Add an ESXi Host to a directory service


 

1.4j
 
Add an ESXi Host to a directory service

You can configure the ESXi host to use a directory service such as Active Directory to manage users and groups.
In general, you need to make sure the following are configured correctly:

  • DNS resolution (forward and reverse) on the ESXi host
  • ESXi host properly configured with a FQDN name
  • Time on ESXi host(s) and AD controller is synchronized

Prerequisites
Verify that you have set up an Active Directory domain. Refer to your directory server documentation.
Procedure

  1. Ensure that the host name of ESXi is fully qualified with the domain name of the Active Directory forest.
    fully qualified domain name = host_name.domain_name

  2. Synchronize the time between ESXi and the directory service system using your preferred method.
    To use NTP, perform the following steps.
    1. In the vSphere Client, select the host in the inventory.
    2. Click the Configuration tab and click Time Configuration.
    3. Click the Properties link at the top right of the panel.
    4. Set the time and date.

  3. Ensure that the DNS servers you configured for the host can resolve the host names for the Active Directory controllers.

    You can use the vSphere Client DNS and Routing Configuration dialog box to modify host name and DNS server information for the host.
    1. In the vSphere Client, select the host in the inventory.
    2. Click the Configuration tab and click DNS and Routing.
    3. Click the Properties link at the top right of the panel to access the DNS and Routing Configuration dialog box.

What to do next
Join a directory service domain using the vSphere Client.

  1. In the vSphere Client, select the host in the inventory.
  2. Click the Configuration tab and click Authentication Services
  3. Click the Properties link at the top right of the panel
  4. Select Active Directory and enter Domain information
  5. Click the Join Domain button
  6. Enter a user name and password for the account that has rights to join the host to the AD domain
 
   

References:

  • http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-4-esxi-installable-vcenter/index.jsp?topic=/com.vmware.vsphere.esxi_server_config.doc_41/esx_server_config/authentication_and_user_management/
    t_configure_directory_service.html
  • http://thinkcloud.nl/2011/05/26/adding-a-esxi-host-to-active-directory/