Where to get started with NSX?

[NetworkGroover]

Just curious if there's any particular resources you found useful when getting started with NSX?  Out of all network virtualization technologies, I'd have to say that NSX seems to be in my opinion gaining the most traction.  That said, I think I want to start getting more serious about learning it.

[burnyd]

Have your organization tell  you there is a deadline of  4 weeks to get it going on existing hardware.  I know that worked for me.

In all honesty, I think you need to have a solid understanding of how a virtual distributed switch and VMware works.  I believe all network engineers should have some sort of hypervisor experience. If you are willing to fork over a couple hundred dollars and you have a home lab I would purchase something very small is a dell 2950 or 1950 something that will run ESXi 5.5.  Atleast two of them and try to get networking going from there. Once you have a solid understanding I would tackle all things NSX.  There are plenty of design guides and documents on VMware's site.  Anthony Burke at network inferno also has a tramendous blog about it.  If you have any questions feel free to email me at burnyd@gmail.com I can help you out with whatever esx/nsx related.

[NetworkGroover]

Have your organization tell  you there is a deadline of  4 weeks to get it going on existing hardware.  I know that worked for me.

In all honesty, I think you need to have a solid understanding of how a virtual distributed switch and VMware works.  I believe all network engineers should have some sort of hypervisor experience. If you are willing to fork over a couple hundred dollars and you have a home lab I would purchase something very small is a dell 2950 or 1950 something that will run ESXi 5.5.  Atleast two of them and try to get networking going from there. Once you have a solid understanding I would tackle all things NSX.  There are plenty of design guides and documents on VMware's site.  Anthony Burke at network inferno also has a tramendous blog about it.  If you have any questions feel free to email me at burnyd@gmail.com I can help you out with whatever esx/nsx related.

Eesh - and there's always the challenge.  Until I move, the chances of having a home lab again are pretty much zero.  I have some resources at work so I can at least start there I guess.  Thanks for the guidance.

[burnyd]

What do you mean until you move?

[NetworkGroover]

What do you mean until you move?

The kids have taken up any chance I had of having an office/lab.  We need a bigger house. 

[fortworthtechs]

NSX install, configure and manage training is being provided for the individuals on theNSX career path.ICM training is being offered as a part of On - Demand Curriculum. ICM training is a pre - requisite for the VMware NSX certification. After completing the ICM training, every individual will be submitted for approval to access the NSX bits for your own lab aftertwo weeks. Please note that restrictions are applied on the VM ware export.

[AnthonyC]

http://labs.hol.vmware.com/HOL/catalogs/catalog/130