Using the Host Client to configure an ESXi host

Objectives:

At the end of this episode, I will be able to:

Understand what the VMware Host Client is and why it is important.

Explain the basic concepts of the VMware Host Client.

Identify the reasons why an organization needs to use the VMware Host Client.

Define the steps necessary to add a standalone ESXi host to an existing Windows Domain.

External Resources:

vSphere clients (2):

VMware Host Client - first seen in vSphere 6.0 U2, provides direct management of individual ESXi
hosts. In vSphere 6.5, it replaced the Windows-based VMware vSphere Client. Used only when
management through VMware vCenter Server is not possible.

You access the VMware Host Client at: https://host-name/ui or https://host-IP-address/ui

vSphere Client - current version is an HTML5-based client that can be used alongside the vSphere
Web Client.

You access the vSphere Client at: https://your_vCSA/ui the URL internally redirects to port 9443 on
your vCenter Server system

Starting with vSphere 6.7 Update 1, you can have the following options in the vSphere Client.

You can use the quick action icons to perform common virtual machine tasks. The icons are displayed
next to the virtual machine name on the top of each virtual machine management tab. You have the
following quick action options:
• Power On
• Shut Down Guest OS
• Launch Console
• Edit Settings
• Take Snapshot

You can install and use the VMware AppDefense plug-in to protect your applications and ensure
endpoint security. The AppDefense plug-in becomes available with the VMware vSphere Platinum
license. If you have the vSphere Platinum license, the AppDefense panel appears on the Summary
tab for any virtual machine in your inventory. From that panel, you can install, upgrade, or view
details about the AppDefense plug-in.