Vmware Service Console - VMware 4817V62 - vSphere - PC Administration Manual

VMware Service Console

In previous versions of ESX, the service console was one of the interfaces to ESX hosts. Many of the commands
are now deprecated. The service console is typically used only in conjunction with a VMware technical support
representative.
ESXi does not have a service console. Some service console commands are available for ESXi through the remote
command-line interface.
The vSphere SDK is used for scripted manipulation of your vSphere instead. The vSphere Client is the primary
interface to all nonscripted activities, including configuring, monitoring, and managing your virtual machines
and resources.
Using DHCP for the Service Console
The recommended setup is to use static IP addresses for the service console of an ESX host. You can set up the
service console to use DHCP, if your DNS server is capable of mapping the service console's host name to the
dynamically generated IP address.
If your DNS server cannot map the host's name to its DHCP-generated IP address, you must determine the
service console's numeric IP address. Another caution against using DHCP is that the numeric IP address might
change as DHCP leases run out or when the system is rebooted.
VMware does not recommend using DHCP for the service console unless your DNS server can handle the host
name translation.
C Do not use dynamic (DHCP) addressing when sharing the network adapter assigned to the service
AUTION
console with virtual machines. ESX requires a static IP address for the service console when sharing a network
adapter.
Connect to the Service Console
If you have direct access to the system where ESX is running, you can log in to the physical console on that
system.
Whether you use the service console locally or through a remote connection, you must log in using a valid user
name and password.
N Depending on the security settings for your ESX computer, you might be able to connect remotely to
OTE
the service console using SSH or Telnet. For more information on the security settings, see the ESX Configuration
Guide.
Procedure
Press Alt+F2 to get to the login screen and log in.
u
Using Commands on the Service Console
The service console runs a modified version of Linux, and many of the commands available on Linux or UNIX
are also available on the service console.
Detailed usage notes for most service console commands are available as manual or
N ESXi does not have a service console. However, many of the functions provided by the service console
OTE
are available through the vSphere CLI.
VMware, Inc.
Chapter 2 Starting and Stopping the vSphere Components
pages.
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