Deploying Nested VMware Cloud Foundation Environments with Holodeck 5.2

VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) is a robust solution for building private clouds, but setting up a lab environment for testing and training can be complex and resource-intensive. That’s where Holodeck Toolkit 5.2 comes in—an automated and standardized approach to deploying nested VCF environments on VMware ESXi.

What is Holodeck 5.2?

Holodeck 5.2 is a technical lab deployment toolkit designed for:

• Hands-on testing and training in VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF).
• Deploying a fully functional, self-contained VCF lab without relying on external infrastructure.
• Reducing hardware requirements by running multiple virtualized VCF nodes on a single ESXi host.

This toolkit supports VCF 5.2 and 5.2.1 and leverages VCF Lab Constructor (VLC) to automate deployment.

Key Benefits of Holodeck 5.2

✅ Simplified Deployment

• Automated installation of VCF management domains, NSX networking, and Tanzu Kubernetes.
• Fully pre-configured Cloud Builder VM for DNS, NTP, DHCP, and BGP peering.
• Requires only one external IP address for the entire environment.

✅ Reduced Hardware Requirements

• Instead of needing four physical vSAN Ready Nodes, Holodeck runs the entire VCF lab on a single ESXi host.
• Multiple nested VCF environments can be run on a single host with enough resources.

✅ Isolated and Repeatable Testing

• Uses isolated networking with virtualized NSX configurations.
• Ensures no conflicts with existing infrastructure.
• A fully automated deployment means consistent lab setups every time.

Single vs. Multi-Site Deployments

Holodeck 5.2 supports:

• Single-Site Lab: Standard VCF Hands-on Lab configuration.
• Multi-Site Lab: Advanced scenarios with NSX networking across sites and HCX-based workload migration.

Holodeck Environment Components

Each deployment includes:

• Holo-Console: Windows-based jump server for managing the environment.
• Holo-Router: Custom Photon OS router for external connectivity.
• Cloud Builder VM: Handles VCF deployment and internal lab services.
• Nested ESXi Hosts: Simulating a real VCF environment with NSX and vSAN.

How to Deploy Holodeck 5.2

1. Prepare the ESXi Host

   • Install VMware ESXi 7.0 or 8.0.
   • Configure networking with vSphere Standard Switches.
   • Ensure enough resources: 16+ cores, 384GB+ RAM, 3.5TB+ SSD.

2. Build the Holo-Console ISO

   • Custom Windows Server 2019 VM with PowerCLI, OVF Tool, and VCF tools pre-installed.
   • Automated setup using PowerShell scripts.

3. Deploy the Holodeck Environment

   • Use VLC CLI or GUI to deploy VCF management and workload domains.
   • Configure NSX, AVN, and Kubernetes.

4. Enhance with VMware Aria Automation

   • Deploy Aria Automation 8.18 for cloud management.
   • Automate provisioning of VMs and Kubernetes workloads.

Conclusion

For VMware professionals looking to test and train with VCF, Holodeck 5.2 provides a cost-effective, automated, and fully isolated lab environment. With nested VCF deployments running on a single ESXi host, it’s easier than ever to experiment with NSX, vSAN, and Aria Automation.

For full setup details, refer to the official Holodeck Toolkit 5.2 Setup Guide: Holodeck Toolkit v5.2 Setup