User`s guide

179
CHAPTER
9
VMware ESX Servers
This chapter describes configuring virtual I/O for VMware ESX in the following
sections:
■ “Introducing Virtual I/O for VMware ESX” on page 179
■ “VMware ESX Support in XgOS” on page 180
■ “ESX Utilities” on page 181
■ “ESX Configuration” on page 182
■ “Caveats” on page 188
■ “Automatic Rescans in ESX” on page 189
Introducing Virtual I/O for VMware ESX
From the Oracle Fabric Interconnect’s viewpoint, a VMware ESX server appears and
works similar to a standard server. Simply add a server profile and a vNIC or vHBA.
All the configuration for vSwitches and attaching virtual machines to network
resources occurs within the VMware Infrastructure Client (provided by VMware as
part of the ESX server package).
The following comes into play when configuring the system:
■ Local ID—The identity of a vNIC on the ESX server. A local ID also applies to
vHBAs but it’s not as significant. The mapping of network interfaces (vNIC to
vSwitch) has security implications whereas the direct-mapping order of vHBAs is
still present but of lesser concern.
■ Predefined vNICs—The local ID maps vNICs into 32 predefined vNIC names
(vnic 1 through vnic 32) on the ESX server. Unlike on standard Linux servers, you
cannot pick your own vNIC name. A Local ID allows you to specify which of
those 32 pre installed vNICs you are going to use. Issue ifconfig after you