Top VMware Interview Questions and Answers (2023) - InterviewBit
Top VMware Interview Questions and Answers (2023) - InterviewBit
About VMware
Incorporated in 1998, VMware is a cloud computing and virtualization technology company based in
Palo Alto, California. The company has offices around the world and has a global presence. The
company offers advanced cloud services through its partnerships with Cisco Systems and Amazon
Web Services. It is known worldwide for its vSphere VMware Hypervisor, which allows any
architecture, whether x86 or x64, to be virtualized. Performance, reliability, flexibility, and scalability
are at the heart of its engineering work.
Working with VMware allows you to collaborate with a global community that is working together to
address the vital technological challenges of today. The business is driven by the values of
innovation, positive leadership, and respect. VMware's incredible culture and its principles have
contributed greatly to the growth of the company, and a great management team and work-life
balance make it one of the best companies to work for.
Despite having a desire to get a job with VMware, many of you are unsure what to expect in your
interview. The purpose of this article is to let you know what an interview at VMware looks like. If
you're about to take a VMware interview, these tips and VMware Interview questions will help you
succeed.
A virtualization process creates a virtual version of a physical device, such as a server, storage
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device, network device, on a physical host. On a single machine/server known as an ESXi (ESX
integrated) host, several virtual machines, as well as multiple operating systems and applications,
can be operated. It has the following advantages:
Virtualization generally enables your organization to run many processes at once with fewer
physical infrastructures, leading to greater efficiency and cost savings. VMware manages different
types of virtualizations, each having different uses in the industry.
Types of virtualization-
Server Virtualization: It is a type of virtualization where many virtual machines (VMs) run on
one physical server. Since you do not have to buy new servers or expand your server room, you
save floor space and money. Server virtualization is offered by a few well-known providers, such
as vSphere, XenServer, Hyper-V, and RedHat.
Network Virtualization: It refers to the process of combining all the physical network
components into one virtual network. A virtual network can be composed of NICs, switches,
VLANs, network storage devices, virtual network containers, and network media. This type of
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virtualization has the primary function of eliminating physical network device dependencies.
One of its examples includes VMware NSX.
Storage Virtualization: Using storage virtualization, multiple network storage devices can be
combined into a single storage device/array by pooling their physical storage. It provides an
easy way to manage storage and ensure consistent performance. Its example includes vSAN.
VMware's VMkernel is a high-performance operating system that runs directly on the ESXi host.
VMkernel generally acts as an interface between VMs and the physical hardware of the system and
is referred to as microkernel by VMware since it runs on bare metal, directly on VMware ESX hosts.
In addition to providing hardware abstraction and operating system (OS) services, VMKernel
allocates memory and schedules CPUs. In addition, it handles services such as vMotion, Fault
Tolerance, NFS, and iSCSI. In order for VMs to communicate with ESXi, the VMKernel is vital.
VMkernel networking enables vSphere to interact with the outside world. It consists of four core
elements:
Virtual SAN
Fault Tolerance
Science storage
VMotion
Hypervisors, also known as VM monitors or VMMs, are software that creates and runs virtual
machines (VMs) as well as also manages and allocates resources to them. By sharing its resources
in virtual ways, such as memory and processing, a host computer can support multiple guest VMs.
The special feature of a hypervisor allows several virtual machines to run on a single physical
server. As a result, it reduces:
Space efficiency
Energy usage
Server maintenance requirements.
Types of Hypervisor-
ESXi (Elastic Sky X Integrated): ESXi (formerly ESX) is a virtualization platform developed by
VMware for deploying and managing virtual machines. With ESXi, you get a very secure OS
architecture that includes and integrates essential OS components like the Kernel. For efficiency,
reliability, and performance, it's the leading choice. ESXi partitions hardware to consolidate
applications and reduce costs by directly accessing and controlling underlying resources. It is a
hypervisor that makes use of bare-metal virtualization technology.
NFS (Network File System): ESXi hosts use this file-sharing protocol to share files with NAS
devices. Storage devices such as NAS connect to networks and enable ESXi hosts to access
files.
VMFS (Virtual Machine File System): In VMware vSphere, it is a block-level file system that
stores virtual machine files. In vSphere 6.0, it can also store large files up to 64TB in size.
Virtual Machine Disk (VMDK) is an open file format by VMware which is used to store the content of
virtual hard disks. In vSphere 5.5 and later versions, it can be up to 62 TB in size. Earlier, VMware
products used the extension .dsk to store content or data or virtual disk files.
VMware Mirage
VMware Pivotal Container
VMware Photon Platform
VMware Thinapp
VMware vCloud NFV
VMware vCloud NFV Openstack
VMware vRealize
VMware vRealize Operations, etc.
DRS (Distributed Resource Scheduler), as the name suggests, provides a way to schedule and
balance resources across a vSphere environment. Through the use of clusters and resource pools,
virtual environments are able to automatically balance available resources across hosts. DRS uses
VMware HA (High Availability) to move VMs from one host to another to ensure that resources are
evenly distributed among them.
Virtual Machine Port Group: They are used for Virtual Machine Network.
Service Console Port Group: They are used for Service Console Communications.
VMKernel Port Group: They are used for vMotion, iSCSI, NFS (Network File System)
Communications.
Generally, iSCSI SANs consist of an iSCSI storage system, which houses one or more storage
processors. Communication between the host and array occurs over TCP/IP protocol, and ESXi
hosts are configured with an iSCSI initiator. Such an initiator is either hardware- or software-based.
The hardware-based initiators can be dependent or independent; the software-based ones are called
iSCSI software initiators.
vSphere 6.0 introduces the concept of Virtual Volume, also known as VVol, for managing virtual
disks. Whenever a virtual disk is created in a virtual environment, VVol is automatically created. At
the virtual disk level, it enables array-based operations.
In VMware, the cluster is defined as a logical grouping of multiple ESXi hosts. It lets you add and
remove hosts from a cluster. HA and DRS are also provided on the cluster.
Cold Migration: This is the process of migrating a powered-off VM, including its configuration
and data, from a single host to another. One can migrate VMs manually or set up a scheduled
task to perform cold migration.
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Hot Migration: This is the process of migrating a powered-on VM from a single host to another.
It is also known as live migration because there is no need to shut down the VM.
In the absence of virtualization, it would be impossible to run multiple operating systems at once,
such as Windows and Linux. Virtual machines serve mainly the purpose of running multiple
operating systems concurrently on a single piece of hardware. Splitting a physical server into
multiple units reduces the need to invest in additional units. You can also use VMs to enable rapid
disaster recovery and automatic backups of your data.
19. What is the major advantage of VM running under a type 1 hypervisor than
type 2 hypervisor?
Type-1 Hypervisor: It acts as a lightweight OS and runs directly on the host system. A base
server OS is not required, and direct hardware access is available. Its example includes VMware
ESXi, Citrix XenServer, etc.
Type-2 Hypervisor: It cannot run directly on the underlying host system, but can run as an
application layer on a host system, similar to other computer programs. Its example includes
VMware player or parallel desktop, VMware Server, etc.
The Raw Device Mapping (RDM) files are contained in VMFS and act as proxies for raw physical
devices. This feature enables VMware's virtual machines (VMs) to access logical unit numbers
(LUNs) directly. This eliminates the need to use the virtual machine file system (VMFS) because the
LUN can be formatted using any file system like NTFS (New Technology File System). It is generally
beneficial for cluster configurations including VM-to-VM, physical-to-VM, or SAN (Storage Area
Network) snapshots. But it has some limitations, including the inability to map disk partitions and
possibly not working with direct-attached block devices.
The figure above shows that an RDM disk exists as an address mapping file on a VMFS volume. This
mapping file acts as a symbolic link between a VM's access to an RDM disk to LUNs.
VMware clone: It is an identical copy of a VM (called parent VM (Virtual Machine), since it is the
one from which you made a clone). MAC addresses and UUIDs for both cloned and parent VM,
however, will be different. Any changes to the cloned VM will not impact the original VM or
parent VM (and vice versa).
VMware template: It is a golden imageGet
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capable of
creating and provisioning virtual machines. It can later be used to make many clones.
Clone Template
An exact copy of an existing virtual A master copy of a VM with basic configurations, although it cannot work
machine that works independently. independently.
You can turn it on/off. You cannot turn on/off or edit a template.
It is not possible to convert a The template can be converted back to a Virtual Machine and updated
cloned VM back to a parent or with the latest configuration before being converted back to the template
original VM. for use in future VM deployments.
22. What do you mean by VMware HA and VMware FT? Difference between
them.
VMware HA (High availability): It generally works on Cluster Level. By pooling VMs and the
hosts they reside on into a cluster, VMware HA provides high availability for VMs. VMs running
on a failed host are forced to be restarted on alternate hosts.
VMware FT (Fault Tolerance): It generally works on VM Level. In this, a secondary VM is created
and maintained that is identical to the primary and can replace it when the ESXi host fails to
provide continuous availability of VMs. A complete copy of a VM is made, including storage,
computation, and memory. To configure FT, a 10GB NIC is recommended.
For VMware FT, fault tolerance logging traffic is considered as the second network requirement. For
continuous data syncing between primary and secondary VMs, Fault Tolerance applies FT logging.
Additionally, this is a VMkernel connection type used to move nondeterministic events from primary
to secondary VMs.
VMware vSphere: It's an enterprise-scale virtualization platform that lets you build a reliable
and resilient infrastructure to meet pretty much any business need while staying within your
budget. Vsphere adds important capabilities to data center infrastructure that prevent
unplanned downtime and can completely eliminate maintenance and storage downtime.
VMware vCenter: It is a centralized platform used to manage virtual infrastructure. From a
single console, you can control all your hosts and virtual machines, enhancing visibility and
preventing errors. Even if you are managing a large-scale environment, vCenter Server lets you
optimize routine operations and daily tasks. As a result of this functionality, you are able to get
a detailed understanding of how your environment is configured.
26. Will FT (Fault Tolerance) work if the vCenter server goes down?
Fault Tolerance on a VM can only be enabled through the vCenter Server. FT does not require
vCenter to be online once configured. Due to this fact, no FT failure between the primary and the
secondary will occur when vCenter is down.
VMware's VMotion technology enables you to migrate active virtual machines from one ESX-host to
another without disrupting service or functionality. During this process, there is zero downtime,
constant service availability, and overall transaction integrity. vMotion technology plays a key role in
creating a dynamic, automated, and self-optimizing data center and provides great flexibility for
virtual environments. Ensure that both hardware and software requirements are met by the cloud
provider. The compatibility requirements are reduced if powered-off VMs are migrated.
A promiscuous mode is network security, monitoring, and administration method that allows any
network adapter configured on a host system to access all network data packets. You can specify it
at the virtual switch or port group level in vSphere ESX/ESXi. Essentially, promiscuous mode is a
method of monitoring (sniffing) network traffic. You have two options: accept or reject. Additionally,
all communication will be visible to all virtual machines if the promiscuous mode is set to accept.
30. There are several features such as DRS (Distributed Resource Scheduler),
SMP (Symmetric Multi-Processing), VMotion, etc., but why do we need ‘HA’?
VMware HA is critical for us since we need uninterrupted service. Let's suppose that one of the ESX
servers in the cluster crashes suddenly for some reason. What would happen to the virtual
machines running on that server? Do they continue running or are they falling? Likewise, they go
down too. Thankfully, VMware HA allows you to restart these VM's on any other ESX server in the
same cluster as soon as they fail.
VMware snapshots allow you to quickly and easily save the state of a VM before making changes. A
snapshot is taken when upgrading or installing software. In VMware snapshots, the current state of
the virtual machine is preserved, so after testing, the machine can be quickly reverted to the desired
state. After a specific task is completed, a snapshot should be removed to improve performance.
To connect virtual machines, VMware vSphere offers two types of virtual switches. vSphere
administrators can control the traffic between VMware virtual machines using either type of virtual
switch.
vSphere Standard Switch (VSS): VSS is the default virtual switch when ESXi is installed. The
switch allows VMs installed on one physical host to communicate with one another. The switch
controls how a VM communicates with another VM on the same physical server, just as a
physical switch would.
With VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure), users can host a desktop operating system (OS) on a
server and access VM-based desktops remotely from different devices and locations. VDI is a type
of IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), whichGet
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VDI is used,
the end-user can access his or her desktops via a device called a thin client.
34. What do you mean by vCloud Suite?
VMware Workstation is software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on the same
host computer. Virtual machines are capable of running one instance of any operating system such
as Microsoft, Linux, etc.
Allows the user to run more than one operating system on the same computer.
It saves the current OS configuration as virtual machines.
You can work across different OSs without switching.
1. The Generic Tip: Using online IDEs and platforms such as HackerEarth, Hacker Rank, LeetCode,
Code Chef, and so on, is always a good idea for practicing coding questions. Since it is critical
to code your solution accurately and in a timely manner, use the programming language you're
most comfortable with.
2. Speak what you believe: At the moment, the point is how to give them what they are looking for.
The interviewer will have no prior knowledge of your abilities, yet they will attempt to assess
your years of education in 30–40 minutes. Even if you write the correct solution to the problem
without saying anything, the interviewer is unlikely to deduce anything about your mental state.
The only way out is to say exactly what you're thinking because your voice is the only method
for them to understand what and how you are thinking. So, you must express yourself at every
stage of your thought process. Even if you believe your method may be incorrect, just say so.
Don’t ever hesitate.
3. Prepare Well: The technical round may include a number of questions. Prepare all in advance.
Make sure you have knowledge of DSA. Basic questions related to coding, OS, process
synchronization, recursion and iterative techniques, sorts, searches, and traversals should also
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be considered as well. Become well-versed at Top Product
in fundamental Companies
subjects with Scaler
such as operating systems,
databases, and computer networks. Reading prior interview experiences and questions will also
improve your insight into the interview process.
4. Ask for Hints: Don't pester the interviewer with demands for hints. In fact, try if you can find and
fix the issues yourself. And if you feel absolutely stuck, instead of continuing to flounder, simply
ask for help. It demonstrates that you acknowledge your insufficiency of knowledge, but do not
immediately give up trying to learn. Make use of the hints you've been given. In most cases, the
interviewer is familiar enough with the question to recognize which tips would help you next if
you get stuck.
5. Confidence is crucial: No matter how frightened you are, face the interviewer with confidence.
The confidence you exude isn't for you; it's for the interviewer to feel comfortable enough to hire
you. You must persuade her/him that you are a valuable asset to the firm.
6. Prepare generic questions for HR or Managerial round: Find out online what general HR
questions you might be asked during your interview. Never know when someone will ask you,
"Why did you choose VMware?" or "Why not another company?". It's, therefore, a good idea to
learn a bit about the company before your interview.
7. Ask questions: Be sure to keep the flow two-way. If you have doubts, you should voice them to
the interviewer. Your willingness to join will be apparent to the interviewer if you do this.
FAQ
Online Assessment
Technical Rounds (2-3)
Managerial Interview
HR Interview
As a software company, VMware is committed to the notion of equal employment opportunities for
all employees, as well as to providing a non-discriminatory and harassment-free workplace. At
VMware, employees are hired based on business needs, job specifications, and individual
qualifications. All applicants are encouraged to apply, whether they are freshers or experienced.
Therefore, if you want to get hired, you must prepare thoroughly. Start by researching about the
company, their interview process, tips on how to prepare for the interview, and then prepare
accordingly. If you would like to apply, you can visit the career portal and apply directly or you can
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39. How long does the offer process take at VMware?
It will take approximately 2-4 weeks to receive an offer letter following the final interview.
As a VMware employee, we will be a part of a global community of innovators and leaders that solve
technical challenges together. Here, employees are surrounded by an environment filled with
possibilities and are always encouraged to bring new ideas to life. Every day, employees are
challenged to innovate in everything VMware does.
The amount of time and effort you put into preparing for an interview can greatly affect how tough it
is going to be. VMware interviews usually consist of easy to medium level questions, however, this
depends on the individual. Since the number of rounds varies from 4-5, some candidates may find it
intimidating. I assure you it is worth the effort if you join.
Virtual machines, hardware, and servers are familiar terms to most VMware admins. They use a
specific VMware environment such as vSphere to create and install computer infrastructure,
including hardware, servers, and virtual machines. Maintenance and troubleshooting are a major
part of their job.
Useful Resource
VMware vs VirtualBox
4.0
5.5
5.1
Fixed Type
Firmware Type
Failure Tolerance
Fault Tolerance
Desktop
CPU
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Storage
VMware ESXi
VMware Server
Citrix XenServer
6.Which of the following type of virtualization enables you to run or deploy multiple virtual desktop
OS on a physical server?
Network Virtualization
Storage Vritualization
Application Virtualization
Desktop Virtualization
It can be cloned.
Hardware Independence
Management.
A and B
10.What tool does one use to convert a physical machine to a virtual one?
VMware ESXi
VMware Fusion
11.Which software allows you to run multiple operating systems on one physical server?
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Processor
Hypervisor
Virtual Machine
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