Master VMware vSphere with PowerCLI: Automation & Management

What you will learn:

PowerCLI for VMware ESXi and vCenter automation
Essential PowerShell commands for VMware administration
ESXi host setup and configuration
vCenter Server setup and integration with ESXi
VMware infrastructure management with PowerCLI
Virtual machine creation and management
Virtual network configuration and management
Storage management and optimization using PowerCLI
Generating reports in CSV and HTML formats
Best practices and advanced techniques for PowerCLI

Description

In 2024, gain essential skills in VMware vSphere administration and automation using PowerCLI. This comprehensive course provides hands-on experience managing ESXi hosts and vCenter Server. Learn practical, real-world examples and best practices for streamlining your daily tasks. You'll master core PowerShell commands and delve into advanced PowerCLI functionalities, becoming proficient in automating complex operations.

This course isn't just about theory; you'll build a robust lab environment, gaining practical experience with ESXi installation, vCenter configuration, and seamless integration. From connecting to your infrastructure to managing virtual machines, networks, and storage, we cover it all. We'll cover the creation and management of virtual machines, networking configurations, storage optimization, and advanced reporting.

Mastering PowerCLI unlocks the potential for significant time savings and improved efficiency in your VMware environment. Learn to leverage its power to perform tasks such as automating VM deployments, managing host resources, and generating insightful reports efficiently. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to enhance your existing skills, this course will equip you to confidently manage and optimize your VMware vSphere infrastructure using PowerCLI.

Beyond core vSphere management, explore PowerCLI's integration with other VMware solutions, laying a foundation for advanced automation and orchestration. This course goes beyond basic commands to teach efficient solutions, error handling, and best practices. Join us and transform your VMware administration skills today!

Curriculum

Introduction

This introductory section sets the stage for the course. The first lecture, "Why we learn PowerCLI and what will learn from this Course" (10:37), clarifies the course objectives and the skills you'll gain. Following this, "Udemy Platform" (02:25) provides a quick overview of the learning platform.

LAB Setup

This section provides a step-by-step guide to setting up your lab environment. You will learn to download and install VMware Workstation 15, configure the network, install Windows Server and ESXi host, and finally install vCenter Server (total duration approximately 79 minutes). Additional lectures cover setting up VMware modules and establishing a connection from Windows 10.

PowerShell Fundamentals

Here, you'll build a foundation in PowerShell, crucial for effectively using PowerCLI. "Why using PowerShell" (04:06) explains its importance in system administration. You will then learn "Basic PowerShell" (10:33) and explore the concept of "Objects in PowerShell" (07:38).

Connecting to VMware Infrastructure

This section focuses on establishing connections to your ESXi hosts and vCenter Server using PowerCLI. The lecture "Connect to ESXi Host or vCenter" (09:37) covers the essential commands and best practices for this crucial step.

ESXi Host Management with PowerCLI

Learn to manage ESXi hosts efficiently using PowerCLI. You'll explore an overview of host commands, learn how to add a host to vCenter, and master commands for managing host services. (Total duration approximately 26 minutes).

Virtual Machine Management with PowerCLI

This section focuses on managing virtual machines using PowerCLI. You'll learn an overview of VM commands and get hands-on experience creating VMs using PowerCLI (total duration approximately 13 minutes).

Virtual Network Management with PowerCLI

This section explores network administration using PowerCLI. The lecture "powercli : Networking" (13:30) covers various network management commands and tasks.

Storage Management with PowerCLI

Master storage management with PowerCLI. The lecture "powercli : Storage" (03:59) covers essential commands and techniques for optimizing your storage infrastructure.

Reporting and Automation

Learn to generate comprehensive reports in CSV and HTML formats using PowerCLI. You'll also learn techniques for styling your HTML reports. (Total duration approximately 25 minutes).

Useful Commands & Bonus

This section covers additional useful PowerCLI commands and bonus content, including advanced techniques for connecting to network devices, and managing hard disk and tape library server storage. (Total duration approximately 29 minutes).