VMware VCA DCV 5.5 Pod - Quick Reference Page


This quick reference page provides a summary of the specifications of this topology.

For the implementation of the VMware VCA DCV Pod, it is necessary to request virtual machine templates from CSSIA. Using these templates will simplify your setup, since the virtual machines will be pre-configured. See the NETLAB+ VMware VCA DCV Pod Install Guide for details.

Topology Supports... Documentation
VMware VCA DCV 5.5 Pod

VMware VCA DCV Pod
 

Lab Topology

DCV VCA Pod

In the NETLAB+ pod design for the VMware Certified Associate Data Center Virtualization (VCA-DCV) course, all lab components are 100% virtualized (i.e. ESXi-in-ESXi) to achieve a high pod to physical host ratio, at a significantly lower cost point relative to traditional delivery of the VCA DCV. Using virtualization and the sharing and scheduling capabilities of NETLAB+, each student (or team of students) has access to their own set of virtual equipment, which they may maintain exclusive use of throughout the course.

Significant Cost Reduction

NETLAB+'s use of virtualized lab components results in a significant cost reduction by allowing several pods to run simultaneously on one physical server (final ratio to be determined). This cost reduction can open up the possibility of participating in the VMware IT Academy Program for many organizations who would be unable to afford it otherwise.

Storage Requirements

The VCA DCV course will consume 51 GB of storage per each master pod instance.

Details of the storage requirements for each of the lab virtual machines in the VCA DCV Pod are provided in the table below. Some fluctuation in the numbers may occur.

Lab Virtual Machines Role Initial Master Pod
Ubuntu Ubuntu client 10.5GB
ESXi01 Virtualized ESXi server. 1.0GB
ESXi02 Virtualized ESXi server. 1.0GB
NAS01 Datastore 15.0GB
NAS02 Datastore 15.0GB
vCenter Appliance A virtual Microsoft Windows Server that runs an instance of VMware vCenter server. 8.5GB
Total Recommended 51.0GB
 

Virtual Machine Templates

The Center for Systems Security and Information Assurance (CSSIA) provides virtual machine templates to install on the pod.

To request access to the preconfigured virtual machine templates from CSSIA:

  1. Go to the CSSIA Resources page: https://www.cssia.org/cssiaresources/
  2. Select CSSIA VM Image Sharing Agreement.
  3. Complete and submit your access request by following the instructions on the request form.
  4. CSSIA will provide, via email, password-protected download links. Access to the download links is provided only to customers who are current with their NETLAB+ support contract and are participants in the appropriate partner programs (i.e., Cisco Networking Academy, VMware IT Academy, Red Hat Academy, and/or Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy).
  5. Once all virtual machines have been downloaded, they can be deployed following the steps in the appropriate pod installation guide. Each virtual machine is deployed individually.