🌐 Virtual Network Build Form - How To Guide
This guide describes how to configure and submit a Virtual Network Build using the form UI. This build type includes BIOS and ESXi configuration, as well as a dedicated Virtual Network tab.
Configure BIOS-related settings for target devices.
Fields:
- Disable Button: Toggles BIOS setup on or off.
- + DEVICES: Adds a BIOS device entry.
Per Device:
- Device: Select the hardware device.
- Port: Specify the relevant port used by the device.
Set up ESXi hosts, licensing, and networking options.
🧩 ESXi Host
- Host IP: IP address of the ESXi host.
- Hostname: Hostname of the ESXi host.
- Username: Default is
root. - Password: ESXi root password.
🛠️ Build Settings
- Select ESXi Version: Choose from available ESXI ISOs.
- Select License: Choose from available ESXi license templates.
- Subnet: Subnet for the host.
- Domain: Domain name for the host.
- PXE Server: IP or hostname of the PXE boot server.
- Datastore Name: Name to assign to the ESXi datastore.
🌐 Network Settings
- Subnet Mask
- Default Gateway
- DNS Server 0 / 1
- NTP Server 0 / 1
- VLAN: Optional VLAN ID for ESXi management.
- Enable ESXi SSH: Toggle to enable SSH access.
🔌 vSwitch0 Settings
- Standard Uplinks: List of standard uplinks to configure.
- Additional vSwitch Uplinks: Define more uplinks.
- VM Network: Custom name for the VM network.
- VLAN: VLAN ID for the VM network.
➕ Added vSwitches
To define multiple vSwitches:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Switch Name | Name for the vSwitch. |
| vSwitch Port Groups | Port groups assigned to the vSwitch. |
| vSwitch VLAN | VLAN ID to associate. |
| vSwitch Uplink | Network interface to use. |
➕ Added VMKs (VMkernel NICs)
Add VMkernel NICs with the following:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Friendly name for the VMK. |
| Port Group | Assign to a vSwitch port group. |
| Network | IP address or subnet. |
| Mask | Subnet mask. |
| Gateway | Optional gateway IP. |
| vMotion Checkbox | Enable for vMotion if needed. |
⚙️ Advanced Options
Optional custom commands to run during ESXi provisioning.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Extra Kickstart Commands | Provide raw Kickstart script commands to inject during build. Useful for advanced configuration or automation needs. |
Use this section with caution. Commands here are executed at a low level and may impact host behavior.
This tab allows you to define one or more virtual network devices using OVA templates and template variables.
➕ Add Devices
Click + DEVICE to add a virtual network router or virtual appliance.
Device Configuration
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Device | Select the virtual network device type. |
| Template | Select the configuration template. |
| Port | Define the interface or serial path. |
OVA Configuration
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| OVA | Select the OVA file to be deployed. |
| Deployment Option | Choose the size or profile. |
Template Variables
Enter values for each variable displayed in this section. These fields are dynamically generated by the selected template and must be filled in completely.
Port Mapping
Click + PORT to define interface-to-port group mappings.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Interface | Select the interface to map. |
| Port Group | Choose the port group to assign. |
You may define multiple mappings if required.
➖ Remove Device
Use the − DEVICE button to remove a configured device block from the build.