SAS 036 – In The Lab – 42U Rack, 3 VMware Hosts & Server 2019

In this in the lab episode I go over the setup process for my new home lab.  I recently got a full height fully enclosed 4-post rack that prompted me to rethink my whole network setup.  I recorded several videos throughout this build that are linked below.

VMware User Group:

VMUG

YouTube Videos:

Home Lab: 4-Post Network Rack Planning

In the Lab: 4-Post Rack Completed

In The Lab: 4-post Installing Equipment

In The Lab: Using A Keystone Jack

In The Lab: Basic Network Cable Testing

• New rack
  
  
  
  • Post adjustments
  
  
  • Give space for network cables
  
  
  • New location
  
  
  • Patch panels
  
  
  
  


• Lowering power usage
  
  
  
  • $30/month to $15/month
  
  
  • ~200 watts without G6 server
  
  
  
  


• 3x HP Elite 8300 Ultra-Slim Desktop
  
  
  
  • 16GB
  
  
  • 500GB SSD
  
  
  • ESXi 6.7
  
  
  • Single NIC
  
  
  • Page allocation error
    
    
    
    • Disable UEFI
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • Enable Virtualization Technology
  
  
  
  


• vCenter Appliance 6.7
  
  
  
  • 10GB RAM
  
  
  
  


• Server 2019 1806
  
  
  
  • Desktop Experience and Core
  
  
  
  


• Windows 10 1903

• Final Thoughts
  
  
  
  • Use for server 2019 testing
  
  
  • DevOps Testing, PowerShell & Ansible
  
  
  • Building a local AD/Exchange environment to test Office 365 hybrid configuration and migration