Upgrade Your Home Lab with Intel NUC11 and VMware ESX 7

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Upgrade Your Home Lab with Intel NUC11 and VMware ESX 7

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Upgrading the Home Lab
  3. Choosing the Intel NUC11s
  4. Components for the Build
  5. Creating a Bootable USB Drive
  6. Installing ESX on the Intel NUC
  7. Configuring the Networking
  8. Connecting to iSCSI LUNs
  9. Adding the ESX Host to vSphere
  10. Performing a vMotion

Introduction

In this article, we will walk through the process of upgrading a home lab, focusing on the recent upgrades made by the author. The article will cover the reasons for the upgrades, the selection of the Intel NUC11s as the new hardware, and the components needed for the build. We will also discuss the installation of ESX on the Intel NUC, configuring the networking, connecting to iSCSI LUNs, adding the ESX host to vSphere, and performing a vMotion.

Upgrading the Home Lab

The author starts by explaining the motivation behind upgrading the home lab. They mention that their previous setup consisted of a Synology NAS and an eight-year-old PC running VMware ESX. However, with the increasing intensity of the tasks performed in the lab, they decided to invest in a more powerful and modern solution.

Choosing the Intel NUC11s

After conducting research and considering various options, the author settled on the Intel NUC11s as the ideal choice for their upgraded home lab. The article delves into the reasons behind this decision, including factors like power efficiency, continuous operation capability, and modern specifications.

Components for the Build

To complete the build, the author lists the components they acquired for the Intel NUC11s. This includes two Intel NUC11 mini PC kits with i7 processors, two one terabyte Samsung 970 Evo Plus NVMe drives, and two 64GB memory kits from Crucial. They also mention the need for additional Ethernet adapters, explaining their rationale for this choice.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

The article guides readers through the process of creating a bootable USB drive to install the ESX operating system on the Intel NUCs. This involves downloading a community driver to add support for the 2.5Gb Ethernet adapters and integrating it into the bootable ISO. The author provides step-by-step instructions using PowerShell commands and shows how to verify the successful creation of the bootable USB drive.

Installing ESX on the Intel NUC

With the bootable USB drive ready, the author proceeds to install ESX on the Intel NUC. They share their experience with the installation process, including configuring the BIOS, selecting the installation drive, setting up the root password, and completing the installation. Screenshots and detailed explanations are provided to ensure a smooth installation experience for the reader.

Configuring the Networking

After the installation, the author focuses on configuring the networking for the Intel NUCs. They discuss the inclusion of additional Ethernet adapters to expand the connectivity options and optimize network performance. Step-by-step instructions are provided, covering tasks such as configuring the management network, setting VLANs, assigning IP addresses, and enabling SSH access.

Connecting to iSCSI LUNs

To connect the Intel NUCs to the existing iSCSI LUNs hosted on the Synology NAS, the author explains the necessary steps. This involves enabling the iSCSI service on the ESX servers, configuring static targets, setting up CHAP authentication, and establishing the connection. Screenshots and clear instructions guide the reader throughout the process.

Adding the ESX Host to vSphere

The article explores how to add the newly built ESX hosts to vSphere for centralized management. The author demonstrates the process of adding a new ESX host to an existing cluster, guiding the reader through steps such as providing the hostname and IP address, entering the authentication credentials, assigning licenses, and confirming the settings. This enables the reader to leverage the benefits of centralized management and updates.

Performing a vMotion

As a final demonstration of the new home lab setup, the author showcases the capability of performing a vMotion over the 2.5Gb ports. They explain how to monitor network usage during the vMotion process using the esxtop command, providing insights into the throughput achieved. The author also shares their experience with the migration of a test virtual machine, confirming the successful transfer of the VM between hosts.


Did You find this article useful? You can now take AdVantage of the powerful capabilities of a more modern home lab setup. Upgrade your hardware and enhance your virtualization experience with the Intel NUC11s. Enjoy improved performance, power efficiency, and networking capabilities. Follow the step-by-step guide provided in this article to ensure a smooth upgrade process. Start building your advanced home lab today!


FAQ

Q: Why did the author choose the Intel NUC11s for their home lab upgrade? A: The author chose the Intel NUC11s due to their low power consumption, continuous operation capability, and modern specifications that fulfill the requirements of the author's intensive lab tasks.

Q: Can I use the Intel NUC11s for vMotion traffic? A: Yes, the author explains how to configure the 2.5Gb Ethernet ports of the Intel NUC11s specifically for vMotion traffic, ensuring optimal performance during VM migrations.

Q: What components are required to complete the Intel NUC11s build? A: To complete the build, you will need two Intel NUC11 mini PC kits with i7 processors, two one terabyte Samsung 970 Evo Plus NVMe drives, and two 64GB memory kits from Crucial. Additional Ethernet adapters may also be necessary for enhanced connectivity.

Q: Can I connect the Intel NUC11s to iSCSI LUNs hosted on a Synology NAS? A: Yes, the author provides guidance on how to connect the Intel NUC11s to iSCSI LUNs hosted on a Synology NAS. The process involves enabling the iSCSI service, configuring static targets, and establishing the connection using CHAP authentication.

Q: How can I manage the ESX hosts and perform updates after adding them to vSphere? A: By adding the ESX hosts to vSphere, you can benefit from centralized management and easily perform updates. The author demonstrates the process of adding an ESX host to an existing cluster, providing a seamless experience for managing your home lab.

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