vSphere 8.0 Administration (Skillset Enhancement Series) Episode#1

 Understanding and Installing ESXi Host (vSphere Version 8.0)

What is ESXi?

VMware ESXi is a type-1 hypervisor that enables you to run multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical server. As part of VMware's vSphere suite, ESXi is known for its efficiency and minimal footprint, making it a popular choice for enterprise virtualization.

Key Features of ESXi 8

• Improved Performance and Scalability: Enhanced support for modern hardware with increased resource limits.
• Security Enhancements: Improved security features, including secure boot and TPM 2.0 support.
• Simplified Management: Streamlined management interfaces and improved automation capabilities.
• Enhanced Networking: Advanced networking features to support modern data center needs.

Prerequisites for Installing ESXi 8

• Hardware Compatibility: Ensure your hardware is on the VMware Compatibility Guide (VCG).
• BIOS/UEFI Settings: Enable virtualization technology (VT-x/AMD-V) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP).
• Storage Requirements: At least 8 GB of storage for the ESXi installation.
• Network: A compatible network interface card (NIC) is required.

Steps to Install ESXi 8

1. Download the ESXi 8 ISO

•  Go to the [VMware Downloads page](https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/downloads) and log in with your VMware account.
• Navigate to the ESXi 8 download section and download the ISO image.

 2. Create a Bootable USB Drive

• Use software like Rufus (Windows) or UNetbootin (Linux/Mac) to create a bootable USB drive from the ISO image.

3. Boot from the USB Drive

• Insert the bootable USB drive into your server and power it on.
• Access the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, F10, DEL during startup) and set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
• Save changes and reboot.

4. Begin Installation

• Once the server boots from the USB drive, the ESXi installer will start.
• Follow the on-screen instructions:
• Press **Enter** to begin the installation.
• Read and accept the End User License Agreement (EULA).
• Select the disk to install ESXi (ensure this is the correct disk as it will be formatted).

 5. Configure ESXi

• After selecting the disk, the installer will scan for available network adapters.
• Set a root password when prompted.

 6. Complete the Installation

• Review the installation settings and press **F11** to start the installation.
• Once the installation is complete, remove the USB drive and reboot the server.

7. Initial Setup and Configuration

• After rebooting, you will see the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI).
• Press **F2** to customize the system and log in with the root password.
• Configure network settings (IP address, DNS, hostname) as required.

Post-Installation Steps

1. Accessing the ESXi Host via Web Client

• Open a web browser and navigate to `https://<ESXi_host_IP>/ui`.
• Log in with the root credentials.

2. Configuring Datastores

• In the web client, go to **Storage** and configure datastores as needed.

3. Setting Up Virtual Machines

• Navigate to the **Virtual Machines** section and follow the wizard to create new VMs.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

• Network Connectivity Issues**: Ensure that the NIC is compatible and correctly configured.
• Storage Problems**: Verify that the storage device is recognized and supported by ESXi.
• Performance Issues**: Check resource allocation and ensure that the server hardware meets the requirements for ESXi 8.

Additional Resources

• Do check Detailed lecture on this topic with hands-on demo on youtube.

 

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install and configure ESXi 8 on your server, allowing you to take full advantage of its virtualization capabilities.