Importing VMs from a remote Network.

I would simply just perform a backup to a removable device and migrate. Else you can have a stretched HA Cluster and perform Cold Migrations.

http://www.yellow-bricks.com/2011/10/05/vsphere-5-0-ha-and-metro-stretched-cluster-solutions/

Can you install VMware vCenter Converter Standalone 5.1 on the Virtual Machines, e.g. via RDP and Convert?

see my EE Articles

HOW TO:  Synchronize changes when completing a P2V or V2V with VMware vCenter Converter Standalone 5.1

HOW TO:  P2V, V2V for FREE - VMware vCenter Converter Standalone 5.1


HOW TO: Improve the transfer rate of a Physical to Virtual (P2V), Virtual to Virtual Conversion (V2V) using VMware vCenter Converter Standalone 5.0

Do you have access via vCenter Server, or vSphere Client, you could try and Export VM?

How fast is the VPN?

You may need to tonvert local,  and get someone to copy to USB/flash drive, for Import.

The Connection is fast.
I just want to know what method is used to move the VMs from the separate Vcenter to our Vcenter.

both Vcenters are in separate domains no Trust.

I would use Veeam free edition or VConverter to copy/export the vm's via the connection. Map a drive location on the destination domain and perform an export. Then you can copy to the new destination data stores (quicker to go via ESXi host than via VCenter). Then you can add the vm's to inventory in new domains VCenter.

http://www.veeam.com/virtual-machine-backup-solution-free.html

Use VMware vCenter Converter Standalone 5.1  as I've posted.

I looked up the Vcenter Converter.

if I am in Chicago opening up our Vmware Vsphere client and at the same time I am connected to Miami through VPN and opening up Vmware Vsphere client. Now the VMware Vcenter Converter should be installed in Chicago or Miami,though it will make sense to install the Converter in Miami.
I am looking at this site, since it has screenshots, but I am not sure which step applies to my scenario.

http://www.trainsignal.com/blog/vmware-v2v-migration

My article provices step by step instructions with screenshots.

Converter needs to be installed on the VM to be converted.

So that would be Site A, and then Converter, conerts to Site B. (direct to your vCenter Server).

So where is the VM, and where I you in relation to this....

so each VM  in the remote site should have a converter installed in it?

I am going through  this now:
https://www.experts-exchange.com/Software/VMWare/A_11489-HOW-TO-Synchronize-changes-when-completing-a-P2V-or-V2V-with-VMware-vCenter-Converter-Standalone-5-1.html

hanccocka:

I am still not sure if the machine to be imported needs a converter installed on the machine itself ??

for instance if I want to import VM(windows2008) from  Miami to  Chicago,  all I need is VCenter Converter in Miami , no converter software to be installed on the VM itself, that is  to be imported  ?

It's recommended for ALL conversions that you install Converter on the VM to be converted.

This is VMware Best Practice.

So therefore install the software on the VM in Miami. Run the software, and then use the IP Address of the vCenter Server in Chicago.

You can do network conversions, by installing software in Chicago, but conversions all have issues!

So either apply Best Practice, or not.

I know the thread is getting long.....

how do you install converter on each VM, if you have more hundreds of VMs?
and what's the name of the converter that installs on the VM? is it something like VMware Converter Client?  
in addition to the converter on the client, we'll have to install Vmware Vcenter converter?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VepgExB_39E

I was watching the video on the link, the vmware vcenter converter is install on the VM itself.
Though the mentor was saying (per the wizard)you can convert the local machine or the remote(which is complicated)...

I am still wondering, what is not complicated when having hundreds of VMs, to move from one site to another?

Another option is to create shared storage between the clusters, then vmotion the vms to that storage.  Remove them from the inventory of the source cluster and add them to the inventory of the destination cluster.  Once this is done you can vmotion the vms to the destination storage.

Thank you Guys