Sometimes we need to upgrade our ESXi hosts with installed 3rd vSphere Installation Bundle (VIBs). Before I show you how to customize ESXi image (using Image Builder), let's clarify some important things about VIBs. VIB is comprised of three parts:
- A file archive - contains the files that make up the VIB.
- An XML descriptor file - describes the contents of the VIB.
- A signature file - is an electronic signature used to verify the level of trust associated with the VIB. There are four acceptance levels:
- VMwareCertified: VIBs created and tested by VMware.
- VMwareAccepted: VIBs created by a VMware partners that are approved by VMware.
- PartnerSupported: VIBs created and tested by a trusted VMware partner.
- CommunitySupported: VIBs created by individuals or partners outside of the VMware partner program.
ESXi image customization - prerequisites
There are two prerequisites:
-
The VMware PowerCLI installed on a Windows platform. You can download it here.
- ESXi depot (.zip file). You can download it from https://my.vmware.com
- 3rd offline bundle (.zip file) including VIB(s). In my case Cisco VEM
Customizing ESXi image
OK, let's customize our ESXi image. I will add Cisco VEM to the ESXi image and export it to ISO and bundle .zip file.
- Start the VMWare PowerCLI application.
We have created a customized ISO and bundle (.zip) files. Now you can use VMware Update Manager (VUM) or ESXCLI to install/deploy it on ESXi hosts. 🙂
Thanks for this post it is really helpful..i am going to try it. However can you please suggest from where i should download "offline bundle (.zip file) including VIB(s)" We are having Cisco UCS i can see the file "VEM550-201401164104-BG-release.zip" but in your screenshot it shouws 2015 file which i am not seeing from where i can get it? Kindly suggest? Also how do we know which VEM file we will need or it can be any and depneds on Vendor? Please help...
Hi,
VEM550 is a Cisco Nexus 1000v bundle. What exactly do you want to add to ESXi image? Cisco Nexus 1000v bundle is available in the Cisco Nexus 1000v installation zip. Sometimes, the latest VEM is available here.