2V0-21.20: Professional VMware vSphere 7.x certification video training course by prepaway along with practice test questions and answers, study guide and exam dumps provides the ultimate training package to help you pass.

VMware Certified Professional – vSphere Specialist (2V0-21.20)

Course Introduction

The Professional VMware vSphere (2V0-21.20) certification is one of the most respected credentials in virtualization and data center management. This course is designed to prepare learners for success in the certification exam while also giving them practical knowledge of how VMware vSphere operates in real-world environments. The training is structured into multiple detailed parts, and this first part introduces the foundation of the course.

Purpose of the Course

The purpose of this training program is to provide IT professionals with the skills and confidence to work with VMware vSphere. The exam itself tests knowledge of installing, configuring, managing, and optimizing VMware vSphere environments. This course goes beyond theory by combining conceptual understanding with hands-on best practices.

Importance of VMware vSphere Certification

VMware vSphere is one of the most widely adopted virtualization platforms in the world. Organizations of all sizes rely on it for efficient data center operations, cloud readiness, and scalable application deployment. A certification in this field demonstrates that an IT professional not only understands virtualization but also knows how to apply VMware technology to modern business challenges.

Who This Course Is For

This course is intended for IT administrators, system engineers, virtualization specialists, cloud professionals, and data center operators who want to validate their VMware vSphere expertise. It is also suitable for students or career changers who are seeking to enter the virtualization and cloud computing fields.

Course Objectives

The course has been designed with specific objectives in mind. By the end of the training, learners will be able to explain the architecture of VMware vSphere, install and configure ESXi hosts, manage vCenter Server, and perform advanced administrative tasks. They will also develop the ability to secure vSphere environments, optimize resources, and troubleshoot issues effectively.

Learning Approach

This course uses a structured approach where theory and practice are blended. Each module builds on the previous one, starting with fundamental concepts and gradually moving toward advanced skills. Learners are encouraged to use a lab environment for practical exercises, ensuring they can test concepts in a real or simulated setting.

Course Modules Overview

This training program is divided into several modules. Each module covers a specific area of the VMware vSphere curriculum. The modules include an introduction to virtualization, installation and configuration of ESXi hosts, management of vCenter Server, networking, storage, virtual machine operations, resource management, high availability, troubleshooting, and exam preparation.

Module One Introduction

The first module begins with virtualization basics. Learners are introduced to concepts such as hypervisors, virtualization benefits, and the role of vSphere in IT infrastructure. This provides the foundation upon which all other modules are built.

Module Two Introduction

The second module covers ESXi installation and configuration. Learners gain insight into hardware requirements, installation methods, and host configuration settings. By mastering this module, participants will be able to deploy ESXi effectively in a production or lab environment.

Module Three Introduction

The third module focuses on vCenter Server. This section explores deployment options, installation methods, and the role of vCenter in centralized management. Learners will understand how vCenter connects the pieces of the vSphere environment into a unified system.

Module Four Introduction

The fourth module addresses networking within vSphere. It introduces standard switches, distributed switches, and network policies. Networking is critical to the operation of virtual machines, and this module equips learners with the knowledge to configure and manage networks effectively.

Module Five Introduction

The fifth module explores storage in vSphere. Storage concepts such as VMFS datastores, NFS, iSCSI, and vSAN are discussed. Learners will also explore best practices in configuring and securing storage for optimal performance.

Module Six Introduction

The sixth module is dedicated to virtual machines. It explains how to create, configure, manage, and optimize VMs in a vSphere environment. Special focus is given to templates, snapshots, and cloning for efficient VM operations.

Module Seven Introduction

The seventh module introduces resource management and monitoring. Learners will understand CPU and memory allocation, shares, reservations, limits, and resource pools. Monitoring tools are explained to ensure system health and performance.

Module Eight Introduction

The eighth module covers high availability and fault tolerance. It explains how to ensure business continuity by configuring clusters, HA policies, and fault tolerance mechanisms.

Module Nine Introduction

The ninth module prepares learners for troubleshooting. Topics include log analysis, command-line tools, and systematic approaches to diagnosing issues within vSphere environments.

Module Ten Introduction

The final module is dedicated to exam preparation. It reviews the most important topics, provides practice scenarios, and offers guidance on how to approach exam questions.

Requirements of the Course

Participants are expected to have basic knowledge of IT infrastructure, operating systems, and networking before starting the course. Familiarity with concepts like IP addressing, DNS, and server administration will be helpful. A lab environment is strongly recommended for hands-on practice. This can be created using VMware Workstation, VMware Fusion, or a home lab with supported hardware.

Course Format

The course is delivered in a structured reading format with accompanying exercises. Learners are advised to move sequentially through the modules, practicing concepts as they go. Each part builds on the knowledge of the previous one, creating a strong foundation for exam success.

Benefits of the Training

Completing this course gives learners the confidence to operate and manage VMware vSphere environments effectively. It improves career prospects, opens opportunities for higher-level roles, and validates technical expertise in virtualization and cloud technologies.

Career Opportunities After Certification

VMware vSphere certified professionals are in demand across industries such as finance, healthcare, education, government, and technology. Job roles may include system administrator, virtualization engineer, infrastructure consultant, cloud architect, and data center manager.

Understanding ESXi Hosts

An ESXi host is the hypervisor layer that allows multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server. Understanding ESXi is essential because it represents the core of VMware virtualization technology. Every deployment starts with the proper installation of ESXi on supported hardware.

Hardware Requirements for ESXi

Before installing ESXi, hardware compatibility must be checked. VMware provides a hardware compatibility guide that lists supported processors, memory, storage controllers, and network adapters. Processors should support virtualization technologies such as Intel VT-x or AMD-V. Adequate memory is required, with a minimum of 8GB for lab environments and more for production. Storage can be local disks, SAN, NAS, or SSD-based systems. Network interfaces must be reliable and support gigabit or higher speeds.

ESXi Installation Methods

There are several methods available for installing ESXi. It can be installed interactively using bootable media, deployed using a script for automated installations, or delivered via VMware Auto Deploy. Interactive installations are useful for small environments, while scripted and Auto Deploy methods are efficient for larger infrastructures.

Interactive Installation Process

During an interactive installation, the administrator boots the server from an ISO image or bootable USB. The setup process involves accepting the VMware license, selecting the installation disk, configuring keyboard layout, setting a root password, and finalizing installation. After installation, the server reboots and provides access to the Direct Console User Interface.

Configuring ESXi After Installation

Once ESXi is installed, post-configuration steps must be completed. Network settings such as IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers are configured through the Direct Console User Interface. Hostname and domain information are also set at this stage. Administrators can enable or disable management services, configure NTP for time synchronization, and test connectivity to ensure the host is properly integrated into the network.

Managing ESXi with Host Client

The ESXi Host Client is a web-based management interface accessible through a browser. It allows administrators to perform tasks such as creating virtual machines, configuring storage, managing networking, and monitoring performance. Although powerful, the Host Client is most suitable for small environments. For larger deployments, vCenter Server is required for centralized management.

vCenter Server Overview

vCenter Server is the central management platform for VMware vSphere. It enables administrators to manage multiple ESXi hosts and virtual machines from a single interface. vCenter provides advanced features such as vMotion, Distributed Resource Scheduler, High Availability, and vSAN. Without vCenter, these enterprise-level capabilities cannot be used.

vCenter Deployment Options

vCenter Server can be deployed in two primary ways. It can be installed as a Windows application on a supported Windows server, or it can be deployed as the vCenter Server Appliance, which is a preconfigured Linux-based virtual appliance. The appliance is the recommended option because it is easier to deploy, optimized by VMware, and requires less ongoing maintenance.

Installing the vCenter Server Appliance

Deployment of the vCenter Server Appliance typically involves running the installer from a workstation. The process is divided into two stages. In stage one, the appliance is deployed onto an ESXi host. In stage two, the appliance is configured with network settings, Single Sign-On domain details, and other administrative settings. The deployment concludes with the appliance being accessible through the vSphere Client.

Configuring vCenter Server

After deployment, vCenter Server requires configuration. Administrators set up the inventory by adding ESXi hosts, creating data centers, and organizing resources. Role-based access control is configured to manage user permissions. Backup and recovery procedures should also be established to ensure that the vCenter database is protected.

Connecting ESXi Hosts to vCenter

To take advantage of centralized management, ESXi hosts must be added to vCenter. This is done through the vSphere Client by providing the IP address or hostname of the ESXi host along with administrative credentials. Once connected, hosts can be organized into clusters, enabling advanced features such as High Availability and Distributed Resource Scheduler.

Networking in vSphere Environments

Networking is a crucial part of vSphere environments because it connects virtual machines, hosts, and storage systems. ESXi provides two types of virtual switches. The standard switch is configured individually on each host, while the distributed switch is managed centrally through vCenter Server. Understanding both types of switches is critical for network design.

Configuring Standard Switches

A standard switch is created within the ESXi host. It provides connectivity between virtual machines and the physical network. Administrators configure port groups, which define how traffic is managed. Each port group can be associated with VLAN IDs for segmentation. Uplink adapters connect the virtual switch to physical network interfaces on the server.

Configuring Distributed Switches

A distributed switch spans across multiple ESXi hosts and is managed centrally in vCenter. This makes it easier to maintain consistent network configurations in large environments. Distributed switches support advanced features such as network I/O control, port mirroring, and centralized monitoring. They are recommended for enterprise deployments where scalability and manageability are priorities.

Storage in vSphere Environments

Storage is another critical component of VMware environments. Virtual machines are stored on datastores, which can be backed by various storage technologies. VMFS is the native file system used by VMware for block storage, while NFS provides file-based storage. iSCSI and Fibre Channel are popular for SAN environments, while VMware vSAN allows hyperconverged storage.

Configuring Datastores

Administrators can configure datastores from the vSphere Client. The process involves selecting a storage type, providing access credentials if necessary, and formatting the storage with VMFS. Once configured, datastores can be used to store virtual machine files, ISO images, and templates. Proper naming and organization of datastores improve management efficiency.

Creating and Managing Virtual Machines

Virtual machines are the core workloads that run on ESXi. They represent the operating systems and applications that businesses rely on. Creating a VM involves selecting a datastore, configuring CPU and memory, attaching virtual disks, and connecting network adapters. VMware provides templates and cloning capabilities to accelerate VM provisioning.

Snapshots and Cloning

Snapshots allow administrators to capture the state of a virtual machine at a specific point in time. This is useful for testing updates or recovering from issues. Cloning creates a copy of a virtual machine, which can be used to quickly deploy new workloads. Both features save time and reduce risk when managing environments.

Resource Management Fundamentals

Resource management ensures that workloads receive adequate CPU, memory, and storage resources. ESXi allows administrators to configure reservations, limits, and shares for each VM. Reservations guarantee a minimum amount of resources, limits restrict maximum consumption, and shares determine priority during contention. Proper configuration ensures fairness and performance stability.

Monitoring and Performance Tools

Performance monitoring is essential to ensure smooth operations. The vSphere Client provides real-time performance charts that show CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. For more advanced analysis, VMware vRealize Operations Manager can be integrated to provide predictive analytics and capacity planning. Monitoring helps detect issues before they impact users.

Security in ESXi and vCenter

Security is a vital consideration in virtualized environments. Administrators should configure user accounts and roles carefully, ensuring the principle of least privilege is applied. ESXi hosts should be patched regularly, and secure communication should be enforced. Logging and auditing features in vCenter help track administrative actions for compliance.

Backup and Recovery Strategies

Protecting virtual machines and configuration data is critical. VMware provides tools such as vSphere Data Protection and integrates with third-party backup solutions. Administrators should establish regular backup schedules and test recovery processes. Backup strategies should cover both VM data and vCenter Server databases.

Practical Lab Recommendations

Hands-on practice is vital for mastering VMware vSphere. Learners can build a lab environment using VMware Workstation or Fusion on a personal computer. Nested virtualization allows ESXi hosts to run inside other hypervisors, making it possible to simulate a full vSphere environment without physical servers. Practicing installation, configuration, and troubleshooting will prepare learners for the certification exam.

Resource Management in vSphere

Resource management is at the heart of virtualization. In shared environments, multiple workloads run on the same physical hardware, and VMware vSphere provides mechanisms to balance resources efficiently. Administrators can allocate CPU, memory, storage, and network resources to virtual machines with precise control. Resource policies ensure that no single workload consumes more than its fair share and that critical applications always have the resources they need.

CPU Resource Management

vSphere uses scheduling techniques to allocate CPU time to virtual machines. Each VM is assigned virtual CPUs that are scheduled onto the physical CPUs of the ESXi host. Administrators can configure reservations to guarantee a minimum level of CPU resources, limits to restrict maximum usage, and shares to prioritize workloads during contention. Understanding how the CPU scheduler works is vital for achieving performance balance across virtual machines.

Memory Resource Management

Memory is a critical resource in virtual environments, and vSphere includes technologies to optimize its usage. Transparent Page Sharing allows memory pages that are identical across VMs to be stored only once, saving space. Ballooning reclaims memory from less active VMs, while compression and swapping provide additional options when hosts experience memory pressure. Administrators can configure reservations, limits, and shares for memory just as with CPU, ensuring fairness and stability.

Storage Resource Management

Storage can become a bottleneck if not properly managed. VMware provides Storage I/O Control to regulate disk access and prevent a single VM from consuming excessive I/O. Administrators can define shares and limits on datastores, ensuring critical applications receive priority during high demand. VMware also supports Storage DRS, which balances storage utilization and I/O load across datastores automatically.

Network Resource Management

Network bandwidth is another shared resource that requires careful management. Network I/O Control allows administrators to define traffic classes and assign shares to different types of network traffic, such as virtual machine traffic, management traffic, or storage replication. This ensures that important traffic types are not disrupted by less critical workloads.

Monitoring Resource Utilization

Monitoring tools are essential for understanding resource consumption and detecting performance issues. The vSphere Client provides real-time charts for CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. Administrators can view per-VM statistics, host-level data, and cluster-wide summaries. Performance alarms can be configured to alert administrators when thresholds are exceeded. This proactive monitoring prevents outages and ensures optimal operations.

Advanced Monitoring with vRealize Operations

For larger environments, VMware vRealize Operations provides predictive analytics, capacity planning, and automated recommendations. It collects detailed performance data, applies machine learning algorithms, and identifies trends before they become problems. Integration with vSphere allows administrators to make informed decisions about resource allocation, workload balancing, and infrastructure scaling.

Clustering in vSphere

Clustering is a cornerstone of enterprise virtualization. By grouping ESXi hosts into clusters, vSphere enables features that improve availability, scalability, and resource management. Clusters are managed through vCenter Server and allow workloads to move between hosts seamlessly. Key technologies enabled by clustering include High Availability, Distributed Resource Scheduler, and Fault Tolerance.

High Availability Overview

High Availability ensures that virtual machines automatically restart on other hosts in the cluster if the host they were running on fails. This reduces downtime and ensures business continuity. HA is not designed to prevent failures but to minimize the impact by restarting workloads quickly.

Configuring High Availability

To enable High Availability, administrators create a cluster in vCenter and enable the HA feature. Admission control policies are configured to ensure that enough resources remain available in the cluster to restart VMs if a host fails. Heartbeat mechanisms between hosts allow the system to detect failures and initiate VM restarts.

Admission Control in High Availability

Admission control ensures that there are sufficient resources reserved in the cluster to handle host failures. Administrators can configure policies based on host failures tolerated, cluster resource percentages, or dedicated failover hosts. These settings define how much spare capacity is maintained to guarantee VM restarts during outages.

Fault Tolerance Overview

Fault Tolerance provides continuous availability by running a secondary VM in lockstep with the primary. If the primary fails, the secondary takes over instantly with no downtime and no data loss. This is different from High Availability, which requires a reboot of the VM. Fault Tolerance is ideal for critical workloads that cannot afford any interruption.

Configuring Fault Tolerance

Enabling Fault Tolerance requires compatible processors and shared storage. Administrators select a VM and enable FT, which creates a secondary VM on another host in the cluster. Both VMs share the same virtual disk and maintain synchronized states. Resource requirements are higher because each FT-enabled VM consumes resources for both primary and secondary instances.

Distributed Resource Scheduler Overview

Distributed Resource Scheduler automates resource balancing across hosts in a cluster. It monitors CPU and memory usage and uses vMotion to migrate VMs between hosts as needed. This ensures optimal performance and prevents resource contention. DRS can operate in manual, partially automated, or fully automated modes.

Configuring Distributed Resource Scheduler

To enable DRS, administrators create a cluster and turn on the feature. Resource pools can be defined within the cluster to allocate resources to groups of VMs. DRS continuously analyzes workload distribution and moves VMs to maintain balance. Migration recommendations can be reviewed manually or executed automatically depending on the configured mode.

Storage Distributed Resource Scheduler

Storage DRS functions similarly to compute DRS but focuses on datastores. It balances disk utilization and I/O load across datastore clusters. When a datastore becomes heavily utilized, Storage DRS can migrate virtual disks to less busy datastores automatically. This improves performance and optimizes capacity usage.

Maintenance Mode and vMotion

Maintenance operations are a routine part of data center management. vMotion enables live migration of VMs between hosts without downtime, allowing administrators to place a host into maintenance mode for patching or upgrades. Storage vMotion provides the same functionality for migrating virtual disks between datastores. These capabilities are essential for continuous operations in enterprise environments.

Resource Pools in Clusters

Resource pools allow administrators to divide cluster resources into logical groups. This makes it possible to assign resource policies to business units, departments, or applications. Resource pools can be configured with reservations, limits, and shares, ensuring fair distribution of resources according to organizational priorities.

Best Practices for Resource Management

Effective resource management requires a balance between performance and efficiency. Reservations should be used sparingly because they reduce flexibility. Shares are a more dynamic way to prioritize workloads. Administrators should monitor resource utilization regularly and adjust policies based on observed patterns. Clusters should be sized with growth in mind to accommodate future workload expansion.

High Availability Best Practices

High Availability depends on correct configuration. Administrators should ensure that heartbeats are reliable, datastores are accessible to all hosts, and admission control policies are well-defined. Testing failover scenarios is essential to confirm that VMs restart as expected. Hosts should be distributed across racks and power sources to reduce the impact of hardware failures.

Fault Tolerance Best Practices

Because Fault Tolerance consumes significant resources, it should be reserved for the most critical workloads. Administrators should evaluate which applications truly require continuous availability and enable FT only where justified. Monitoring resource impact is essential to prevent performance issues.

Distributed Resource Scheduler Best Practices

DRS works best in fully automated mode for large environments where manual intervention is impractical. Resource pools should be designed carefully to reflect business priorities. Administrators should review migration logs periodically to ensure that DRS behavior aligns with expectations. Combining DRS with Storage DRS provides holistic balancing across compute and storage.

Monitoring Cluster Health

Cluster health should be monitored continuously. vCenter provides dashboards showing cluster utilization, HA status, DRS recommendations, and performance metrics. Regular reviews of alarms and event logs help detect issues early. Integrating vRealize Operations adds deeper insights and predictive analysis.

Disaster Recovery Integration

Clustering features like HA and FT address local failures but do not protect against site-wide disasters. VMware Site Recovery Manager integrates with vSphere to provide disaster recovery capabilities. It automates failover to a secondary site and simplifies recovery workflows. Combining HA, FT, and SRM provides comprehensive availability across all failure scenarios.

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