First of all, I apologize if my post is in the wrong place for this. VMware hasn't exactly created the ideal forum navigation (in my opinion).
I've been working with VMware for about 5 years now and I'm trying to setup a home lab. The reason for this is that I've primarily only worked with vSphere & vCenter in and already established environment. I've never been able to learn from the ground up. Ideally I will get some certifications throughout this process as well.
My questions for members who have a home lab:
-What are all of the components you would recommend for home lab, such as how many switches, hosts, etc?
-Are there any particular platforms you'd recommend for a budgeted lab (heard that HP ML110/ML115 is a good choice)?
-Any other advice
I greatly appreciate any feedback. I'd like to do it as proper as possible and mimic and enterprise as closely as possible. If I can find a cheap enough HP or Dell box I'd prefer going with that, not creating a super desktop. ![]()
A good budget way to acheive ideal conditions is actually using nested ESXs.
Lets say you get a couple of fairly good host servers with a decent amount of memory, then you can set up as VMs more ESX hosts and simulate larger enviroments. This also gives you the benefit of organizing it into vApps and be able to redeploy fast.
I highly recommend you get a good switch to simulate the challenges with vlans and such segmentation.
Another option is also a well specced workstation equipped with vmware workstation.
In short, the options are many, and you should find some nice setups out there. Personally i am blessed with a massive homelab, but i also have a miniature setup for quick tests and mini labs on a workstation.
Build the lab according to Your Budget and the labs you wish to work on. If you are able to get a couple of HP PL 380 G5-G6-G7 that you can equip With SATA disks, then you have a very solid lab Equipment that isnt to noisy. I did try With Dell servers, but after my wife got tired of the "jet engines" in the attic i switched to HP servers, and now we barely can hear my Whole lab running.
I just started working in a new environment that is all HP Blade technology, so I've been on the hunt for a C3000 and found one for a really good price locally. The only issue is, like you said, the noise that comes with some components. I'll take a look into the 380. Thanks!
