How to deploy VMware vSphere ESXi nested in a virtual machine

In this how-to video, I will show you how to create and install two nested VMware vSphere ESXi hosts and add them a new cluster in your VMware vCenter Server.

Contents
00:00 Introduction
00:40 Review ESXi hardware requirements
04:00 Create the first VM for nested ESXi
08:20 Install the first nested ESXi host
10:04 Create the second VM for nested ESXi
12:14 Create cluster for the nested ESXi hosts
13:30 Enable hardware virtualization on the second VM and install nested ESXi
14:13 Configure the first nested ESXi hosts network
15:57 Create DNS records for the new nested ESXi hosts
18:01 Add the nested ESXi hosts to the vCenter cluster

[Richb]

I have a question for nesting is it better to run it type 1 or type 2. Running VMware workstation on windows or run everything on top of ESXI

[scsirob]

Hi Rasmus, great stuff as ever, thanks! Quick note, at 15:18 you set the hostname for the first nested ESX server. I noticed you missed the dash in the hostname, which is inconsistent with the rest of your config. Might bite you later?

[nitinsomani]

Could you please share where can we download the iso image you booted with?

[olekodundich]

Hello! Thanks for the video. I need to do the same thing, but in my case the esxi appears in "disconnected" mode for few seconds and then disappears. It does not stay under "cluster" and does not move to "maintenance" mode. In the "Cluster" under "Quickstart" there is a spinning circle, it looks like it hung. I am using ESXi 6.7. Is this causing a problem? You mentioned that we need ESXi7.0, at least. Also, you mentioned for people who have ESXi 6.7 there might be a work around. If yes, can you provide it? Any other setting should I check? Thanks!