VMware Cookbook, 2nd Edition

Chapter 3. Networking

Networking is a crucial aspect of the ESXi virtual environment. It’s important to understand the technology, including the different pieces that make it up and how they work together. In this chapter, we will look at different networking elements inside the ESXi platform and how to configure and build those different pieces.

3.1. Configuring ESXi Network Ports and the Firewall

Problem

You need to identify the ports used by ESXi services and ensure they are open for traffic to pass.

Solution

Review and discuss the ports and their functions within the environment.

Discussion

Connections to the ESXi host through the vCenter server, Secure Shell, or the Web must use specific ports. ESXi handles most communication through the following ports; they cannot currently be changed, so make sure they are open on your firewall if you have internal firewalls inside your network.

Port 902

The vCenter server uses this port to send data to the ESXI servers it manages. The listening process (vmware-authd) on the ESXI server handles the flow of traffic.

Port 903

Both the vCenter client and the web client use this port to provide mouse keyboard screen (MKS) service from the virtual machine to the end user over Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. This port also handles all interactions with the virtual machine when it is accessed via the console in the vCenter client or via the Web.

Port 443

vCenter clients, web clients, and the Software Development Kit all use this port to ...