How to Build a

In previous videos, I provided partial walkthroughs of my nested #VMware #Homelab environment running #vSphere and #NSX. For this new video series, I will be doing a complete, #step-by-step rebuild of my homelab.
In this first video, I explain the concept of #nested #virtualization, provide a overview of the #Supermicro #Superserver I use in my homelab, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to create a #bootable #usbdrive to install #ESXi.
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jeffreykusters.nl
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⏱ TIMESTAMPS:
0:03 Opening
1:04 Introduction to nested virtualization
5:31 Server hardware overview
6:33 Creating a bootable USB drive with ESXi 7.0
9:29 Closing words
💻 Relevant links mentioned in the video:
- kb.vmware.com/...
- www.supermicro...
- customerconnec...
- vexpert.vmware...
- rufus.ie/en/

[@JeffreyKusters]

Hi everyone. In some of my previous videos on my home lab build, there were some inconsistencies, areas I did not cover fully, or they had such lousy audio quality your ears probably started bleeding. With this new video series (made with proper gear), I will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step tutorial on building and configuring a nested VMware vSphere 7 and VMware NSX 4 homelab. I will upload a new video in this series every week if my work and personal schedule allow it. The last part of the video contains the first 'lecture' where I explain and demonstrate how to create a USB installation drive for VMware ESXi on macOS without using 3rd party tooling. I will probably also upload that portion of the video as a separate video so everyone can easily reference it. Have fun!

[@colinwyatt80]

Hi Jeffrey, great videos here, nice work. I have a question about how the licence would work in a nested setup. For the benefit of home labber's, it might be useful to gain this understanding so anyone wanting to try this nested approach with either a 'free' ESXi vSphere setup. I am working through your videos as I want to learn more about the NSX and the whole nested setup, so I find this hugely interesting. Keep up the good work, its much appreciated. Oh and no, I wouldnt personally use nested in anything other than a Lab / home lab setup for learning. Cheers.

[@henryng5047]

Great Video! I read your old blog post about the nested EXSI homelab, it's a awesome setup for learning, there is a video version of the configuration! I am new to VMware, I found it's hard to find an integrated tutorial/information for a full function and secure homelab. Look forwards to see the full section of videos!

[@JeffreyKusters]

Thanks! In the next video we’ll be adding a vyos appliance for routing. Stay tuned!

[@voiceoftreason1760]

how to download the ISO if you are not a partner? Can you get a trial license? I can't find any options for that on the broadcom website

[@brandonbarr2784]

What is the benefit in running 3 nested ESXi rather thank the one physical ESXi. Curious because that’s my current setup just the one ESXi.

[@AndreMiguelLopes69]

This is for homelab VMware studying purposes, not for prodution, performance is much lower, of course. It enables you to make a cluster with one server.

[@henryng5047]

Is NUC pro machine good enough to run this nested homelab? Mine small machine is NUC11TNi5 64GB memory 1TB SSD Dual 2.5Gb Ethernet. I think this is a proper entry machine for EXSI.

[@JeffreyKusters]

I would say this setup is OK for just vSphere. You might run in some memory challenges if you want to add NSX.