Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Use the command line for ESXi host backup and restoration

  Backing up and properly restoring VMs are essential tasks for workload protection. Use a command-line interface, such as vSphere CLI or PowerCLI, to back up and restore the ESXi host.  Continue Reading

• How do you enable centralized vCenter logging?

  Centralize vCenter log files with vRealize Log Insight. Configuration with vSphere is simple and enables the centralization and transmission of event and task logs.  Continue Reading

• How do you reconfigure access to a VMkernel port?

  Use ESXi firewall configuration settings and VMkernel ports to control the levels of access that different services, such as Secure Shell, have to your management network.  Continue Reading

• How do you prevent host isolation during network maintenance?

  The host in a VMware high availability cluster uses a heartbeat network that can incorrectly report host isolation. Reconfigure your settings to prevent this during maintenance.  Continue Reading

• Why aren't I seeing DRS load-balancing recommendations?

  Conservative vSphere cluster settings tell DRS to only apply the recommendations that are required for host maintenance, so you might not get any load-balancing suggestions.  Continue Reading

• How should I prepare for a VMware exam?

  To prepare for a VMware certification exam, study the blueprint that VMware provides. You can also save some money on the test if you keep an eye out for discount codes.  Continue Reading

• How can I use and keep track of VMware flash storage devices?

  There are several uses for flash drives in VMware vSphere, but admins must keep an eye on drive lifespan. One way to do that is to compare actual usage with what vendors promise.  Continue Reading

• How are VMware thin provisioning and thick provisioning different?

  Thin provisioning helps ensure that organizations don't waste storage capacity, which is a potential pitfall of thick provisioning. But thin provisioning requires more monitoring.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits and drawbacks of raw device mapping?

  Admins can give VMs access to storage through RDM, but some devices don't support it. And choosing physical compatibility mode affects what administrative features are available.  Continue Reading

• How does storage acceleration work in a VMware environment?

  Storage acceleration helps improve array performance by offloading storage operations from the server to the ESXi host, and it uses fewer processor and memory resources.  Continue Reading

• Which tools does NSX use for virtual network management?

  NSX uses VMware services, such as vRealize Operations Manager and VMware Integrated OpenStack, and integrates with third-party platforms for security and virtual network management.  Continue Reading

• Which VMware NSX editions are suited for your organization's needs?

  There are four VMware NSX editions, each with its own feature set. Learn more about these features and whether they meet the needs of your infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Which VMware NSX features handle networking and security?

  The VMware NSX network virtualization platform provides a flexible software-defined networking overlay and granular security to round out the company's software-defined data center.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of the NSX network virtualization platform?

  VMware's NSX network virtualization platform applies software-layer abstraction to networking, adds network functionality and enforces granular security policies.  Continue Reading

• What is VMware Remote Console and how do you run it?

  A vSphere administrator can use VMware Remote Console to remotely access a VM's peripherals, configuration and desktop remotely through the vSphere Web Client.  Continue Reading