more time to reboot  Management network
 Service console

1.5 Different companies providing VMs

Company Brand
Vmware VMware
Microsoft Hyper-V
Oracle Oracle OVM
Citrix Xentre

1.6 Licenses type in VM

 Standard
 Advanced
 Enterprise
 Enterprise plus

1.7 Type of Hypervisor

Type-1 Type-2
 Called as Baremetal product  Called as Hosting product
 Installing ESXi directly on hardware  We can install ESXi on a 3rd party OS.
 Real time purpose With the help of tool called Workstation
 Example : ESX, ESXi  If Workstation is installed we can run
VMs
 Used for testing and practicing purpose
 Note – Workstation can only install on
Windows OS only

1.8 Minimum requirements to install ESX/ESXi

ESX ESXi
 8 to 10 GB Hard disk  20 to 40 GB Hard disk
 Intel or AMD processor  Intel or AMD processor
 Minimum 2 GB Ram  Minimum 4 GB Ram
 2 mbps n/w speed  2 mbps n/w speed
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 3

Data center (DC) – It is place where all virtualization infra like cables lines, hardware lies.

DC

HP hardware

Port
s

ILO (Integrated Lights Out) Cable: To this cable IP

address will be given.

Physical switch

Note – Here we talk about HP hardware only.

Remotely (Remote Desktop Connection): It is used to access machines remotely from anywhere in
the world. Not present at location.

Info sheet – It contains Hardware Information maintained in Excel sheet. Where the information
like User ID, Password, IP Address, Hardware model no., License key etc. are present.

1.9 ILO is only used to access the Hardware.

To connect remotely we must make sure that ILO IP address is working. To check there are 2
methods.

 Command method
 Google chrome method

Command method

 Go to command mode on your laptop/desktop

 Type ping 10.10.10.10
 If Reply is coming. Then ILO IP is working.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 4

 If Request time out is coming. Then ILO IP is not working.

 If ILO IP is not working. Send Email or ping to the person who has installed and sent you the
Info sheet tell that ILO is not working and check the connectivity of the ILO

Google Chrome method

 Open Google chrome

 Type https://10.10.10.10
 If Home page is coming. Then ILO IP is working.
 If not then ILO IP is not working.
 If ILO IP is not working. Send Email or ping to the person who has installed and sent you the
Info sheet tell that ILO is not working and check the connectivity of the ILO

By default for HP

 Login : Administrator
 Password : Serial Number of Hard disk
 After that ESXi Installation
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 5

2.INSTALLING ESXi HOST

2.1 Pre Check before installation of ESXi (Configuring ILO)

Inventory Panel

Steps-1

 Go to Inventory panel.
 Click on Administration tab
 Then Create Secondary user login account (In case you forgot or primary user account
details are erased)
 Then Update ILO License key.
 Then click on Network tab
 Then click on SNTP (Simple Network Time Protocol) – Select Time Zone
 Then Click on IVP4 (Internet Protocol version 4) – Here we can change the IP address of
ILO or we can keep as it is if not required.
 Then click on General
 Then enter Host Name( It is compulsory) like USAFLDMRTESX001 (USA is Country, FL
is Florida (City), DMRT is D-Mart client, ESX001 is VM )

Jump Server / Tool server: To perform client operation remotely from anywhere.

STEP-2

2.2 Preparation of Server/Hardware

To check weather all the drives are working or not. There are two types of tests.

 Insight diagnostic test

 Firmware updates

To do this test there are some parameters required. We call it as SPP (Service Pack for ProLiant)

SPP – It’s image file containing Set of Drives.

HP releases SPP twice every year on April/May and Sep/Oct.

 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 6

2.2.1 Insight Diagnostic Test

 Go to Inventory panel of ILO
 Click on Remote Console – To launch the console. Java and .Net will appear to run the
console.
 Click on any one of them.
 Console will open.
 Click on Virtual Drives – On these we have to mount the SPP Image files (CD-ROM/DVD)
which we have downloaded.
 Click on Power Switch then click on Momentary Press. To Run the test.
 Then press F11
 Then select ILO Virtual USB option coming at last.
 Then Press Enter.
 Then 2 options will come.
o Interactive Firmware: To interact with the console.
o Automatic Firmware
 Click on Interactive
 Then select language and click on Accept Terms and Conditions.
 Then Insight Diagnostic will come.
 Then click on Test tab.
 Then click Tick mark which we require. Select Stop on first error and Select All Devices.
 Mention number of Loop (Loop is make repeat the test) required.
 Click on Enter Testing.
 If errors are coming Trouble Shoot the drives.
 If errors are not coming. Then exit Diagnostic.

Hardware Logs: To check who has logged the server at what time and left at what time.

2.2.2 Firmware Update (Software Update): Updating the drivers of hardware is called Firmware
update.

In order to increase performance of VMs and Hardware.

 Go to Inventory panel of ILO.

 Click on Remote Console – To launch the console. Java and .Net will appear to run the
console.
 Click on any one of them.
 Console will open.
 Click on Virtual Drives – On these we have to mount the SPP Image files (CD-ROM/DVD)
which we have downloaded.
 Click on Power Switch then click on Momentary Press. To Run the test.
 Then press F11
 Then select ILO Virtual USB option coming at last.
 Then Press Enter.
 Then 2 options will come.
o Interactive Firmware: To interact with the console.
o Automatic Firmware
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 7

 Click on Interactive
 Then select language and click on Accept Terms and Conditions.
 Click on Firmware Update.
 3 steps will appear
o Step 1: It shows how many drives need to be updated. Then click on Next.
o Step 2: At this stage it gives the Suggested Components and Selected Components
to be updated. Then click on Deploy to perform the update.
o Step 3: At this stage check and click on Reboot.
 And press F9.

2.3 Installation Of ESXi

To install ESXi first we need to download Image file of ESXi from VMware site.

 Login to ILO.
 Go to Inventory panel of ILO.
 Click on Remote Console – To launch the console. Java and .Net will appear to run the
console.
 Click on any one of them.
 Console will open.
 Click on Virtual Drives – On these we have to mount the ESXi Image files (CD-
ROM/DVD) which we have downloaded.
 Click on Power Switch then click on Momentary Press. To Run the test.
 Then press F11
 Then select ILO Virtual USB option coming at last.
 Then Press Enter to continue.
 Then press F11 to Accept and Continue VMware End User License Agreement.
 Then select 279 GB Storage and click on Install.
 Select Keyboard Layout (Language) i.e. US Default and press Enter.
 The default Login will be Root.
 Enter required Password and Press Enter.
 Then press F11 to install ESXi.
 Once installation is completed Unmount the installation disc (Remove the installation disc
before Reboot) before Reboot.
 Then Press Enter.

2.4 ILO is only used to access the Hardware.

Until 6.0 the VMs can be accessed by 3 tools.

1. Vsphere Client (Tool Access)

GUI (Graphical User Interface)
2. Web client (Web Access)
3. Putty (Tool Access) CLI (Command Line Interface)

In very rare cases we use Putty when Vsphere and Web client are not working.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 8

By all these tools we can Create and Manage VMs. Through we can manage and control both
Hardware and OS.

From 6.5 onwards VMs can be assessed by 2 tools.

1. Web Client
2. Putty

2.5 Creating Virtual Machines

 Install Workstation.
 Open Workstation
 Click on Create New Virtual Machine. Then 2 option will come to choose
o Typical
o Custom
 Select Typical
 Next there will be options to choose that I will install OS (ESXi) Later or Include OS at
that time only.
 Select VMware ESXi
 Name the Hardware
 Select Folder Path to save the files of VM.
 Enter Storage
 Click on Finish
 Click on Created VMs if OS is not installed. Install the ESXi OS.

Cursor
 To work on VMs Double Click on the Gray and Yellow Screen.
 If you want Cursor to come out press Ctrl+Alt. Cursor will come out.

2.6 Login to VMs

 Click on the created VM and Power On/Run the VM.
 The VM will reboot for some time.
 After reboot Gary and Yellow Screen will appear.
 Press F2 at that time to login.
 For some Laptops we have to press Fn+F2.
 By default Root will be User Login. Enter the password which you have entered while
installing the OS.
 On LHS different options will come.
 Click Enter on Configure Management Network
o Network Adapter: In we have to make sure that all Adapters are connected. To
connect or disconnect Press Space Bar.
o VLAN (Optional)
o IP Configuration: To access the particular OS and VMs
 Make sure IP is Static not dynamic. Because if IP is Dynamic whenever ESXI
boots the IP changes. So need to choose Static. By choosing this we are
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 9

giving permanent IP to the VM. Whenever it boots same IP will be assigned

to VM.
o IPV6: Make it Disable.
o DNS (Domain Naming System): In this we can change the IP of VM and Host
Name.
o Suffixes: Domain Suffix can be given like .com, .in etc.
 After all changes Press Escape (ESC) and Save Changes and Reboot.
 Then click on Troubleshooting Option
o Enable ESXi shell
 By default it will be Disable. Make it Enable by pressing Enter.
o SSH (Secured Shell) Enable
 This should be Enable so that we can use Putty.
 To enable SSH through Vcenter.
o Open Vcenter.
o Click on Host.
o Click on Configure.
o Go to Security Profile and click.
o Click Edit.
o Tick Mark SSH Server.
o Click Ok.
o SSH is Enabled

For full screen CTRL+ALT+Enter

2.7 Installing Vsphere Client

 Install Vsphere client.
 Open Vsphere Client
 Enter Credentials like VM IP Address, Login ID and Password.
 Press Enter.

Note: After installing Workstation and Vsphere client make sure that Virtualization is enabled in
system. We have to enable Virtualization because if it is disable we can’t run Vsphere client.

To enable Virtualization follow these steps

 Restart or Power on your Laptop/Desktop.

 When it reboot Press F2 for BIOS menu.
 Go to Advanced Tab.
 Below Virtualization will be there make it Enable by pressing Enter if it is Disable.

Request from Clients to create VMs

 Whenever the client requires new VM he will place a request through Email to Service Desk.
 Then the Service Desk will raise a Ticket (Request Number will be given) and redirect to the
VM Admins to carry forward further.
 Then VM Admins will acknowledge a mail to client saying that your request is being
proceeded and also attaching a document SRF (Service Request Form).
 SRF: It is a excel sheet containing all required VM configuration to deploy VM.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 10

 Once the client sends SRF by filling all required VM configuration then we can proceed
building VMs.

2.8 Creating VMs through Vsphere Client

 Open Vsphere client (For accessing the ESXi Host)
 Login to Vsphere client by IP address, User ID and Password.
 Once login completed.
 Click an Administrator.
 Window will open with ESXi host.
 Right click on the Host.
 Click on Create New Virtual Machine. 2 options will come.
o Typical
o Custom
 Click on Custom.
 Give VM Name.
 Click on Next.
 Select Storage for Data storage.
 Give Number of CPUs.
 Select Memory to Store.
 Creating Disk- 20GB.
 Click on Finish.
 After that a Blank VM is created without any OS.

2.9 Installing OS in VM
 Right click on VM.
 Click on Edit Settings.
 Go to CD/DVD option and click on it.
 Choose option Data store ISO file.
 Browse file and mount Server ISO image file.
 Then press Enter.
 Click on Host.
 Go to Configuration Tab.
 Click on Storage.
 Then Right Click on Storage.
 Then Browse file of OS.
 Upload file to Data Store (DS).
 Then click on Import File (Image file of OS).
 After these steps the OS will start installing.
 To check OS is installing or not Right Click on VM and Click on Open Console.

Removing VMs

 To remove VM first the VM must be Power Off.

 Right click and Click on Delete from Disk.
 Then VM will be removed.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 11

Note

 ESXi is providing only CPU and RAM.

 Data Store: It stores the Data of the VMs and it is present in Data Center.

Step-3

2.10 Post Checks

Note: Disk volume can be Increased, New Disk can be Created, Disk can be remover but Disk
volume can’t be Decreased.

1. Need to bring Disk online.

a. Adding Additional Disk.
i. Right Click on Created VM
ii. Click on Edit Setting.
iii. Click on Hard disk Option.
iv. Then click on Add
v. Then click on Create New Hard Disk
vi. Then click on Thin Provision
vii. Then click OK.
viii. But still the New Disk is not added to the VM.
ix. To make the Disk online Open console.
x. Search Computer Management and open it.
xi. Then go to Disk Management.
xii. There we can see the Created Disk in Black (Which says that the space is
not allocated)
xiii. Right click on the Created Disk.
xiv. Then click on Initialize Disk.
xv. After Initializing Disk.
xvi. After that Disk will be Online.
xvii. Next Right click on the Disk.
xviii. Select New Simple Volume
xix. Enter required details and click on finish.
xx. Then New Disk will be created in the VM.
b. Extension Of Disk
i. Right Click on Created VM
ii. Click on Edit Setting.
iii. Click on Hard disk Option.
iv. Extend the Hard Disk volume of VM.
v. Then Click on OK.
vi. But still the new Disk is not added to the VM.
vii. To make the volume online Open console.
viii. Search Computer Management and open it.
ix. Then go to Disk Management.
x. Then Click on Action Tab.
xi. Then Click on Refresh.
VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 12

xii. Then the Added Disk Volume will appear.

xiii. Go to the Disk where we have added the extra volume.
xiv. Right click on it.
xv. Then click on Extend Volume.
xvi. Then click Next.
xvii. Click on Finish and then the New volume will be Added.
c. Removing the Disk
i.Right Click on Created VM
ii.Click on Edit Setting.
iii.Click on the Disk which needs to be removed.
iv. Then Click on Remove Button.
v. 2 option will come.
1) Remove from VM
2) Remove from VM and Delete Files from Disk.
vi. Choose any option and Click on OK.
vii. The Disk will be Permanently Deleted.
2. Assigning an IP to VM (IP is assigned so that Client/Customer can access the
VM)
a. On VM.
b. Search ncpa.cpl
c. Network Adapter will appear.
d. Right click on it.
e. Then click on Properties.
f. Select IPV4 option
g. Then click on Properties.
h. Then select Static IP.
i. Then enter the IP address which are mentioned in SRF(Server Request Form)
j. Then Press OK.
3. Add VM to Domain (This has to be done so that client can access the VM from
anywhere through Remote Desktop Connection (RDC)).
 By this we can give the Access to the particular persons in the organization
 By this we can restrict the user Access
a. On VM.
b. Search dsa.msc
c. Click on Corp Local
d. Go to Computer.
e. Right Click on it.
f. Click on Create New Computer.
4. Right Click on Disk PC/My Computer/Computer
a. Click on Properties.
b. Then Click on Change Settings
c. Then click on Change
d. Select Domain. Enter Domain. Ex: Google.com
e. Change the VM Name ( Make sure that both VM Name and Computer Name are
same)
f. Then Click OK.
g. And VM will Reboot.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 13

5. After performing all the steps VM is ready for the client use and we can deliver the VM to
Client.
6. If the client want any application to be installed on VM. Then we have to reach the
Application Department Team and telling that client require Application to be installed in
VM. After applications are installed we can deliver VM to client.

All the process can be performed only when the VM is Power On.

To Extend or Decrease CPU and RAM/Memory the VM has to be Power Off. Without Power
Off CPU and RAM can’t be extended or decreased.

Note:

 CPU and RAM are Hardware Resources can be Increased or Decreased.

 Storage is a Datastore – Hard Disk which can’t be Decreased only can be Increased.

2.11 How to mount an ISO Image and Applications to VM

There are 3 ways.

Host Device: In this case the client asks us to install ISO Image or Application which are with him.
We ask the client to copy the ISO Image file in Pen Drive/CD and tell him to insert the Pen Drive to
the USB ports of the Virtual Machine or Insert the CD in CD Drive of the Virtual Machine. When
This steps are done then we Login to VM and install the ISO Image file or Application.

 Right click on VM
 Click on Edit Settings
 Click on CD/DVD
 Then click on Host Device and Upload the ISO Image file/Application

Client Device: Local Device (Own Laptop) containing the ISO Image file/Applications which are
need to be installed in VM. Client Device will only work when the VM is Power ON.

 Right click on VM
 Click on Edit Settings
 Click on CD/DVD
 Then click on Client Device and Upload the ISO Image file/Application

Data Store ISO File:

 Right click on VM
 Click on Edit Settings
 Click on CD/DVD
 Then click on Data Store ISO File and Upload the ISO Image file/Application
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 14

2.12 How the Data is stored in VM.

VM data will always be saved in File State only. There are different types of Virtual Machines Files
when VM is created.

1. VM Name.vmx - Containing Virtual Machine Configuration File( Base Files/Main Files of

VM (Details like Number of CPUs, Hard Disk, Memory etc.))
2. VM Name.vmxf – Descriptor File(Provides Teaming assistance to Base file)
3. VM Name.vmdk – Contains VM Hard Disk Files.
4. Flat.vmdk – Whenever Read/Write Operations are performed on VM Disk level all files are
saved in this file.
5. VM Name.vmss – Contains Suspended State file whenever the VM is suspended. This file
will automatically create when VM is suspended and automatically removed when VM
is Power ON.
6. VM Name.nvram – Contains BIOS file.
7. VM Name.vmsn – Contains Memory Snapshot Files.
8. VM Name.vmsd – Contains Data Snapshot Files
9. Delta.vmdk – Contains Snapshot Background/Mother File.
10. VMware.log – Contains the data of Users Login and Logout details and what work has been
performed.
11. VM Name.vswap – Contains Virtual Memory Files.
12. VM Name.vmtx – Contains VM Templates files.

By default when VM is created these files are created. They are

 .vmx
 .vmxf
 .vmdk
 Flat.vmdk
 .nvram
 VMware.log
 .vswap

2.13 How to Check File of VM

 Click on VM whose files need to be viewed.

 Click on Datastore tab.
 Right click on the Datastore.
 Click on Browse files.
 Then we can view the Files of VM.

2.14 Can CPU and RAM/Memory increased when VM is Power On

 This can be done when CPU and RAM/Memory Hot Plug is enabled.
 To enable Hot Plug first we should Power Off VM.
 Right Click on VM.
 Click on Edit Setting.
 Click on CPU
 Extend it and Enable CPU Hot Plug.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 15

 Then click on RAM/Memory

 Extend it and Enable RAM/Memory Hot Plug.
 Then Click Ok.
 After that Power On the VM.
 And we can Increase/Decrease CPU and RAM/Memory even the VM is Power On/Online

Note:

 According to VMware Increase/Drecrease CPU and RAM/Memory when VM is Power

Off is good for better Performance of VM. Increase/Drecrease CPU and RAM/Memory
is Offline Activity because it requires Down Time.
 Whereas Hard disk can be Added, Extended or Removed while the VM is Power On
because it does not require any Down Time for doing this activities.

3. DISK PROVISION
3.1 Disk Provision in VM/Disk Type in VM (How the Disk will get storage in
VM)
There are 3 types.

Thick Provision Lazy Zeroed (TPLZ)

 Storage will be allocated only when the 1st Write operation done on Disk Level.
 Until the file with some data is not created the prescribed storage is not allocated.
 For Example: If a VM is created with 100 GB storage and one Hard Disk is created under
TPLZ with 20GB. The remaining Storage should be 80GB but still it shows 100GB. The
prescribed storage will only be allocated when the 1st file with data is created. At that point
the total prescribed data will be allocated.

Thick Provision Eager Zeroed (TPEZ)

 Irrespective of the data usage the storage will be allocated.

 It will not ask for data for storage.
 Estimation is easy while creating VMs.

Thin Provision

 In this Storage will be allocated based on the data of the file.

 We can create Disk with large Storage if in future we are extending the Disk.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 16

4. MEMORY TECHNIQUES
4.1 Memory Techniques in VM
 How Memory is allocated to the VM.
 By default ESXi host will choose which Memory Techniques need to be allocated while
creating VM.
 This is a Memory Reclaiming Technique.

There are 4 Techniques.

Transparent Page Sharing (TPS): When 2 or more VMs are running same Application at same
time. The ESXi host will create a Common Point with Memory for all VMs running the Same
Application. By this technique the Memory will be Reclaimed and can be used for more VMs
Creation.

Ballooning: Providing Over commitment to VMs. The Memory will be reclaimed from Ideal
Applications. This Ideal Memory is distributed for New VMs Creation.

Hypervisor Swapping: Swapping the Memory of VMs. Example If 2 VMs is assigned with 30GB
each but both are using only 15GB. Then both VMs having 15GB of unused Memory. Then the
unused Memory will be Reclaimed and used for other VMs creation.

Memory Compression: In this Memory will be Reclaimed by Compressing the Running

Application. And the reclaimed Memory will be distributed to New VMs Creation

5.VM Tools
5.1 Virtual Machine Tools (VM Performance)
 To make the Communication between ESXi Host and VM. Tools are required.
 VM Tools are nothing but Set Of Drivers.
 This Set Of Drivers need to be installed on VM so that VM can perform smoothly.
 This Set Of Drivers need not to be downloaded because while creating VMs the ESXi
Host will Automatically Grasp the Drivers.
 Whenever the ESXi Host get Updated with New Set of Drivers. The VM will not be
updated with new Set of Drivers it will be running with Old Version of Drives. If the
VM is running with Old Drives it will alert us by saying that New Drivers have been
updated on ESXi Host. Then we need to update Old Drivers with the New Drivers.
 When VMs are Power Off the Tools will not Run on VMs.

5.2 Advantages & Disadvantages of Not having VM Tools

Advantages Disadvantages
 Mouse Moment will be Good.  Restricted Mouse Moment.
 Video Resolution will be good.  Inadequate Video Resolution.
 Color Depth will be good.  Inadequate Color Depth.
 Synchronize Time w.r.t. ESXi Host.  Unable to synchronize Time w.r.t. ESXi
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 17

 Takes Quiesce Snapshots. Host.

 Network Speed will be good.  Unable to take Quiesce Snapshots.
 Copy, Paste, Drag and Drop options will  Network Speed can’t be predicted.
work.  Copy, Paste, Drag and Drop options will
not work.

5.3 How to Install VM Tools (When Tools are not Present in VM)

 Right click on VM.

 Click on Guest OS.
 Click on Install Tools if tools are not present in VM.
 Click on Mount.
 Then open VM Console.
 Open This PC.
 On DVD drive there will be a file containing Set Of Drivers.
 Click and Run the DVD.
 Then Click on Next until Finish come.
 Click Finish and Reboot the VM.

5.4 When Updated tools are available (Already Old Version Tools running on VM and
Need to update with New Version Tools)

 Right click on VM.

 Click on Guest OS.
 Click on Update Tools if tools are present in VM.
 Click on Mount.
 Then open VM Console.
 Open This PC.
 On DVD drive there will be a file containing Set Of Drivers.
 Click and Run the DVD.
 We get 2 options
o Interactive
o Automatic
 If we choose Interactive we need to interact with VM to install Tools.
 If we choose Automatic. It will automatically perform all activities and Reboot the VM.
 Then Click on Next until Finish come (This step is only for Interactive option not for
Automatic).
 And Reboot the VM.

Note: For updating the tool we don’t require any downtime but the VM has to be Reboot so
that it can perform better.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 18

5.5 To check the Usage of VM

 Select VM
 Click on Monitor
 Then Click on Performance to see Performance of CPU, Memory etc.
 Click on Task And Events to see the Tasks performed.
 Click on Issues for any Alerts/Warnings.

6.VMWare HARDWARE VERSION

6.1 VMware Hardware Version (VM Features)
 It reflects the VM Updated Version in corresponding with the ESXi Host.
 The VM version has to be updated according to ESXi Host to increase the VM Performance
by New Features.
 We have different type of ESXi Version. For each version we have different VM Versions.

ESXi Version VM Version

4.0,4.1 7
5.0 8
5.1 9
5.5 10
6.0 11
6.5 13
6.7 14

 This is Offline Activity. We have to Power Off the VM to Update to New Features for
VM. So that VM can perform well.
 Once VM is updated with the New Hardware Version then we can’t get back to the Old
Version.
 This requires Downtime For Seconds.

6.2 How to Update VM Hardware Version

 Power Off VM.
 Right Click on VM.
 Click on Update VM Hardware Version.
 Click OK.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 19

7. SNAPSHOT
7.1 Snapshot (Backup For VM)
 It is a VM Feature only for VM.
 Snapshot is used to capture Present State of the VM Configuration Data.
 We use Snapshot Feature at time of Uncertainty (If we have any doubt that we may lose the
data of VM while Updating Tools or VM Versions or Any Application which may lead to
crash of VM and the whole data will be lost. To eradicate this situation we perform Snapshot.
So that we may not lose our Old Data)
 By this it is very easy to recover the Old Data.
 It is Online Activity and does not require any Downtime.
 Maximum of 32 Snapshots we can take for VM.

There are 4 types of files will be created when we take Snapshots. They are

.vmsn – Snapshot Memory File

 It Captures VM Configuration Files like CPU Memory File, Memory Files etc..

.vmsd – Snapshot Data File

 It captures VM Hard Disk Files.

Delta.vmdk

 It is a Write Data process.

 After taking a Snapshot. All the newly added data will be save on this file.
 Ex.- If we have a VM with Hard disk data of 20GB and we take Snapshot at that time and we
add new data of 5GB after taking Snapshot. This 5GB of data will be saved on Delta.vmdk.
 And all the Write operations will be done on Delta.vmdk.

Flat.vmdk

 It is a Read only process.

 The Old data will be stored on Flat.vmdk file.
 If the New Application crashes only the New Data will be erased and Old data can be
retrieved.

Note:

 ESXi does not have the option of snapshot.

 Flat.vmdk and .vmdk are Read only and we call them as Parent Disk.
 .vmsn, .vmsd and Delta.vmdk are Write all performance will be running on this file. So we
call them as Child Disks.
 For VM Tools only Delta.vmdk and .vmsd files are created.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 20

7.2 Formulas

 Revert = Data Loss

 Delete = Old Data + New Data

7.3 How to take Snapshots for VM

 Right Click On VM.
 Click on Snapshot.
 Click on Take Snapshot.
 Then Click OK.

7.4 To Revert Back

 Right Click On VM.
 Click on Snapshot
 Click on Revert Back.
 Then Click OK.

7.5 To Delete Snapshot

 Right Click On VM.
 Click on Snapshot
 Click on Snapshot Manager.
 Click Delete.
 Then Click OK.

7.6 Types of Snapshot

Crash Consistence Snapshot
 It is mostly Recommended Snapshot method in Organization.
 By taking Snapshot in this method the Snapshot will Consume Less Space in Data Store.
 The Data will be Compressed and Stored in Data Store.
 Snapshot will be taken in Fraction Of Seconds and there is Down Time required.
 When Revert Back the VM gets Power Off.

Memory Snapshot
 Entire State of VM Configuration Memory will be taken in account.
 It will take Long Time to take Snapshot.
 It takes Large Data to Store.
 The entire State of VM will be Stunned (Stopped for Few Seconds).
 When Revert back VM will not Power Off.
 It is Online Activity. We can perform activities even VM is in Power On.
 It not recommended by Organization.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 21

Quiesce Snapshot
 We can take Snapshot only when VM Tools are present in VM.
 By choosing this option VMware has given assurance that we Revert Back 100% of data
without any loss.
 More data is captured and saved.
 It is Offline Activity and VM will be Power Off after Revert.

Note:

 Maximum Retention period for Snapshot is 72 Hours.

 Require at least 20% free space in Data Store of VM.

7.7 Situations When We Take Snapshot.

1. When VM Tools are Updated.
2. When VM Hardware Version are Updated.
3. When Application are Upgraded.
4. When Windows Patch Updated.

7.8 Options available on Snapshot.

 Take Snapshot – To take Snapshot.
 Revert Back to Snapshot – To revert back to previous Snapshot.
 Snapshot Manager.
 Delete Snapshot.
 Consolidated – Whenever the Snapshot are deleted but sometimes Delta.vmdk and
Flate.vmdk files are not Deleted fully. At that time VM will show Consolidated Error.
Then we need to remove that file by choosing Consolidated option on Snapshot.

Note:

 Whenever Snapshot is taken for VM we can’t Extend A disk but we can Add Disk.
 The reason we can’t extend Disk after Snapshot because at that time Disk will be in
Read Only State.
 But CPU and Memory can be extended even when snapshot is taken.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 22

Level 2 Tasks

8. VCENTER
8.1 Vcenter – It is Centralized Management Server where it manages all the ESXi Host and
Virtual Machine at a Single Login.

 Vcenter requires working ESXi Host.

 Vcenter is Application developed by VMware.
 Vcenter can manage Multiple Hosts and Multiple VM at same time.
 Vcenter has ability to Migrate Downed Host to Working Host.
 Very easy to migrate from one Host to another.
 Vcenter Version has to be Equal or Above the ESXi Version. Ex- If ESXi Version is 6.0 the
Vcenter Version has to be 6.0 or 6.5.
 For Vcenter By Default User ID will be [email protected].

8.2 Different Vcenter Login

Vcenter 6.0 Vcenter 6.5
 Vsphere Client  Web Client
 Web Client

Note:

 Here Putty is not included for Vcenter Login because Putty can handle only 1 Host.
 For Single Host Login or Vcenter Login we can Login through Vsphere Client tool.

For Vcenter access through Vsphere Client.

 IP/Name: IP/Vcenter Server Name
 User ID: [email protected]
 Password: ********

For Vcenter access through Web Client.

 Enter http://IP/ Vcenter Server Name:9443 (9443 is Port Number without entering the Port
Number we can work on Web Client).
 User ID: [email protected]
 Password: ********
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 23

8.3 Architecture of Vcenter

Vcenter

Bangalore Mumbai
Data Centre Data Centre

Cluster

Host 1 Host 2 Host 3

VM

Install OS and Application

Deliver VM to Client

Cluster
 Safeguard the ESXi Host.
 It used only when 2 or more ESXi hosts are present.
 By using Cluster Migration can be done.
 N number of clusters can be created under a Data center.
 Maximum of 64 hosts can be added to a cluster.

8.4 Vcenter Services

There are 3 services.

Inventory Service
 If this Service is running then only we can perform operations in Vcenter.
 To see that Inventory service is running. Type services.msc in Virtual Machine.
 If it is running its ok.
 If not running Restart the VM.

Update Management Service

 If it is not working we can’t perform Update.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 24

Single Sign On
 If it is not working Users can’t login.
 It is Authentication User.

8.5 Difference Between Vcenter 5.5 & 6.0

Feature Vsphere 5.5 Vsphere 6.0
VM Hardware Version 10 11
Virtual CPU 64 128
Virtual Memory 1TB 4TB
VMs Per Cluster 4000 8000
Max. Memory Per ESXi Host 4TB 12TB
Max. CPU Pre Host 320 480
Max. Virtual CPU for FT VM 1 4
VMs per Host 512 1000
Host per Cluster Size 32 64
Vmdk Size 62TB 62TB
FT Supported Disk Type Eager Zeroed Lazy, Eager, Thin
Vmotion Vmotion restricted to data Vmotion across cross Vcenter
center object

9. Management Agents
9.1 Management Agents
By default Management agents will be installed when VM is added to a Host.

There are 3 types of Files are created.

Vpxd
 It is Agent of Vcenter Server.
 If you want to Login to Vcenter. This file is required for Login Purpose.
 It is Secure Login.
 Files saves in this location – C Drive/Program Files/VMware/Vcenter/Vpxd.logs
 If you are not able to Login VM. To Troubleshoot it just Restart the VM.

Vpxa
 It is Mini Vcenter Server Agent.
 It is Mediator between Vcenter and Host.
 It provides communication between Vcenter and Host and Vice Versa.
 Whenever the Host is added to Cluster Vpxa file is automatically installed.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 25

Hostd
 ESXi Host.
 It is also called as Watchdog.

Note:

 The host can’t communicate directly with Vcenter. For communication Vpxa file act as
intermediate/Mediator between Vcenter and Host.
 To establish connection we have to restart Vpxa and Host. When Vpxd is working.

9.2 Architecture Of Management Agents

Vpxd (Vcenter Agent)

Vpxa (Mini Vcenter Agent)

Hostd(ESXi Host)

9.3 How to Restart Management Agent (Only When IP is Working)

There are 2 Ways to Restart Management Agent.

Way 1

 Open To ESXi Host.

 Press F2
 Login
 Go to System Configuration
 Go to Troubleshooting Option.
 Click Enter.
 Go to Restart Management Agent.
 Click Enter.

Way 2

 Open Putty.
 Enter IP Address.
 Asks User ID and Password
 Enter Particulars.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 26

 Enter this Commands

 /etc/init.d/vpxa restart
 /etc/init.d/hostd restart

To open ESXi Host through Putty

 Type dcui in Putty.
 Dcui – Direct Console User Interface (It is case sensitive)
 Through dcui we can enter to Graphical Interface from Command Line Interface.

Note:

 No requirement of Downtime. It is Online Activity.

 No effect to Host.

9.4 If Host is not connecting even after Management Agents are Restarted.
Then follow these Steps.
 Right Click on Host.
 Click Connect.

10.Templates
10.1 Templates
 Base image that is used for creating New VM.
 It’s a Feature of Vcenter.
 It’s also called as Master Copy.
 The other name Golden Image.
 It’s a Time Saving process whenever new VM is created.
 Templates are Predefined Configuration Image file containing all the requirements of VM.
 Through Templates we can deploy VM within 30 Minutes.

10.2 To convert VM to Template

 Power Off VM (Offline Activity).
 Right Click on VM.
 Go to Templates.
 Click on Create Virtual Machine Template.
 The VM will be converted to Template.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 27

10.3 To create VM through Template.

 Right Click on Template.
 Click on Create New VM.
 Enter Name of VM.
 Select Computer Resource.
 Select Storage
 3 Options will come
o Customize the Operating System – In this we can change Operating System Of the
VM.
o Customize the VM Hardware – Here we can change Hardware of VM like Adding
Hard Disk, Expanding Hard Disk, Adding CPU and Memory etc.
o Power On Virtual Machine after Creation – By selecting this option automatically
VM will start after creation.
 After that Click on Finish.
 VM will be created.
 Do all the Post Checks and Deliver the VM to Client

Note:

 Once VM is converted to Template we can’t Run the VM.

 If any application is crashed while converting VM to Template. Whenever we create
VM through that Template. The VM will be created with that crashed Application. To
remove the Crashed Application.
 Convert Template to VM and Uninstall/Correct the application.
o Right Click On Template.
o Click on Convert to VM.
o Template will be Converted to VM.
o Uninstall/Correct the application.
o Again convert VM into Template.

11.CLONE
11.1 Clone
 Exact Xerox copy of VM or Replica of VM.
 Takes the Current State of VM.
 It takes exact size and space of VM which we have Cloned.
 Large Data is stored.
 Online Activity.

11.2 Steps to create Clone VM.

 Right Click on VM.
 Go to Clone.
 Click on Clone Of VM.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 28

 Enter Name of Clone.

 Select Data Storage.
 Select Clone Option.
 Then Click Finish.
 Cloning will take some Time.
 After that Go to Cloned VM.
 Right Click on VM.
 Click Edit Settings.
 Disconnect VM Network.
 Power ON VM.
 Do all Post Checks.
 Then Connect VM Networks.
 And Deliver the VM to Client.

11.3 Clones Converted to Template

 Right Click on Cloned VM.
 Go to Clone.
 Click on Clone Convert to Template.
 Enter Template Name.
 Click Finish.

11.4 Scenario of Cloning

 For Testing and Practice Purpose (No Impact/Effect on Main VM).

11.5 Difference Between Snapshot and Clone

Snapshot Clone
 Temporary Backup.  Long Time Backup.
 72 Hours after that need to Follow Up  When Cloned VM is Deleted No effect to
with Client. Main VM.
 When Reverted Data Loss.  VM will not be Slowed.
 VM will be Slowed Down When  More Data Stored
Snapshots are Available.
 Less Data Stored.

11.6 Difference Between Template and Clone

Template Clone
 Has No State.  Has VM State.
 Changes can’t be made.  Changes Can be made
 More Secure.  Less Secure
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 29

VM
Template Clone
 Convert to Template.  Clone to VM.  Clone to
 VM will be converted to  Primary VM will Template.
Template. be Available.  Primary VM will
 Power On is not possible.  Cloned VM will be Available.
 Offline Activity. be created.  Template will be
 Power On is created.
possible for both  Power On is Only
Primary and possible for
Cloned VM. Primary VM.
 Online Activity.  Online Activity.

12. VMOTION
12.1 VMotion (Vcenter Feature)
 Live Migration of VM Resources (CPU and Memory/RAM) from One Host to Another
Host.
 No Downtime is required.
 Online Activity (No need to Power Off VM).
 Online Migration.

12.2 Pre-Requirements For Vmotion.

 Minimum 2 ESXi hosts in a Cluster.
 Should be same CPU Family.
 Common Data Store.
 VM Kernel Port Group should be Enable.
 Need to check for Affinity and Anti-Affinity rules.
 Sufficient amount of Resources available in the Destination Host.
 Require Vmotion License.

12.3 Migration of VM from One Host to another Host

 Right Click on VM.
 Click on Migration
 Select Computer Resources Only.
 Select Destination Host.
 Select Network.
 Click Finish.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 30

12.4 EVC – Enhanced Virtual Compatibility.

 If CPU Family is not same then we can’t migrate VM to another Host. But it is possible only
when EVC is Enable.
 To enable EVC make sure that all the VMs in all hosts are Power Off.
 Requires Downtime. Offline Activity.

12.4.1 To enable EVC.

 Go to Cluster.
 Go to Configuration.
 Click VMware EVC.
 EVC will be Disabled.
 Click Edit.
 2 Options will come.
o Enable EVC for AMD Host.
o Enable EVC for Intel@ Host.
 Select any base on your Preference.
 Click Finish.

12.5 Scenario when VM are moved from One Host to another Host
 Firmware/Hardware Update is done.
 When VM Resource usage is high.

Note:

To migrate VM to Destination Host. The Hosts should have Common Data Store.

12.6 Vmotion Background Process

1. When we initiate Vmotion a Shadow copy/Pre Copy of VM will be created in Destination
Host.
2. Copy of Active Memory Page will be shared to Destination VM (Shadow Copy of VM) via
Vmotion Network (Kernel)
3. Again another set of Copy of Memory Pages will be transferred if any Remaining Memory
pages that are left while performing Pre Copy.
4. The VM will discontinue from Source Host and Continued in Destination Host and VM is
active.
5. All Vmotion traffic will be transferred on High Speed Network that will result Zero
Downtime for VM.

12.7 Failures while Performing Vmotion

 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 31

 Destination Host not reachable.

 Destination Host not having Resources (CPU and Memory/RAM)

13. SVMOTION
13.1 SVmotion (Storage Vmotion)
 Live Migrating the VM Files from one Data Store to Another Data Store.
 No Downtime Required.
 Online Activity.
 Takes long time to migrate.

13.2 Pre-Requirements For SVmotion.

 Minimum 2 Data Store in a Cluster.
 Should be same CPU Family.
 Common Data Store.
 VM Kernel Port Group should be Enable.
 Need to check for Affinity and Anti-Affinity rules.
 Sufficient amount of Storage available in the Destination Storage.
 Require SVmotion License.

13.3 Migration of VM from One Storage to Another Storage

 Right Click on VM.
 Click on Migration
 Select Change Storage Only.
 Click on Advanced (If want to change Types of Storage like TPLZ, TPEZ and Thin
Provision)
 Click Finish.

13.4 Scenario when VM are moved from One Storage to another Storage
 Lack of Storage.
 More burden on Storage.

Note:

To migrate VM to Destination Storage. The Hosts should be connected with Destination Storage
also.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 32

14. HIGH AVAILABILITY

14.1 High Availability (HA)
 Vcenter Cluster Future.
 Whenever the Host is down all VMs will Power Off and transferred to Another Host and
Power On/Reboot.
 3 reasons for HA.
o Host Failure Mechanism – Whenever Host Failed (Host will be rebooted again
and again until it is connected)
o VM Failure Mechanism (VM restart Priority) – Whenever Single VM is failed
(VM will be rebooted again and again until it is connected)
o Application Mechanism Failure – Whenever application is failed (Application will
be restarted again and again until it is corrected)
 Down Time is required.
 Offline Activity.

14.2 Pre-Requirements For HA.

 Minimum 2 ESXi hosts in a Cluster.
 Should be same CPU Family.
 Common Data Store.
 VM Kernel Port Group should be Enable.
 Need to check for Affinity and Anti-Affinity rules.
 Sufficient amount of Resources available in the Destination Host.
 Require Vmotion License.

14.3 How to enable HA in Vcenter

There are 2 methods.

Method 1: When New Cluster is Created.

 Go to Data Center.
 Right Click on Data Center.
 Click on Create New Cluster.
 Dialogue Box will appear.
 Enter Cluster Name.
 Tick mark on Turn On Vsphere HA.
 To change VM monitoring Status.
 Click on VM monitoring Status change it based on Client requirement.
 Click Ok.

Method 2 : When Cluster is Already Available.

 Click on Cluster.
 Go to Configure Tab.
 Click on Vsphere Availability.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 33

 Click on Edit.
 Tick mark on Turn On Vsphere HA.
 To change VM monitoring Status. Click on Failure and Response.
 Go to VM monitoring Status change it based on Client requirement.
 Click Ok.

14.4 Background Technology

Until ESXi 4.1

 Automatic Availability Manage (AAM) is installed whenever ESXi host is added to

Cluster and HA is Turned On/Enabled.
 Vpxa agent, Hostd agent and AAM agent will be installed.
 AAM works on Primary and Secondary concept.

Primary

 1st 5 Host will be primary. The Hosts in Primary will be Safeguarding the Hostsin
Secondary.
 The Hosts in Primary will be Pinging/ Checking Heart Beat for every 5 seconds with Hosts
in Secondary to get communication.
 If any Host in Secondary is not responding to the Hosts of Primary. Then Hosts in Primary
is having the Liability for migrating the VM from Host of Secondary to Hosts of
Primary.

Secondary

 All remaining Host will be Secondary except 1st 5 Hosts.

Note:

 If any of the Primary Host is Down. The 1st host of Secondary Host will act as Primary
Host.

From ESXi 5.0

 Fault Domain Manager (FDM) is Installed when Host is added to Cluster and HA is
Turned On.
 FDM works on Election Process (Master and Slave)
 There will be 1 Master Host and remaining all Hosts are Slaves.
 Master Safeguards the slaves.
 To choose Master there are 2 methods.
o Based on Highest Datastore Count – The host with Highest Datastore Count will be
taken as Master.
o Based on MOID (Management Object ID)
 This will come into picture when Master is not determined through Highest
Datastore Count.
 Whenever the host is added in Vcenter. ID will be created automatically for
that Host.
 The Host with Least ID number will become Master.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 34

Note:

 Whenever the Master Host is Down. The nest Master will be chosen from Re-Election.

14.5 Difference Between AAM and FDM

AAM FDM
 Having concepts like Primary and Having concepts like Master and Slave.
Secondary. Election process will takes place and host with
 1st five Host act as Primary and high configuration will act as Master.
remaining as Secondary. Isolation Process (Response) based on Network
 Isolation Process (Response) based on and Data Store
Network. Data Store Heart available.
 Data Store Heart not available. HA log file path /var/log/VMware/FDM.
 HA log file path Command for restarting is /etc/init.d/fdm
/var/log/VMware/AAM. restart.
 Command for restarting AAM is service
VMware AAM restart

15. DISTRIBUTED RESOURCE SCHEDULER

15.1 Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS) – Cluster Future
 Automatic migration.
 Whenever Resources of VM is putting High Burden on ESXi Host. At that time DRS come
into picture and migrate VM from Source Host to Destination Host without any Downtime
Requirement.
 Online Activity.
 Alerts are raised by DRS when there is a sudden increase in Resource Usage at that time
DRS can’t handle this situation. So DRS alert us to make changes manually.

15.2 DRS Types

Fully Automated: By choosing this type there is no requirement of interaction from
Administrator. By Enabling DRS VMs will automatically migrate from One Host to Another Host.

Partially Automated: In this type Recommendation will be given to Administrator by DRS.

Require some interaction to from Administrator to migrate VMs from One Host to Another Host.

Manually: In this type Recommendations will be given by DRS but need full interaction from
Administrator.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 35

15.3 DRS Rules (Control Migration)

We have control where our VMs should Migrate where it should not be Migrated. There are 2
types of rules.

 Affinity Rules: In this rule we can control that the particular VM should not leave the
particular Host.
 Anti-Affinity Rule: In this rule we can control that the VMs should not migrate to
particular Host.

15.4 Migration Type

Cold Migration: VM is Power Off and Migrated/Offline Migration.

Ex- High Availability.

Hot Migration: VM is Power On and Migrated/Online Migration.

Ex- DRS/Vmotion

Note:

If Vcenter goes down will HA and DRS works?

 HA will work and DRS will not work if Vcenter goes down.

Why DRS will not work?

DRS will not work because as the name DRS suggest Distribution of Resources to Cluster. And if
DRS is enabled Vcenter provides resources to cluster. If Vcenter goes down there is no other source
which can provide resources to the cluster.

Why HA will work?

HA will work because Hosts are not communicating with Vcenter. As HA is enabled FDM agent is
installed on all Hosts. And all Hosts will be exchanging Heartbeats between Host to Host even
Vcenter goes down. Because of this HA will work.

15.5 To Enable DRS

 Click on Cluster.
 Go to Configure Tab.
 Click on Vsphere DRS.
 Choose DRS Type.
 Go to Admission Control make changes if required.
 Click Ok.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 36

15.6 Power Management/Distributed Power Management (DPM)

 It is used to Save the Power Consumption client.
 For a client there are 5 hosts and in that 3 hosts having VMs and 2 hosts are not having VM.
But the 2 hosts are consuming the Power. So to restrict the usage of Power we Power On
DPM.
 But in Real Time it is not preferred because by Power On DPM the 2 hosts will be stopped
and if suddenly remaining 3 hosts with VMs got down then the VMs has to wait until the 2
hosts are Power On due to which Downtime will occur for VMs.

To On Power Management
 Click on Vsphere DRS.
 Go to Power Management and Power On
 Click Ok.

15.7 Admission Control

 It is a Cluster Future.
 It is used to manage number of Host Failure Cluster Tolerance.
 Reserves the Percentage of resource availability.

To do Admission Control
 On LHS Admission Control option will be there.
 Click on Admission Control.
 Based on requirements make changes.
 Click Ok.

15.8 DRS Rules

Keep VM Together
In this rule 2 or more VMs are Combined Together. And Cluster will decide which VM has to
migrate to which Host. After the rule is created if any one of the VM is migrated to another Host the
other VM will also migrate to that Host in which that VM is migrated.

 Click on Cluster.
 Go to Configure.
 Go to VM/Host Rules.
 Click on Add.
 Enter Name of Rule.
 Select Keep VM Together Rule
 Click on Add.
 Add VMs.
 Click Ok.
 Rule is created.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 37

Separate Virtual Machines

In this rule the selected VMs will be put into different Hosts and they will never be in same Host
again if this rule is created. And Cluster will decide which VM has to migrate to which Host.

 Click on Cluster.
 Go to Configure.
 Go to VM/Host Rules.
 Click on Add.
 Enter Name of Rule.
 Select Separate Virtual Machines Rule
 Click on Add.
 Add VMs.
 Click Ok.
 Rule is created.

VM to Host
In this rule first we have to create Group for both VM and Host. By choosing this rule we are
Combining/Separating the VM and Host Groups with “MUST and SHOULD” options.

 Click on Cluster.
 Go to Configure.
 Go to VM/Host Rules.
 Click on Add.
 Enter Name of Rule.
 Select VM to Host Rule
 Click on Add.
 Add VMs and Hosts.
 Select Must and Should operations
o Must run on Hosts in Group
o Should run on Hosts in Group
o Must not run on Hosts in Group
o Must not run on Hosts in Group
 Select any option based on client requirement
 Click Ok.
 Rule is created.

To create VM Group
 Click on Cluster.
 Go to Configure.
 Go to VM/Host Group.
 Click on Add.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 38

 Enter Name of Group.

 Select VM as Type of Group
 Click on Add.
 Add VMs.
 Click Ok.
 VM group is created

To create Host Group

 Click on Cluster.
 Go to Configure.
 Go to VM/Host Group.
 Click on Add.
 Enter Name of Group.
 Select Host as Type of Group
 Click on Add.
 Add Hosts.
 Click Ok.
 Host group is created.

16. FAULT TOLERANCE

16.1 Fault Tolerance (FT)
 It is a VM feature.
 Fault tolerance is the property that enables a system to continue operating properly in the
event of the failure of (or one or more faults within) some of its components.
 If we enable FT for VM a Secondary VM is created in another Host. Whenever the Primary
VM goes down the Secondary VM will become Primary VM and perform operations due to
which there will be no downtime required.
 Simultaneously the Secondary VM will be running.
 This technique is called Vlock Stepup Technique.
 Continuously there will be exchange of Heartbeats/Communicating/Ping between Primary
VM and Secondary VM.

16.2 Pre Requirements for FT

 Minimum 2 Data Store in a Cluster.
 Should be same CPU Family.
 Common Data Store.
 VM Kernel Port Group should be Enable.
 Need to check for Affinity and Anti-Affinity rules.
 Sufficient amount of Storage available in the Destination Storage.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 39

 Require Vmotion License.

 HA should be enabled in Cluster.
 10 Gb/s Network Speed.

16.3 Steps to Enable FT Logging

 Click on Host.
 Click on Configure.
 Go to VMKernel Adapter and click on it.
 Click on Vmotion Network and Click on Edit and Enable FT Logging.
 Or Click on Create New Network Label and Configure and in process enable FT Logging.
 Do this process for Other Host Also.
 After enabling FT Logging for All Hosts.

16.4 How to Enable FT

 Right Click on VM.
 Go to Fault Tolerance.
 Click Turn On FT.
 Select Datastore.
 Select other Host where Secondary VM will be created.
 Click Finish.

16.5 To test FT Working

 Click on VM.
 Go to Summary.
 Drag down and see FT dialogue box will appear where VM is Protected State and Which
ESXi host VM exist will appear.
 Again Right click on VM.
 Go to Fault Tolerance.
 Click on Test Failure.
 Automatically Primary VM will Power Off and Secondary VM will come into picture.
 Now Secondary will become Primary and Primary will become Secondary.
 Again click on VM.
 Go to Summary.
 Drag down and see FT dialogue box will appear where VM is Protected State and ESXi
host for that VM will be changed.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 40

17. CONVERSION
17.1 Conversion
 Converting Physical Machine/Virtual Machine to Virtual Machine i.e. Converting PM
OS, Application, Files and Data into VM.
 Vmware Converter Standalone Software is required and to be installed.

There are 3 Types of Conversion

P2V: Physical Machine to Virtual Machine (Regularly Used)

V2V: Virtual Machine to Virtual Machine (Rare Cases)

V2P: Virtual Machine to Physical Machine (Not Used mostly)

17.2 P2V – When we are planning to convert PM to VM environment using Converter Software
we choose P2V.

17.2.1 Pre Requirements for P2V

 Physical Server and its access.
 VMware virtual infrastructure.
 Need Converter Software.
 Need to enable VMware converter ports 137, 138, 139.
 Need to create local account in PM.
 Need to stop Anti-Virus services.
 Need to stop Data Base services.

17.2.2 Steps for P2V Conversion

 Download VMware Converter Standalone Software and Install it on Local Machine or
Remote Machine.
 Open VMware Converter Standalone.
 At top Right corner Convert Machine option appears.
 Click on it.
 Select the Source type.
o Powered-On Machine.
o VMware VM Infrastructure.
o VMware workstation or other VMware VM.
o Backup Image or 3rd party VM.
o Hyper-V server (Microsoft).
 Choose based on your requirements.
 Choose Machine.
o Local Machine – Own/Local System/Machine is converted to VM. By choosing
this no need of any information it will automatically fetch the information of
machine.
VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 41

o Remote Machine – System/Machine located at some other location. Requires

information of Machine like IP Address, User Id, Password and Which OS used.
 Choose based on your requirements.
 Click Next.
 Next select the Destination Type.
o VMware Infrastructure VM.
o VMware workstation or other VMware VM.
 Choose based on your requirements.
 Next Enter VMware Infrastructure Server Details.
o Server – IP address of Host where VM should be Created.
o User Id.
o Password.
 Click Next.
 On Next window we will see how many VMs are running on that Host.
 And Rename VM if required.
 On Destination Location Choose Datastore and VM Version.
 Click Next.
 On next window Conversion Options will appear where we can edit/change settings.
o Data to Copy- What data we are copying.
o Devices- CPU and Memory
o Networks- Need to disconnect from network so that there is no clash between PM
and VM (Host Name Conflict is not there when Power On VM).
o Services.
o Advanced Option – We can Synchronize Source and Destination (Synchronize
changes that occurs on Source Machine) and can Install VM Tools.
 Then Click Next.
 Summary will appear – Shows whatever changes we have made or Review All changed
Settings.
 Click Finish.
 PM will start Converting to VM. It will take some time based on PM Data.
 After PM is converted to VM.
 Login to Vsphere Client or Web Client.
 Before Power On VM.
 Right Click on VM.
 Click on Edit Settings.
 Check Out the Hardware Properties.
 Remove Unwanted Hardware like Floppy Drive, Ports etc.
 Now Power On VM.
 Open Console and Perform all Post Checks.
 Before delivering the VM ask Client to disconnect the PM form Network.
 Then Deliver VM to Client.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 42

17.3 V2V
If we are planning to convert 3rd party VM (Hyper-V, Oracle, Xen-Centrix) we use V2V.

For reducing or modifying disk over allocation we use V2V.

17.3.1 Steps for V2V Conversion

 Download VMware Converter Standalone Software and Install it on Local Machine or
Remote Machine.
 Open VMware Converter Standalone.
 At top Right corner Convert Machine option appears.
 Click on it.
 Select the Source type.
o Powered-On Machine.
o VMware VM Infrastructure.
o VMware workstation or other VMware VM.
o Backup Image or 3rd party VM.
o Hyper-V server (Microsoft).
 Choose based on your requirements.
 Choose Machine.
o Local Machine – Own/Local System/Machine is converted to VM. By choosing this
no need of any information it will automatically fetch the information.
o Remote Machine – System/Machine located at some other location. Requires
information of Machine like IP Address, User Id, Password and Which OS used.
 Choose based on your requirements.
 Click Next.
 Next select the Destination Type.
o VMware Infrastructure VM.
o VMware workstation or other VMware VM.
 Choose based on your requirements.
 Next Enter VMware Infrastructure Server Details.
o Server – IP address of Host where VM should be Created.
o User Id.
o Password.
 Click Next.
 On Next window we will see how many VMs are running on that Host.
 And Rename VM if required.
 On Destination Location Choose Datastore and VM Version.
 Click Next.
 On next window Conversion Options will appear where we can edit/change settings.
o Data to Copy- What data we are copying.
o Devices- CPU and Memory
o Networks- Need to disconnect from network so that there is no clash between PM
and VM (Host Name Conflict is not there when Power On VM).
o Services.
o Advanced Option – We can Synchronize Source and Destination (Synchronize
changes that occurs on Source Machine) and can Install VM Tools.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 43

 Then Click Next.

 Summary will appear – Shows whatever changes we have made or Review All changed
Settings.
 Click Finish.
 PM will start Converting to VM. It will take some time based on PM Data.
 After PM is converted to VM.
 Login to Vsphere Client or Web Client.
 Before Power On VM.
 Right Click on VM.
 Click on Edit Settings.
 Check Out the Hardware Properties.
 Remove Unwanted Hardware like Floppy Drive, Ports etc.
 Now Power On VM.
 Open Console and Perform all Post Checks.
 Before delivering the VM ask Client to disconnect the PM form Network.
 Then Deliver VM to Client

17.4 V2P
 If planning to convert Virtual to Physical environment.
 If Client want to convert Virtual to Physical environment don’t convert VM to PM. Just ask
client to connect PM to Network. Once he connect to PM ask his conformation to remove VM
from Host.

18. UPDATE MANAGER

18.1 Update Manager (UM)
 It is used to Upgrade (Entire Version) ESXi from one version to another version and also
Updating Patches (Fixing Bugs).
 UM is Extension installed on Vcenter Server.
 UM will work only at Vcenter Level. Without Vcenter UM will not work.

18.2 Steps for installing UM in Vcenter

 Download UM extension from VMware Site.
 Login to Vcenter Server and install UM on that server.
 After UM installed Login to Vcenter Server.
 Click on Plug-Ins.
 Click on Manage Plug-Ins.
 Click on Download and Install (To install VMware Vsphere Update Manager Extension) –
Again need to install on Vcenter Server.
 Click on Home.
 Update Manager is Installed.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 44

 Click on it for configuring.

18.3 Steps for Creating Baseline and Updating Patches

 1st select the Host which need to be Updated with Patches.
 Migrate all VMs from that chosen Host to another Host.
 Click on Home.
 Click on Update Manager.
 Click on Vcenter in Object.
 Go to Settings tab.
 Click on Download Settings- We can enter New URLs from where we download Patches.
o Click on Edit.
o Click on Add (To add New URLs).
o Click Ok.
 Click on Download Scheduling – Scheduling the time when the patches need to be
downloaded.
o Click on Edit.
o Tick mark Enable Schedule Task.
o Click Next.
o Click on Change (To set time)
o Click Ok.
 To see Available Downloaded Patches - Click on Patch Repository.
 To create Patch Baseline.
o Click on Host Baseline.
o Click on Add New Baseline.
o Enter Name of Baseline.
o Select Baseline Type – Host Patch (Patch Update) and Click Next.
 Fixed – Once a baseline with patches is created we can’t add new patches to
that baseline.
 Dynamic - Once a baseline with patches is created we can add new patches
to that baseline.
o Choose based on your requirements (But Dynamic is Recommended).
o Select Criteria (Time line from which time to which time patches need to be added
to baseline)
o Exclude Patches (Excluding the Patches which comes in between the Time line)
o Adding Additional Patches (From Remaining Patches which does not come in the
time line.
o Click Next.
o Summary appears.
o Click Finish.
 Now Go to Hosts and Cluster.
 Go to Host which need to be updated with Patches.
 Right Click on Host.
 Go to Maintenance Mode – Work in progress
 Click on Enter Host to Maintenance Mode.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 45

 Next Go to Update Manager.

 Click on Attach Baseline.
 Click on Add Created Baseline.
 Click Ok.
 Now click on Scan for Update (Shows how many Patches are installed and how many
Patches are not installed)
 Now select Patches & Extension ( If Upgrading ESXi – Choose Upgrade)
 Click on Remediate - If any Patch Updates are available.
 Select Created Baseline.
 Select ESXi Host needed to update with Patches.
 Click Next, Next until Finish appears.
 Click on Finish.
 Patch Update will start (Time taking Process)
 After Patches are updated Host will automatically come from Maintenance Mode.

18.4 Another Method for Creating Baseline and Updating Patches

 1st select the Host which need to be Updated with Patches.
 Migrate all VMs from that chosen Host to another Host.
 Now click on Host which need to be Updated with Patches.
 Right click and Enter Host in Maintenance Mode.
 Now click on Update Manager of Host.
 Click on Go to Admin View present at corner.
 Update Manager window will open.
 Click on Host Baseline to create Baseline.
 After creating Baseline.
 Click on Go to Compliance View to return to Host which need to Update.
 Click on Attach Baseline.
 Click on Add Created Baseline.
 Click Ok.
 Now click on Scan for Update (Shows how many Patches are installed and how many
Patches are not installed)
 Now select Patches & Extension ( If Upgrading ESXi – Choose Upgrade)
 Click on Remediate - If any Patch Updates are available.
 Select Created Baseline.
 Select ESXi Host needed to update with Patches.
 Click Next, Next until Finish appears.
 Click on Finish.
 Patch Update will start (Time taking Process)
 After Patches are updated Host will automatically come from Maintenance Mode.

Note:

 When Patched are installing the process stops at 27% don’t do anything because process
is still running.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 46

 If UM is failing to Update Patches. Then we can update Patches through Putty.

 For Status Monitoring – Open Remote Console of ESXi Host.

18.5 To Upgrade ESXi Version

 1st download the Latest ESXi Image File.
 Click on Home.
 Click on Update Manager.
 Click on Vcenter in Object.
 Go to ESXi Image.
 Import downloaded ESXi Image File.
 To create Baseline.
o Click on Hosts Baseline.
o Click on Add New Baseline.
o Enter Name of Baseline.
 Select Baseline Type – Host Upgrade
 Select Uploaded ESXi Image File.
 Click Finish.
 Now Go to Hosts and Cluster.
 Go to Host which need to be updated with Patches.
 Right Click on Host.
 Go to Maintenance Mode – Work in progress
 Click on Enter Host to Maintenance Mode.
 Next Go to Update Manager.
 Click on Attach Baseline.
 Click on Add Created ESXi Image file Baseline.
 Click Ok.
 Now click on Scan for Update.
 Now select Upgrade.
 Click on Remediate - If any Patch Updates are available.
 Select Created ESXi Image file Baseline.
 Select ESXi Host needed to update with Patches.
 Click Next, Next until Finish appears.
 Click on Finish.
 Host Upgrade will start (Time taking Process)
 After Host is upgraded the Host will automatically comes from Maintenance Mode.

18.5.1 Installation Of New ESXi on Old ESXi

 1st Move all VMs to other Host.
 To install New ESXi first we need to download Image file of New ESXi from VMware site.
 Login to ILO.
 Go to Inventory panel of ILO.
 Click on Remote Console – To launch the console. Java and .Net will appear to run the
console.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 47

 Click on any one of them.

 Console will open.
 Click on Virtual Drives – On these we have to mount the New ESXi Image files (CD-
ROM/DVD) which we have downloaded.
 Click on Power Switch then click on Momentary Press.
 Then press F11.
 Then select ILO Virtual USB option coming at last.
 Then Press Enter to continue.
 Then press F11 to Accept and Continue VMware End User License Agreement.
 Then select 279 GB Storage and click on Enter to continue.
 Here it shows Old ESXi version is running and asks do we want to continue with New ESXi
version.
 Click Enter.
 Select Keyboard Layout (Language) i.e. US Default and press Enter.
 The default Login will be Root.
 Enter required Password and Press Enter.
 Then press F11 to install ESXi.
 Once installation is completed Unmount the installation disc (Remove the installation disc
before Reboot) before Reboot.
 Then Press Enter.

19. STORAGE
19.1 Storage
 It is used to build the connectivity between ESXi Host and Datastore.

19.2 Different types of Vendors providing Storage

 HP – 3PAR Storage
 Dell Storage
 IBM – HITACHI

19.3 Two Types of Storage

 NAS – Network Attached System
 SAN – System Attached Network (90% of companies use this type of storage)
o 3 types of SAN
 SCSI- Small Computer System Interface
 ISCSI- Internet Small Computer System Interface
 Fiber Channel/Cable
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 48

19.4 Differences between SCSI, ISCSI and Fiber Channel

SCSI ISCSI Fiber Channel
 Need cable connection.  No need of cable  Need cable connection.
 Maximum range 20 connection.  Maximum range 20
mts.  IP Connection. KM.
 Not Flexible.  Flexible.  Cost is very High.
 Cost is very Less.

19.5 Internet Small Computer System Interface (ISCSI)

 Host and Datastore is connected with IP Address.
 Involvement of both VM Team and Storage Team is Required.

19.5.1 Process of connecting ESXi Host and Storage through ISCSI

 1st VM Team has to send IQN (Unique Number) number of ESXi Host to Storage Team.
 To Fetch IQN number.
 Click on Host.
 Click on Configure.
 Click on Storage Adapter.
 Click on IQN number of Host.
 Click on Properties.
 Copy IQN number and Paste on Notepad send the document to Storage Team.
 Storage team will have Bulk Amount of Storage we call it as LUN (Logical Unit Number).
 With respect to IQN number Storage team will Map the Storage and sends IP Address and
NAA.IP to VM Team.
 Now VM team has to add the IP Address to Target.
 Click on Target.
 Click on Add.
 Enter IP Address.
 Click OK.
 IP Address of Storage is added.
 Now Click on Datastores.
 Click on Add New DataStore.
 Specify Datastore Type.
 Select VMFS.
 Enter Name of Datastore.
 Select NAA.IP of Storage.
 Click Next.
 Select VMFS Version based on your requirement.
 Click Next.
 Configure your Partition.
 Click Finish.
 Datastore is added.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 49

Note:

 The VM team has to send all Hosts IQN number to Storage Team. So that Storage team
can map Storage to all Hosts and they can share common Storage.

19.6 Fiber Channel/Cable

 In this connection is made through cable and the connecting ports are called as HBA (Host
Bus Adapter).
 HBA is used to transmit data with High Speed.
 All Read and Write operation are performed Very Fast.
 Benefits – High Speed.
 Disadvantages- High Cost.
 Instead of IQN number Fiber channel will have WWA number.
 Only NAA.ID is provided.

19.6.1 Process of connecting ESXi Host and Storage through Fiber Channel

 1st VM Team has to send WWA number of ESXi Host to Storage Team.
 To Fetch WWA number.
 Click on Host.
 Click on Configure.
 Click on Storage Adapter.
 Click on WWA number of Host.
 Click on Properties.
 Copy WWA number and Paste on Notepad send the document to Storage Team.
 Storage team will have Bulk Amount of Storage we call it as LUN (Logical Unit Number).
 With respect to WWA number Storage team will Map the Storage and send NAA.IP to VM
Team.
 Now Click on Datastores.
 Click on Add New DataStore.
 Specify Datastore Type.
 Select VMFS.
 Enter Name of Datastore.
 Select NAA.IP of Storage.
 Click Next.
 Select VMFS Version based on your requirement.
 Click Next.
 Configure your Partition.
 Click Finish.
 Datastore is added.

19.7 To Extend the Datastore Capacity of existing Datastore.

 Right click on Datastore.

 Click on Increase Datastore Capacity.
 On next window select NAA.IP.
 Click Next.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 50

 Extend the Storage Capacity will be visible.

 Select that Extended Storage.
 Click Finish.
 The New Storage will be added to Existing Storage.

19.8 Reclaiming Storage

 Right Click on DataStore.
 Click Unmount DataStore
 Again Right Click on DataStore.
 Click Delete from Disk.
 And ask Storage team to reclaim Storage.

19.9 Raw Device Mapping (RDM)

 It provides VM direct access to Storage.
 Benefits of RDM is increase speed performance of Read and Write Operations.
 Drawback are We can’t perform Snapshot, Vmotion and SVmotion.

2 Types of RDM

Physical Compatibility Mode

 Direct access of Storage for Application and Data

 Can’t perform Snapshot, Vmotion and SVmotion.

Virtual Compatibility Mode

 It Allows RDMs to act like Virtual Disk Files (.vmdk Files)

 Can perform Snapshot, Vmotion and SVmotion.

Steps for Adding RDM

 Right click on VM.
 Click on Edit Settings.
 Select RDM as we add New Hard Disk.
 Click Add.
 Select LUN.
 Click Ok.
 Open VM console.
 Open Computer Management.
 Click on Disk Management.
 Bring the Disk Online (Initialize Disk)
 Right Click on Disk.
 Click New Sample Volume.
 Click Next and Next until Finish.
 Click on Finish.
 RDM Disk is added to VM.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 51

20. NETWORKING
Networking is used to make VMs interact with outer world.

There are 2 types of Network.

 Physical Network- Connection through Physical Ports, Switches and Wires.

 Virtual Network – Connection through Virtual Switches (VSwitch).

20.1 Virtual Switch (VSwitch)

 Whenever new ESXi is installed automatically VSwitch will be created.
 N number of switches can be created.
 VSwitch has N no. of VPorts.
 Each VM is connected to each VPort.
 By default 56 Ports will be there and we can expand Maximum to 4088 Ports.
 We have to communicate with Network team to enable Ports in Physical Port based on
Client/Customer requirement.
 All VMs can pass data through single VSwitch Port.

20.2 How many Port Groups are there?

3 Port Groups

 VM Port Group – Manages the VM Traffic.

 Management Network – By default it is created.
 VMKernel Port Group
o Manages Migration, Vmotion, SVMotion, FT etc.
o We need to create it.
o Make sure Kernel Port Group is created separately.

20.3 Types of VSwitches

Vsphere Standard Switch

 Whenever new ESXi host is created by default Vsphere Standard Switch is created.
 Vsphere Standard Switch is independent switch with respect to each ESXi Host.

Distributed Switch

 It is a Vcenter Level Configuration without Vcenter DS is not possible.

 It is Single time configuration
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 52

20.4 Vsphere Standard Switch Steps

 Login to Host through Vsphere.

 Click on Host and Go to Configure and Click on it.
 Go to Network and Click on it.
 Click on Properties to add New Standard Switch.
 Click Add.
 Enter Name of Switch.
 Click Finish.

20.5 To Add VM to Standard Switch

 Right Click on Host.
 Click on Create New VM.
 Enter name of VM (Like Production, Development etc).
 Click Next.
 Select Datastore and Click Next.
 Select OS and click Next.
 Based on your requirements Change number of NICs.
 Select NIC Network.
 Click Next and Finish.
 VM will be added to Standard Switch.

20.6 To Add VMKernel Switch

 Login to Host through Vsphere.

 Click on Host and Go to Configure and Click on it.
 Go to Network and Click on it.
 Click on Add Network.
 Select Connection Type – VMKernel.
 Select Connection settings – Select Create Vsphere Standard Switch.
 Check Network Label, VLAN ID and Tick Mark Vmotion, FT Logging and Click Next.
 Dialogue Box will appear Click on Yes.
 Next IP settings will appear – Choose Obtain IP Setting Automatically.
 Click Finish.

20.7 Distributed Switch Steps

 Login to Vcenter.
 Right Click on Datacenter.
 Go to Distributed Switch and Click on Create New Distributed Switch.
 Enter name of Distributed Switch and click Next.
 Select Latest Version.
 Enter number of Uplinks, put Network I/O control Enabled and Uncheck Default Port
Group.
 Click Next and Finish.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 53

20.8 To create Distributed Port Group (DPG)

 Click on Datacenter.
 Go to Network and click.
 Click on Distributed Port Group.
 Click on New DPG
 Enter Name of DPG and Select Newly created Distributed Switch below.
 Change Configure Settings and VLAN based on Client/Customer requirements.
 Click Next and Finish.

20.9 To Migrate Host and VM Networking Traffic

 Click on Datacenter.
 Go to Network and click.
 Click on Distributed Switch.
 Right Click on Newly Created Distributed Switch.
 Click on Add and Migrate Hosts.
 Select Task – Add Host and click Next.
 Click on Add Host.
 Select All hosts in Cluster and Click Ok.
 Click Next.
 Select Network Adapter and click Next.
 On Manage Physical N/W Adapters – Assign Uplink Automatic.
 Click Next.
 On Manage VMKernel N/W Adapter – Assign Port group to all with Newly created Port
Group.
 Click Next.
 Analyze Impact and Click Next.
 Summary will appear.
 Click Finish.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 54

21. REALTIME WORK

Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Process
 It is Governing Body.
 Guide line or Frame work designed by ITIL Governing Body.
 Independent Solo Entity (May present anywhere in the world).
 This process is used to resolve the Clients Queries.
 This Clients Queries are processed as Tickets.

4 Types of Tickets

 Request
 Incident
 Changes
 Problem

Note:

Service Level Agreement (SLA): This is the agreement between Company and Client. In this
agreement Time is mentioned to resolve Tickets.

Request
 This is Planned Activities like New VM Creating, Disk Adding, Disk Expansion, Taking
Snapshots, CPU and RAM increasing etc.
 Max time limit to resolve Tickets is 30 day.
 There is no SLA for Request Ticket.

Incidents
 This is Unplanned Events like VM not ping for Clients, ESXi failure, VM failure, Vcenter
Login Failure for clients etc.
 This Unplanned Events are monitored by Monitoring Team by using Monitoring Tool
(MT).
 Whenever VM is added to Host Monitoring Tool will install Monitoring Agent.
 This Monitoring Agent will give Alert if VM is not working and Alert will create Ticket
which has to be resolved by VM Admins.
 There is SLA for Request Ticket.

Note:

SLA Breach: If clients ticket is not Resolved with in time period as mentioned in SLA then it
tends to SLA Breach and Company has to Pay Money to Client as compensation.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 55

Priority

5 types of Priorities.

P1,P2,P3,P4 and P5.

This are separated by Service Desk Manager (SDM)

 Priority 1
o P1 has to be resolved As Soon As Possible (ASAP).
o SLA: Max. time ASAP to 4 Hours.
o Must be Acknowledged ASAP.
 Priority 2
o SLA: Max. time 8 Hours.
o Must Acknowledged within 30 Min.
 Priority 3
o SLA: 2 Days or more (Based on Companies Agreement with Client)
o Must Acknowledged within 30 Min
 Priority 4
o SLA: 5 Days or more (Based on Companies Agreement with Client)
o Must Acknowledged within 30 Min
 Priority 5
o SLA: 10 Days or more (Based on Companies Agreement with Client)
o Must Acknowledged within 30 Min

Changes
 Making Modifications to Current Setups.

4 Types of Changes.

 Low
 Medium
 Emergency
 Latent Change

 Low
o Don’t require Downtime.
o Adding Disk, Expanding Disk etc.
o Need approval from Manager/SDM.
o Low rick changes are based on Request and Incidents.

 Medium
o Involves Downtime.
o CPU/RAM changes, Firmware Update, P2V conversion, Tools and Version update
etc.
o Need approval from Client/Customer.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 56

Note:

 We can’t make changes in Medium Risk Changes once we get the Ticket.
 To make changes1st we have to discuss in CAB meeting regarding the changes. This CAB
meeting will be held on every week on Tuesday/Wednesday. On this meeting we have discuss
the list of changes we need to perform.
 Change Advisory Board (CAB): All Medium Changes which need to be changed are
discussed here in this meeting.

 Emergency
o Approved by Manager.
o Sudden requests from client side.
 Latent Changes
o The respected task is completed first then Change Tickets is Created.
o Approved by Manager.

Problem
 Repeated Tickets (Again and Again Same Problem raises)
 No SLA for Problem Tickets

Note:

Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Giving the detail analysis to client that what steps we have taken
to resolve the Situation.

Quality Analysis (QA) Team: They analyze that weather we are following the process or not.

How to Contact Vendors (VMware and HP Hardware)

VMware (Host or VM Problems)

Through Call

 Service Disk will 1st interact with us and ask Account Number or Contract ID for
verification to see Contract Agreement with them still exist or not.
 Next they will ask about the Problem.
 Then they will create Service Request Number.
 And redirect to Executive Engineer.
 If the problem is P1 then Executive Engineer will clear the problem.
 And brief explanation will give how they rectified the issue.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 57

Web Interface

 For P2, P3 Issues.

 Service Disk will 1st interact with us and ask Account Number or Contract ID for
verification to see Contract Agreement with them still exist or not.
 Next they will ask about the Problem.
 Then they will create Service Request Number.
 And redirect to Executive Engineer.
 If the problem is P2 or P3 then Executive Engineer will ask for Log Files.
 And they will mention how we should download Log Files.
 2 Methods to Download Log Files.
o Through Putty
 Open Putty.
 To save Log file to desktop.
 Click on Logging.
 Click on All Session Output.
 Click Browse to choose Destination where Log file has to be Saved.
 Then Click Ok.
 Enter Host Name or Host IP Address.
 Enter User ID and Password of Host.
 Type vm-support.
 Log files will appear.
 After all Log Files appear.
 Type exit in Putty Log file will be downloaded on your System.
 Log Files will be downloaded in any of the Datastore.
 Download the Log file.
 Go to Chrome and type Inbound VMware (To export the Log File).
 Enter User Id as inbound and Password as inbound.
 Click on Create Directory (Put Directory name as Request Number)
 Click on Upload.
 Click Ok.
 And intimate the Executive Engineer about that Log File has been uploaded.
o Download from Vcenter.
 Right Click on Host.
 Click on Export System Logs.
 Log file will be downloaded in Zip File.
 Go to Chrome and type Inbound VMware (To export the Log File).
 Enter User Id as inbound and Password as inbound.
 Click on Create Directory (Put Directory name as Request Number)
 Click on Upload.
 Click Ok.
 And intimate the Executive Engineer about that Log File has been uploaded.
 Then Executive Engineer will solve the issue.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 58

HP (Hardware Issues)
 Hardware issues like Host Failure, Battery Failure, Mother Board Failure etc.
 Everything will be monitored by Monitoring Team. If any issues appear MT will trigger
Alert and we have to contact with Onsite Engineer to rectify the Issue.
 If issue is still not corrected we will Contact with HP through Call or Web Interface.
 The Executive Engineer will ask for AHS Logs.
 Active Health System Logs will present in ILO.
 Download AHS logs.
 HP don’t have particular Website to upload the AHS Log.
 But in mail they will mention the Link, User ID and Password where we need to Upload the
AHS Log.

Tools in My Project/Company
 Which Hardware we have worked?
o HP RACK Server
o Models – DL380, 385
o Generation 7,8,9,10
 Type of servers
o Rack Server – Each Server has Individual ILO IP.
o Blade Server – It has One Chassis IP for all servers. ILO is down all servers get
down.
 What ESXi Version you have worked?
o 5.1, 5.5,6.0
 What Vcenter version you have worked?
o 6.5
 What VM version you have worked?
o Server OS : 2008R2, 2012R2, 2016
o Client OS : Windows 10,7,2003
 Monitoring Tool you have worked?
o SCOM (System Control Operational Manager)
 What Ticketing Tool you have worked?
o Service Now or Remedy
 What Communicators you have worked?
o Outlook, Skype for Business
 What Patching Tool you have worked?
o Shavolik Tool
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 59

Typical Issues
Major Host Issue

 Solution
o PSOD (Purple Screen Of Death) appears.
o 1st take Screen Shot of Screen.
o Open ILO.
o Open Remote Console.
o Click on Power Switch.
o Click on Momentary Press the host will Restart.

Host Not Responding/Disconnecting

o Solutions
o Restart Management Agents.
o Disconnect and Connect the Host again
o If Host Ping is not happening – Check System Configuration and make changes.
o Check Datastore connectivity is proper.

HA agents corrupted

 Solutions
o Right click on Host the Click on Reconfigure FDM agent.
o Disable and Enable HA in Cluster.
o Through Putty.

Need to Remove Consolidation of VM

 Solution
o Right Click on VM.
o Go to Snapshot.
o Click on Consolidate.

VM Issues
VM not Responding

 Check Ping
 Restart the VM

CPU and Memory Usage is High

 1st analyze why Usage is high

o To See the VM Usage
o Click on VM.
o Click on Monitoring.
o Click on Performance.
o See the Data.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 60

o Based on Data give suggestions to Client.

VM Not Pinging

 Solutions
o Disable and Enable Network.
o Migrate the VM to another Host.
o Check in OS level – ncpa.cpl and check IP.
o Check Firewall back

If Client not able to access through RDP

 Solutions
o Make RDP Access enable
o Check Domain Authority (Weather the Person has access or not)

VM Decommission/Removal Permanently
 Select VM.
 1st ask Backup Team to take the Final Backup of VM which need to be removed
permanently (Backup is taken because in case Client may again need that VM).
 Next AD Team will Uninstall the Licensed Applications from VM.
 Next Network Team will Remove VM from Network.
 Next OS Team will make necessary Changes and OS Team will Shutdown Guest OS.
 After Shutdown VM Team will Permanently Remove VM from Disk.

To retrieve to VM again if removed from Inventory

 Go to Datastore where VM resides.
 Right click on Datastore.
 Click Browse File.
 Click on VM Folder which has Deleted VM Files.
 Open the VM Folder.
 Check for VM Name.vmx File.
 Right click on VM Name.vmx.
 Click on Register VM.
 If required Change VM name.
 Select Datacenter.
 Select Cluster/Host.
 Click Finish.
 VM will be retrieved again.
 VMware Notes By Prasanth C.N.M. 61

VMware Orphaned/Inactive
 Sometimes VM is deleted from Inventory but not from Database and after sometime the ESXi
Host is rebooted or some activity happens at that time the VM will again attached to the ESXi
Host.
 At that time we again remove VM from Inventory and need to ask Client/Customer about the
VM that we have deleted the VM from Inventory but still files of that VM still exist in
Database. Do they need that VM or Not so that we can delete it from Database

ONLINE AND OFFLINE ACTIVITIES

Online Activity (VM not required to Power Offline Activity (VM required to Power Off)
Off)
 Adding, Expanding and Removing of  Increasing/Decreasing of CPU and
Disk. Memory/RAM.
 Memory Snapshot.  Firmware Update.
 Restart Management Agents.  Updating ESXi Version.
 Cloning of VM.  VM Tools
 Vmotion.  Updating VMware Hardware Version.
 SVmotion.  Converting to Template.
 Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS)  High Availability (HA)