what is the difference between Host Profile and ESXi Image Builder?

[Osaidaz]

I'm studying for VCP-DC Exam

what I understand is that Host Profile contains host configurations, while ESXi Image contains the drivers to run that image on a server

is that correct?

in Auto Deploy, Do I need to use both of them or just the host profile?

thanks

[a_p_]

Discussion moved from 3. Networking - Standard Switch [ARCHIVED] to VMware vCenter™ Server

[SureshKumarMuth]

Image builder -- as the name says you can create a customer image using the VMware ESXi Os modules with drivers .

Hostprofile --- it is a configuration template. It does not has any vibs or binaries. hostprofiles are used to apply the configuration once the host is booted and connected to vcenter server.

Usually in autodeploy, we use both image builder(optional , based on the need) and host profile. Whereas host profile is the last step in the complete ESXi booting cycle using autodeploy. Also image builder is not compulsary unless you do any customization of the image.

[theaaronstrong]

vSphere ESXi Image Builder Overview

https://www.vmware.com/content/dam/digitalmarketing/vmware/en/pdf/techpaper/vmw-host-profiles-tech-o...