VMware Training Tools

[Marcus87]

(To the Mods: I apologize in advance if this is in the wrong section or assigned to the wrong group, I'm less than novice at these forums/community resources)

My question is this:  Is there a "emulator" or simulated VMware application that can be installed on a (physical) Win10 laptop for the purpose of planning/practicing implementation of VMware components and features. My mind refers to something like Packet Tracer and GNS3 for CCNA. 

​I've briefly seen the HOL site VMware.com and what it provides. It looks well engineered for step by step hands on training and has been useful.  It doesn't (appear to) allow for custom labs or the ability to simply "peruse" and tinker with different features.  It is also obviously online, which has it's convenience, but has that known reliance of having a decent internet connection, which I don't always have.  I'm hoping for a stand alone application.

​Thank you in advance for your time and any assistance/guidance you may be able to provide. 

[scott28tt]

Build a nested vSphere lab on a single physical system. Here's a few articles that will help get you going:

https://www.altaro.com/vmware/how-to-set-up-a-nested-vsphere-6-environment-part-1/

https://www.vladan.fr/nested-lab/

https://www.virtuallyghetto.com/nested-virtualization

[Marcus87]

Sir,

Thank you again for your response. Looking at this, it looks like a rather powerful laptop/desktop is required?  It seems like this would be the most realistic course of action in terms of training, but I do not think the provided laptops can efficiently utilize this solution at its fullest.  Is there anything that is more light weight? That "simulates" the VMware components/products?  Thank you again

[scott28tt]

There are product walkthroughs you can access online: VMware​

But they're nowhere near the equivalent of a HOL or nested environment.

The only alternative I can think of is to rent a lab:

ESXLab - ESXLab Remote Access vSphere Labs ​

www.vLab.pro - Individual Remote Lab Rentals for Self Study

[Marcus87]

I see what you mean.  Doesn't look like there's anything that fits the bill exactly.  Looks like I need a robust laptop to build a nested environment, or i use online/cloud based resources.  I saw something called VMware Lab Connect.  The video sounds intriguing but doesn't specify if it's a simulated environment, or if I have to rent hosts.  I'd want to build and test functionality of different VMware solutions with emphasis on vCenter Server.  I think it says it's cloud based.  I tried the live chat, but I guess it's not within their hours of operation.  Do you know what the price tag on something like that is? or if it fits the bill of what I described above (aside from it being cloud based).  Any personal experience with it?

[scott28tt]

VMware Lab Connect

I've not tried it, but I used to be a VMware instructor many years ago - these are the labs from the official training courses, the environment will be partially configure and the products will vary from course to course. I'm still not sure they will offer what you want to do.