Useful NSX-V Resources available to

Customers and Partners

Version 2.4 February 2017

Download the latest NSX-V version from

https://goo.gl/awIiy6

Download the latest NSX-T version from

https://goo.gl/jPkWXN
Andrew Pearce
NSX Architect EMEA
@optimum_ip

Please provide feedback,

amendments and additions via email
apearce@vmware.com

© 2016 VMware Inc. All rights reserved.

Purpose of this Document
With the public launch of the two flavors of NSX. NSX-V and NSX-T. I want to ensure that there
is no mis-understanding between the two versions. So I have created two documents. One solely
for NSX-V (for ESX-i only environments), and a document solely for NSX-T (ESX-i and KVM
environments).

The aim of this document is to have a single place where IT professional’s can find the tools and
resources available to them to learn and understand NSX, and provide expertise within their
organisation and to third parties on NSX.

The document will be updated regularly.

The latest version of the NSX-V document will always be available at
https://goo.gl/awIiy6

Please provide feedback, amendments and additions via email to apearce@vmware.com

FYI, if the hyperlinks in this document don’t work in your browser / pdf viewer try another
browser / viewer, or clear your cache in your browser.
Useful NSX Resources for Customers

1 Hands on Labs

2 Product Info, Forums, VMUG and Blogs

3 Twitter (people to follow and useful #)

4 Websites

5 Training & Certification

6 VMworld

7 Other Resources & Utilities

Hands on Labs 1 of 4
(HOL = Hands on Lab)

A free resource that is available to anyone that wants to learn about any VMware technology including NSX.
The Hands on Labs provide a great way to get some hands on experience. Which is great for self-learning
and certification. These are real environments, that are created and deployed solely for the person
requesting them. So you can use these environments to test your own scenario’s as well.
You get 1.5 - 2.5 hours per lab, but this can be extended in 30 mins slots, up to 8 hours. The maximum time
is reduced when a VMworld is occuring. You can also do a labs as many times as you like. FYI, I have
started, and completed HOL 1625 approx. 130 times.

Hands on Labs http://labs.hol.vmware.com/

The official step by step guides (in various languages) are available in html or pdf format from
http://docs.hol.vmware.com/

On the following pages are details of the NSX Hands on labs

 Hands on Labs http://labs.hol.vmware.com/
The official step by step guides (in various languages)
Hands on Labs 2 of 4 http://docs.hol.vmware.com/

Below is a list with it’s HOL catalogue number in green, and a brief description of the HOL. Remember that
this list is not a complete list, and is just a summary of the useful ones for NSX.

HOL-1703-SDC-1 - VMware NSX: Introduction and Feature Tour

HOL-1703-USE-2 - VMware NSX: Distributed Firewall with Micro-Segmentation

HOL-1703-USE-3 - VMware NSX: Operations and Visibility

HOL-1723-SDC-1 - Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Security Platform with VMware NSX

HOL-1725-SDC-1 - VMware NSX Advanced Consumption

HOL-1725-USE-2 - VMware NSX Multi-Site DR with SRM

HOL-1729-SDC-1 - Introduction to vRealize Network Insight

HOL-1720-SDC-1 - VMware Integrated OpenStack and NSX

HOL-1721-USE-2 - vRealize Automation 7: Advanced (includes integration with NSX)

Hands on Labs 3 of 4 – details on the previous versions of HOL
The previous version of Hands on labs are still available. The labs starting with “16” denote that they were
created in 2015 and would be current until VMworld 2016
So the latest version of the HOL which have just been released start with a number “17”

The “16” version of HOL are still valid, and still provide a useful resource, albeit they are not the most current
version of the HOL. So, please feel free to continue to use the previous version if you wish to.

Hands on Labs http://labs.hol.vmware.com/

The official step by step guides (in various languages) are available in html or pdf format from
http://docs.hol.vmware.com/

Current NSX HOL Labs catalogue numbers

HOL 1603 – NSX Introduction

HOL 1625 – Advanced NSX Lab (multi-site scenario’s)

HOL 1620 – NSX and VIO (VMware Integrated Openstack)

Hands on Labs 4 of 4 – details on the previous versions of HOL
Once you have mastered or learnt the HOL. These guides are great for certification and testing your knowledge.

Art Fewell has created some unofficial Guides. These help with certification, as they reduce the amount of
guidance or instructions, which therefore tests your knowledge / understanding more.

Each step removes more and more guidance. (so step 3 has less guidance than step 2)

1603 Step 2 - http://bit.ly/1Zv7PLm 1625 Step 2 - http://bit.ly/1TTJwmv

1603 Step 3 - http://bit.ly/25Keq8g

Useful NSX Resources for Customers

1 Hands on Labs

2 Product Info, Forums, VMUG and Blogs

3 Twitter (people to follow and useful #)

4 Websites

5 Training & Certification

6 VMworld

7 Other Resources & Utilities

Product Documentation
Get all the latest official NSX documentation for version 6.2.x from
http://pubs.vmware.com/NSX-62/index.jsp

NSX home page on vmware.com

http://www.vmware.com/products/nsx/

Technical NSX Documents, Design Guides, Webinars and other resources

http://www.vmware.com/products/nsx/resources.html

NSX for vSphere Design Guide Version 3.0 (This is a great document to read and to use as reference)
https://communities.vmware.com/docs/DOC-27683

NSX-V Multi-site Options and Cross-VC NSX Design Guide (Another great document)
https://communities.vmware.com/docs/DOC-32552

SDDC VVD’s (VMware Validated Design’s) Documentation – Architecture, Design, Deployment Guides
https://www.vmware.com/support/pubs/vmware-validated-design-pubs.html

Product Walkthrough’s - a basic step by step guide to using NSX

https://featurewalkthrough.vmware.com/#!/nsx/
Forums
VMware NSX has an active community of Customers, Partners, SE’s, Architects, Product Managers and
engineers.

It’s is free to join and participate in the conversation, click the link below to get involved
https://communities.vmware.com/community/vmtn/nsx

The community has a document section, where useful documents are published:
https://communities.vmware.com/community/vmtn/nsx/content?filterID=contentstatus[published]~objecttype
~objecttype[document]
VMUG (VMware User Group)
VMware has an active and vocal group of users around the globe. These users get together and share
experiences on all the products and solutions that VMware provides. VMUG runs webinars, and a host of
other activities as well as the face-to-face meetings.
It is free and simple to join VMUG (VMware User Group)

Once registered for VMUG – (VMware User Group)

You can attend 2 or 3 meeting a year local to you. These sessions are free to attend. You just need to pay
for your travel. It enables you to interact in an informal way with other VMware customers. Hear about the
wider product offerings from VMware and from VMware’s competitors and partners.

Speak to your peers already running NSX, click to start your journey in the VMware User Group.
http://www.vmug.com/

VMUG, also encourages you to share your experiences with the wider community. You can also pay for an
“VMUG advantage program” which provides additional benefits, such as a cheaper rate to attend VMworld.
Blogs

Anthony Burke’s Blog

http://networkinferno.net/

Michael Armstrong’s Blog

http://www.m80arm.co.uk/

VMware’s central blogging site. Not Just NSX, but everything VMware.
http://blogs.vmware.com/

VMware’s NSX central blogging site.

http://blogs.vmware.com/networkvirtualization

vBrownBag specific Blogging page on NSX

http://professionalvmware.com/brownbags/

R&D and engineering NSX Blog (forward looking, trends impacts)

http://www.vmware.com/radius/feature/network-virtualization-sdn/
Useful NSX Resources for Customers

1 Hands on Labs

2 Product Info, Forums, VMUG and Blogs

3 Twitter (people to follow and useful #)

4 Websites

5 Training & Certification

6 VMworld

7 Other Resources & Utilities

Twitter – People to follow and # to watch

hashtags People to Follow

#NSX @vmwarensx @smitmartijn
#vmwarensx @scott_lowe @netvirt
#runnsx @pandom_
#vmworld @m80arm
@optimum_ip
@ccie5851
Useful NSX Resources for Customers

1 Hands on Labs

2 Product Info, Forums, VMUG and Blogs

3 Twitter (people to follow and useful #)

4 Websites

5 Training & Certification

6 VMworld

7 Other Resources & Utilities

 Websites – VMware Knowledge Base (1 of 2)
Knowledge Base Articles https://kb.vmware.com/

1 – Select the correct product from the drop down list

2 – Filter on “Product, language,
best practice etc” in the narrow down
column on the left
Websites – VMware Knowledge Base (2 of 2)
Useful KB Articles on NSX

Troubleshooting VMware NSX for vSphere 6.x (2122691)

This KB Article has all the links to troubleshoot individual components of NSX ie Managers, controllers, edges, DFW etc etc
https://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2122691

NSX Support Insider Blog

VMware Support News, Alerts and Annoucements
https://blogs.vmware.com/kb/nsx
Websites - Youtube Channels

NSX YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/vmwarensx/videos

Watch the Lighting Board sessions to have key concepts explained to
you.

NSX YouTube Channel Playlist https://www.youtube.com/user/vmwarensx/playlists

NSX Demo’s from SE in Spain http://youtube.com/avillargarea

Some great Demo’s of using, deploying NSX are on this channel.
Youtube videos
There are thousands of videos and recordings of NSX on you Tube. Here are some of my favourites.
Please let me know ones that you find useful or insightful.

NSX & Horizon deep dive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rInVMd0kQqI

vRealize Network Insight Overview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1HFxq7IL3o

Securing the DC with VMware NSX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PzNQaXMquM

Useful NSX Resources for Customers

1 Hands on Labs

2 Product Info, Forums, VMUG and Blogs

3 Twitter (people to follow and useful #)

4 Websites

5 Training & Certification

6 VMworld

7 Other Resources & Utilities

Training
VMware and our learning partners offer a full range of courses.

Create an account on http://mylearn.vmware.com (it’s free to create an account)

You can then register for training and see when a Face-to-Face, or virtual course is taking place.
You can get training credits added to your company’s VMware contract.

Once you have created a “mylearn” account. There are a number of free training resources available
including a 4 hour self-paced course – titled VMware Network Virtualization Fundamentals 2016 See the link
below to add it to your enrollments.
https://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrreg/courses.cfm?ui=www_edu&a=one&id_subject=74570

There are regular webinars posted on mylearn as well.

Below is a link to the “TOP 50” most popular FREE courses provided by VMware (not just NSX Courses)
http://mylearn.vmware.com/portals/www/mL.cfm?menu=topfreecourses&p=1
 NSX Certification
VMware believes that learning for a test, is not a worthwhile test of someone’s ability. Either for the student
or for his employer / prospective employer to validate his skills. This is the reason that VMware insist that all
students at VCP or above have taken a course as well as taking the exam. Link to Certification site is below

https://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/plan.cfm?plan=88896&ui=www_cert

Network Virtualisation
Role Certification Level How test is taken
Specialisation
Face-to-Face. You propose a design and
Solution Design
VMware Certified Design Expert VCDX6-NV then defend a formal NSX design in front
Architecture
of a panel of experts.
VMware Certified Implementation
Adv. Implementation VCIX6-NV Lab at Selected test centers
Expert
VMware Certified Advanced
Implementation VCAP6-NV Exam at Selected test centres
Professional

Administration VMware Certified Professional VCP6-NV Test at Test Centre

Business IT VMware Certified Associate VCA6-NV Open Book – Take Test at home/work
Useful NSX Certification Resources for VCP6-NV Exam
Resources for VCP6-NV
VCP6-NV Practice Test
http://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrCourse/quiz/ask.cfm?a=9268390&ui=Full

VCP6-NV Exam Blue Print

https://mylearn.vmware.com/lcms/web/portals/certification/VCP_Blueprints/VCP-NV-Exam-Blueprint-
v1_2.pdf

NSX 6.0 Fundamentals Class (Free online Self Paced)

http://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/courses.cfm?ui=www_edu&a=det&id_course=24078
Very good self paced training. It is also a prerequisite for the VCA6-NV exam. VCA exam is an online exam.

VCP-NV Study Guide by Alex Hunt

https://communities.vmware.com/docs/DOC-32973
Useful NSX Certification Resources for VCIX-NV Exam
Resources for VCIX-NV
If you are thinking of taking your VCIX-NV exam
A useful VCIX-NV Study Guide has been published by Martijn Smit.
It is available at the following url
http://lostdomain.org/vcix-nv-study-guide/

Below are other blogs and sites that provide links to resources that you may find useful.

http://www.nuvolisystems.com/my-vcix-nv-exam-experience/

http://virtual10.com/?p=1681

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-experience-vcix-nv-exam-sayed-nader?trk=prof-post
Useful NSX Resources for Customers

1 Hands on Labs

2 Product Info, Forums, VMUG and Blogs

3 Twitter (people to follow and useful #)

4 Websites

5 Training & Certification

6 VMworld

7 Other Resources & Utilities

VMworld 2017
There are two VMworld’s each year. One in the US and One in Europe. Dates for the 2017 events are above.
In 2016 the US event had 22,000+ customers attend, and the European event had 13,000+ Customers
To Pre-Register for VMworld 2017

https://www.vmworld.com/en/pre-register.html
What is VMworld?
VMworld, hosted by VMware, is the number-one event for enabling the digital enterprise. VMworld 2017 brings you four full days of innovation to accelerate your
journey to a software-defined business - from mobile devices to the data center and the cloud.

Why Attend?
At VMworld, you’ll join the industry’s top thought leaders, subject matter experts and IT professionals to immerse yourself in the latest in cloud infrastructure and
business mobility technology. This is the one indispensable event to discover the technology, trends and people who are shaping the future of digital business.

At VMworld, you can:

ü Hear from VMware executives and industry experts on what matters most in IT today, and what’s coming next.
ü Network with your peers, the VMware partner ecosystem and IT movers and shakers—a “who’s who” in digital business.
ü Discover new and emerging product breakthroughs, best practices and case studies.
ü Gain direct, take-to-the-bank experience in expert-guided hands-on labs and VMware Certification opportunities.
Watch all the VMworld US 2016 Breakout sessions for free
Below are two very nice lists created by William Lam. They provide direct links to stream or download all the
529 breakout sessions at VMworld US 2016. You will still need to register once
at http://www.vmworld.com/en/sessions/2016.html (which is FREE to ALL users regardless if you attended
the conference or not). Once you have logged in, then you will be able to click on any of the URLs and
watch the content online or offline.
There were some amazing sessions, and the lists don’t just contain links to the NSX sessions, they contain
links to all 529 breakout sessions.

Enjoy!

For complete list of all session playback URLs, please see playback-urls.md

For complete list of all session download URLs, please see download-urls.md
Useful NSX Resources for Customers

1 Hands on Labs

2 Product Info, Forums, VMUG and Blogs

3 Twitter (people to follow and useful #)

4 Websites

5 Training & Certification

6 VMworld

7 Other Resources & Utilities

PowerNSX – Use it once and you will never look back.
This is a great utility to speed up the deployment of PoC’s.

• PowerNSX (https://github.com/vmware/powernsx):
– Installation
• Pre-Requirements: Install PowerShell v3+, and PowerCLI v6+
• Install PowerNSX: https://powernsx.github.io/install/

– Connect PowerNSX to NSX/vCenter

• https://powernsx.github.io/connect/

– Install PowerNSX 3TierApp

• See script in the Notes "PowerNSX 3TierApp Build (VMware-3ta-1.6.ps1)"
Note: Modify all the settings in the section "param" to match your lab such as:
– Cluster names, location of 3Tier-App OVA, topologytype direct or OSPF, IP@ of networks, etc…

– Run PowerNSX 3TierApp

1Hr VMworld Breakout on powernsx and pynsxv https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecdN_PO1dCQ

Other Resources (1 of 2)

“for Dummies” books on Micro-segmentation

http://info.vmware.com/content/EMEA_34867_OneCloud_NSX_Aware1_EN

“for Dummies” books on Network virtualisation

http://info.vmware.com/content/34332_NSX_ToF_REG?asset=networkvirtualization

Free VMware Press book on Microsegmentation

http://www.vmware.com/content/dam/digitalmarketing/vmware/e
n/pdf/products/nsx/vmware-nsx-microsegmentation.pdf
Other Resources (2 of 2)
If you want to create your own designs, document your home lab, present a design to a customer. You will
probably want it to look professional.

VMware has made some NSX powerpoint icons available in this document.

https://communities.vmware.com/docs/DOC-32728

VMware currently don’t provide these in visio format. However, this may change in the future and someone
may create them. If they do, I hope that they will post them to the best source for all Visio icons, which is

http://www.visiocafe.com/
 Thank You

The industry leading Network and Security Virtualisation platform