How do I setup a virtual network environment using VMware ESXi 5?

1. You need to create a Domain Controller as you would a physical and connect to the VM Network on the vSwitch.

The external hard drives are not really suitable for use with ESXi 5.0 server.

I assume these our USB, you could use thse in USB Passthru' mode, but normally you create a datastore on internal disks on a supported storage controller.

Is your ESXi 5.0 server on the Hardware Compatibility List?

Yes it is on HCL.  I do not have a VM network in place nor a vSwitch not that advanced yet.  I should point out that this is just a lab setup for now but I will be implementing live in 80 days.  I am trying to get everything together at my smaller site.

If I understand you correctly I cannot put the 4 Externel USB devices on the ESXi server am I correct?  Would I have to use an additionall server to host the storage?
As far as the DC you mentioned this would be an addition to the current domain in place now?  The current domain is SBS 2007.  Thanks Hanccocka.

Correct, why has the server got no internal storage?

what is the server, fast SAS RAID disks are important for storage of the VMs.

The server that was purchased to host ESXi 5 is a Dell PE R510 Xeon Processor Multi Core (8 total) If I recall correctly that server has 2TB disk storage SCSI.

the storage that you use for ESXi should be internal storage, and if you are interested in performance should use SAS rather than SATA disks, and a good storage controller.

I would recommend this storage be used for VM storage, and you install ESXi on USB or flash drives, which is supported.

DO you think you can helpl me with a diagram of the network I am trying to replicate... I have 80 days before I have to do this live right now I just want to get it setup in a lab environment so I can get the practice I need to implememt when time comes.  So keep in mind the hardware will be different.  For my lab I have in place the (1) DC, (1) ESXi server, (2) USB 2TB drives, and (1) additional server if needed to host the USB drives.

If I can get the diagram together I can get this installed correctly. If I need any addional pecies please let me know and at what phase I will need to configure it (i.e vmnetwork and vswitch) that you mentioned earlier. How do I set that up? Do I do this part first? I am thrown into the fire thanks for your help in advance.  CT

first thing you need to do is install ESXi server, and establish what parts you have for this.

I have that already (ESXi 5)

So you already have ESXi 5.0 installed?

I am now unclear as to what your require help with?

The esxi server has 2TB SATA (Internal), what's the next step?  Thanks!

What do you want to do?

Install Virtual Machines?

"I need help designing and confiuring the network and storage. "

what network ? - a default vSwitch0 and VM Network is created for you automaitcally as part of the ESXi installation.

what storage ? - storage is in the Dell server, it's local storage.

I am trying to put it all togeter and I am not sure if I am doing this right... I am sure I am missing something that is why I am trying to get it mapped out for my lab and at that point I would understand how this is working.  

Put what together?

Do you need to install additional machines?

If you have installed the ESXi 5.0 can you connect to it and manage it?

Here is the vSphere 5.0 documents

http://www.vmware.com/support/pubs/vsphere-esxi-vcenter-server-pubs.html

Thanks for the link. I'm not understanding the vm infrastructure that's all.  This is why I needed the diagram of what I am trying to do.  I am more visual when it comes to this stuff.  But you have been very helpful to me and I have a clearer understanding as to what to do. Thanks

do you have an email I can send you a copy of the diagram... I'm about to attempt to do it myself. I want to go aheadd and give you these points which you earned and after I do it I don't know if I can get you back.

Post the diagram in the post, as an attachmate.

Commiunications outside of the EE forum, are forbidden, and against EE rules.

Post a related question later.

To host VM's, I need to create additional servers to host my PACS environment, SBS 2007, SQL server and I will virtualize an old 2000 Issueview server that I use for tracking development issues.

ok... I will.  Thanks again.

Thanks for your help. As always EE helped me out when I needed them.