Deploying and Configuring a vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) – Part 2

In the previous part of this guide, we covered the first steps of deploying vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA), including downloading the installer and deploying the OVF template. Now, in Part 2, we will continue with the configuration of vCSA, including setting up the vCenter Server and establishing initial settings.

Step 3: Access the vCSA Management Interface

After the vCSA deployment is complete, access the vCenter Server Appliance management interface to continue with the configuration:

1. Open a web browser and enter the IP address or FQDN of the vCSA virtual machine.
2. Click “Continue to this website” if prompted with a security warning.
3. Log in to the vCSA management interface using the root credentials specified during the deployment.

Step 4: Configure Time Settings

Ensure the time settings are accurate to prevent issues in your virtual environment:

1. In the vCSA management interface, navigate to “Administration” > “System Configuration.”
2. Under “Time,” click “Edit” and set the time synchronization method. You can synchronize with an NTP server or the ESXi host where vCSA is deployed.
3. Click “Save Settings” to apply the time configuration.

Step 5: Set Up vCenter Single Sign-On (SSO)

vCenter Single Sign-On (SSO) provides authentication and user management across various vSphere components. Let’s set it up:

1. In the vCSA management interface, navigate to “Administration” > “Single Sign-On” > “Configuration.”
2. Click “Enable” next to “Single Sign-On” to start the configuration wizard.
3. Choose whether to join an existing SSO domain or create a new one. For a new deployment, select “Create a new SSO domain.”
4. Specify the SSO domain name, password, and site name for your environment.
5. Configure the SSO site’s Lookup Service URL and click “Next.”
6. Review the settings and click “Finish” to complete the SSO setup.

Step 6: Set Up vCenter Server

Now, let’s set up the vCenter Server instance within vCSA:

1. In the vCSA management interface, navigate to “Administration” > “System Configuration.”
2. Under “Nodes,” select the vCenter Server instance and click “Configure” next to “vCenter Server.”
3. Enter the necessary information, such as the vCenter Server name, system name, and virtual machine location.
4. Choose whether to join an existing SSO domain or create a new one. For a new deployment, select “Create a new SSO domain.”
5. Select the SSO domain you configured earlier and continue the setup.
6. Specify the vCenter Server’s network settings, including IP address, DNS, and default gateway.
7. Set up a new vCenter Server database or use an existing one.
8. Review the settings and click “Finish” to complete the vCenter Server setup.

Deploying and Configuring a vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) – Part 1
Deploying and Configuring a vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) – Part 2
Deploying and Configuring a vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) – Part 3