Trying to build a test ESXi environment within my current network.
I have set up an ESXi test server within my live environment so that I can access the management Nic to get the the vmware console. My situation is that I want to build a completely seperate test environment that is disconnected from the live network and still accessible. I only have one DHCP server which is why I have put the ESXi host in the same network so that I can access it.
I am going to build a DHCP server, a DNS server, WDS server, Exchange server and several win client VMs within that test server and I do not want it conflicting with my live environment. I will create a seperate Subnet for it but is there anything I can do so that the environment is contained within that server?
I am going to build a DHCP server, a DNS server, WDS server, Exchange server and several win client VMs within that test server and I do not want it conflicting with my live environment. I will create a seperate Subnet for it but is there anything I can do so that the environment is contained within that server?
ASKER
How do I create a seperate network? I want to be able to access the console from my system or another system atleast. When I disconnect the lan cable from my network, the ESXi box gets a 169 ip address which is local to itself and not accesible by any of our clients.
You can use VLANs. Create a new VLAN for your test environment and set your Workstation to access both VLANs (Production and Test).
ASKER
I am a bit of a newbie when it comes to this. Do you mean set VLAN tagging on the ESXI host or on the switch. I cannot configure our switches as they are managed by an external company so thats where our limitations are. I do not mind having the ESXI host independent of anything whatsover as long as I am able to access it from a laptop at the very least.
Easy way: cheap switch and all connected to this. Never connect this to your local LAN (this is very important).
Fancy way: configuring vlans on your switches (if can do).
Fancy way: configuring vlans on your switches (if can do).
The VLANs are set starting from the switch. If you don't control your switch and your laptop is near the host(s), you could use a simple/cheap hub/switch in order to create a completely separate net.
Furthermore... if your environment includes 1 host and 1 laptop: simply connect them directly.
Furthermore... if your environment includes 1 host and 1 laptop: simply connect them directly.
ASKER
ok i used that method. I have a separate switch and now have a LAN inside my VMWARE environment. I am having problems with my VMs connecting to the domain. It won't recognise the domain even though I can ping the IP addresses.
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ASKER
This worked. Thanks!
Get fully realistic test environment.
Test patches before install
Emergency environment can be put on LAN to recovery procedures.
You can do using vmware converter, but remember create separate networks.