VMware ICM Pod - Quick Reference Page

This quick reference page provides a summary of the specifications of this topology. For a complete reference including installation details, refer to the NDG Lab Resource Center for the VMware IT Academy Program.

Please be aware of the robust server requirements that are necessary in order to run nested virtual machines. Review the virtual machine server recommendations.

Topology	Supports...	Documentation
VMware ICM Pod	vSphere Install, Configure, Manage v4.1 vSphere Install, Configure, Manage v5.0	Additional information available via the NDG Lab Resource Center

Lab Topology

In the NETLAB+ pod design for the VMware IT Academy vSphere Install, Configure, Manage Course (ICM) course (v4.1 and v5.0), all lab components are 100% virtualized (i.e. ESXi-in-ESXi) to achieve a high pod to physical host ratio, at a significantly lower cost point relative to traditional delivery of ICM. Using virtualization and the sharing and scheduling capabilities of NETLAB+, each student (or team of students) has access to their own set of virtual equipment, which they may maintain exclusive use of throughout the course.

The use of NETLAB+'s pod design of virtualized lab components results in a significant cost reduction.

NETLAB+'s use of virtualized lab components results in a significant cost reduction by allowing several pods to run simultaneously on one physical server (final ratio to be determined). This cost reduction can open up the possibility of participating in the VMware IT Academy Program for many organizations who would be unable to afford it otherwise.

Virtual Machines

A description of the virtual machines in the VMware ICM Pod is provided in the table below.

Virtual Machine	Role
esxi-1	Virtualized ESXi server.
esxi-2	Virtualized ESXi server.
san	Virtualized Storage Area Network server.
vclient	A virtual Microsoft Windows XP workstation that runs the VMware vSphere client.
vcenter-1	A virtual Microsoft Windows Server that runs an instance of VMware vCenter server.

For More Information

Please refer to the NDG Lab Resource Center for the VMware IT Academy Program.