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Introduction to vSphere Hypervisor

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VMware vSphere Hypervisor Overview

Discover an easy-to-use, production-ready hypervisor that can help you start saving on IT costs today.

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vSphere takes virtualization to the next level. Discover better insights and improved performance and availability.

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What vSphere Hypervisor Does

Built-in VM Management

Create and provision your virtual machines in minutes.

Advanced Memory Resourcing

Overcommit memory resources and perform page sharing and compression to optimize performance.

Efficient Storage Allocation

Allocate your storage resources beyond the actual capacity of the physical storage.

Driver Hardening

Ensure optimal performance and high reliability through partnerships with independent hardware vendors.

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vSphere Hypervisor - Installation & Configuration

Install and Configure a vSphere Host

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vSphere Blog

Read the official VMware vSphere blog for technical tips, best practices, answers to frequently asked questions, and links to helpful resources.

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Training & Certification

Take advantage of industry-leading training and certification to help you meet your objectives.

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Get More with vSphere Kits

All-in-one-solution bundles include VMware vSphere and VMware vCenter Server licenses.

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Tech Specs

CPU

  • Technical minimum: single socket with two cores.
  • Recommended minimum: dual socket with four or more cores per CPU

Memory

  • Technical minimum: 4 GB
  • Recommended minimum: 8 GB or more

Network

  • Technical minimum: single 1 GbE network adapter
  • Recommended minimum: dual 1 GbE network adapters

Local Storage (SATA/SAS)

  • Technical minimum: Single 4 GB drive
  • Recommended minimum: redundant drives  

Shared Storage

  • NFS, iSCSI or Fibre Channel for virtual machine storage  

Specifications

  • Number of cores per physical CPU: No limit
  • Number of physical CPUs per host: No limit
  • Number of logical CPUs per host: 480
  • Maximum vCPUs per virtual machine: 8 
  • Operating system support: Industry leader of supported operating systems. See a complete list of supported versions. Note: Refer to the release notes and configuration maximums guide for latest specifications.

Installation

Easily install vSphere Hypervisor on your own or with some guided help. If you’re looking for a do-it-yourself approach, just download the installer, accept the end-user license agreement, and select which local drive you want to install it on.

Configuration

Once you’ve installed or imported your virtual machines, you’ll need to configure them. Refer to the installation and configuration video within resources to get started.

 

  • Need support? You can now purchase Per Incident Support for VMware vSphere Hypervisor.

Creating Virtual Machines

Once you’ve installed vSphere Hypervisor, there are three ways to create virtual machines:

 

  • Use VMware vCenter Converter to transfer existing servers into virtual machines or import existing VMware and third-party virtual machine images.
  • Create virtual machines from scratch by specifying the number of CPUs, the amount of memory, and the disks and network interfaces you need. Then load the operating system from ISO images or a boot disk.
  • Import a virtual appliance. There are hundreds to choose from on the VMware Solution Exchange.

Upgrading to VMware vSphere

Moving up to a paid vSphere lets you further optimize your IT infrastructure. You'll be able to:

 

  • Pool computing and storage resources across multiple physical hosts.
  • Have centralized management of multiple hosts through VMware vCenter Server.
  • Deliver improved service levels and operational efficiency.
  • Perform live migration of virtual machines.
  • Take advantage of automatic load balancing, business continuity, and advanced backup and restore capabilities for your virtual machines.

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