VMware vSphere Client and ESXi installation

TheFORCE

Simple questions for those more familiar with VMware setups regarding installation, and usage. So i just downloaded a 60 day trial version of vSphere client and ESXi 6.0U2 from the VMware site. Here is the steps i performed.

0. I have a Windows Server 2012 VM and a Linux distro rrunning on VMware Workstation 10. This are existing standalone VM's that I use here and there to play around.
1. Installed ESXi iso file on VMware Workstatation.
2. Installed vSphere client
3. Logged in to vSphere client using the ESXi IP and credentials

4. Now, How do I manage the 2 existing VM's from vSphere? How do i create new ones? When clicking on the Visrtual Machines tab i see nothing.

I guess what i'm asking is for step by step instructions on how this whole VMware infrastructure works. I might be getting confused with all the different components or maybe I am missing something here. Searching on google i am getting even more confused since i dont know what exactly i am looking for. Any feedback on what i need to do or maybe a guide lab on how to continue further?

kj0

If I'm reading this correctly, it sounds like you are expecting to see 2 VMWare Workstation VMs in ESXi (vSphere Client)? If so, you can't. Workstation is a desktop application (Type 2 hypervisor) where as ESXi (vSphere) is server based (Type 1 Hypervisor).

If you install ESXi on Workstation, then the VMs you set up using the vSphere client will be running inside that ESXi install. The two VMs you currently have running on the Workstation layer in a logical design would fall under a Physical install.

The idea of using ESXi under Workstation and then running VMs under that is what is called "Nested" lab. There's heaps of information out there about running a nested environment.


Please correct me if i'm wrong on your setup

TheFORCE

Yes that is what i am trying to do at this point. Is this a desirable setup or would it be best to not run ESXi within Workstation?

BuzzSaw

TheFORCE wrote: »

Yes that is what i am trying to do at this point. Is this a desirable setup or would it be best to not run ESXi within Workstation?

Can I ask why you are trying to do that? Is it just so you can get familiar with the install?

Personally, I think this wont work the same way you think you will, and if you are using this method for test studying it may even be a determent. There are a few differences in this route vs installing it on "real world" hardware.

Overall it will work, and you could install VMs this way, but they would only be withing the ESXi VM.

Here is a KB straight from VMware for your reference:

https://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2034803

BuzzSaw

TheFORCE wrote: »

4. Now, How do I manage the 2 existing VM's from vSphere? How do i create new ones? When clicking on the Visrtual Machines tab i see nothing.

So, this is a tricky question but as best as I can tell, you only have 2 options.

1. import those VM's into vSphere so that they would now live in your new ESXi sandbox
2. add your vsphere installation into workstation, and export the VM's that way

Either way, you need to get your VM's into the new ESXi sandbox. You could have a single pane of administration, but you will in fact administering two different sandboxes unless you get your VM's onto your ESXi VM

Here is a link about workstation and vsphere compatibility

Connect vCenter Server to VMware Workstation 8 - TechRepublic

kj0

BuzzSaw wrote: »

Can I ask why you are trying to do that? Is it just so you can get familiar with the install?

Personally, I think this wont work the same way you think you will, and if you are using this method for test studying it may even be a determent. There are a few differences in this route vs installing it on "real world" hardware.

Overall it will work, and you could install VMs this way, but they would only be withing the ESXi VM.

Here is a KB straight from VMware for your reference:

https://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2034803

Nothing wrong with a Workstation nested set up.

Here's a guide of setting up ESXi under Workstation
https://boerlowie.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/building-the-ultimate-vsphere-lab-part-1-the-story/