The ESX Server virtualization layer, also known as the VMkernel, runs on the native hardware. It manages all the operating systems on the machine, including both the service console and the guest operating systems running on each virtual machine.

The VMkernel supports device driver modules. Using these modules, the VMkernel can provide access to all devices on the server.

This chapter includes the following sections:

• Configuring Your Server to Use VMkernel Device Modules
• Controlling VMkernel Module Loading During Bootup