vTPM Assessment | vTPM enable using Native Key Provider

 

1. Moving from native to standard KMS? (question 8)

Yes. Define a new key provider, set it as the new default provider for the cluster, and then use the UI or PowerCLI to perform a shallow rekey/re-encrypt to the new provider (instructions for rekeying are below). This process will cause vSphere to re-encrypt the DEKs with a new KEK from the new key provider. A similar process is available for vSAN, too (also below).

https://core.vmware.com/native-key-provider-questions-answers#im-having-trouble-enabling-native-key-provider-what-should-i-look-at

2. VMware encrypt Horizon golden image? If new VMs are created from the golden image, will they be encrypted with the same or different key?

When you create new VMs from the encrypted golden image, each new VM will inherit the encryption status of the golden image. However, the encryption keys used for each new VM can differ.

3. Multiple KMS servers, will they be used if one of the KMS is down?

We can have multiple KMS servers, but only one can be set as the default.

4. Import native keys to a KMS server?

Native Key Provider is for use only within vSphere and does not support traditional KMS connectivity. It is designed specifically for encryption in vSphere and does not support KMIP or other protocols for key interchange.

5. Maximum number of native keys imported into vCenter during cross-vCenter vMotion?

vSphere 6.7 and Earlier: A maximum of 16 KMS servers per KMS Cluster is allowed. vSphere 7.0 and Later: In vSphere 7.0, Key Providers were introduced to replace KMS Clusters. There is no limit on the number of Key Providers. However, there is still a maximum of 16 KMS servers per Standard Key Provider. vSphere 7.0 Update 2 introduced Native Key Providers. There is no limit on the number of Native Key Providers that can be created.

6. Which native key is used for which encryption?

There is currently no method to tell which virtual machines are using a key provider except by examining the .vmx file for each virtual machine. To work around this, we suggest setting the default key provider as desired, then re-encrypting the virtual machines to ensure they’re using the key provider you want.

7. If ESXi is not in contact with the native key provider, will any alarms be triggered? What happens if vCenter is down?

There is no immediate impact on encrypted virtual machines while vCenter Server is offline. When using a properly configured Native Key Provider, each ESXi host in a cluster has a copy of the KDK stored and can operate independently.

8. Is an encrypted VM exportable with OVF? How to decrypt a VM?

Can I export an OVF/OVA of a VM with a vTPM? Virtual machines with a vTPM device do not support the OVF/OVA template format directly. You cannot export a VM with a vTPM device to an OVF/OVA file using the vSphere Client. The vTPM device must be removed before exporting the VM as an OVF/OVA template. The OVF Tool can automate this process by adding a vTPM placeholder attribute. See the section “TPM as a Virtual Device in OVF” in the OVF Tool User Guide for more details.

Can I import an OVF/OVA with a vTPM? When importing an OVF/OVA into vSphere using the vSphere Client, a vTPM device must be manually added to the VM after import. The OVF Tool can automate this process by parsing a vTPM placeholder attribute. See the section “TPM as a Virtual Device in OVF” in the OVF Tool User Guide for more details.

9. When moving an windows 11 encrypted VM to another vCenter?

Yes, you can remove encryption and it shouldn't affect the vm working but the vcenter where it is getting backed up should have old key added.

Please take time to test this configuration out.

 10. Backup of encrypted VM (flat and guest OS backup) using Veeam and restoring on a different vCenter?

The destination vCenter should have the key! Set up policies on backup and restore operations. Not all backup architectures are supported. See Virtual Machine Encryption Interoperability. Set up policies for restore operations. Because backup is always in cleartext, plan to encrypt virtual machines right after the restore is finished. You can specify that the virtual machine is encrypted as part of the restore operation. If possible, encrypt the virtual machine as part of the restore process to avoid exposing sensitive information. To change the encryption policy for any disks associated with the virtual machine, change the storage policy for the disk. Because the VM home files are encrypted, ensure that the encryption keys are available at the time of a restore.

https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/7.0/com.vmware.vsphere.security.doc/GUID-B3DA9865-A28F-4EFD-ACF4-CBC8813ED110.html#removing-encryption-keys-best-practices-6

11. When the ESXi goes down or needs to be reinstalled, what key needs to be stored to get the VMs back up and running?

The Native Key Provider KDK is stored in the encrypted configuration. If a TPM is present and configured, it will be used to help protect the encrypted configurations. Ensure that replicated copies of virtual machines encrypted with vSphere Virtual Machine Encryption have access to the encryption keys at the recovery site. For standard key providers, this is handled as part of the design of the Key Management System, outside of vSphere. For vSphere Native Key Provider, ensure that a backup copy of the Native Key Provider key exists and is protected against loss.

 

References taken :

https://core.vmware.com/native-key-provider-questions-answers#im-having-trouble-enabling-native-key-provider-what-should-i-look-at

How DFSR file conflict algorithm works | DFSR replicated file missing

How DFSR file conflict algorithm works:

Conflict resolution in DFSR (Distributed File System Replication) is crucial for maintaining data consistency across multiple servers. Here’s a more detailed look at how DFSR handles conflicts:

1. Initial Sync Conflict Algorithm

Scenario: When setting up a new replication group, if different versions of the same file exist on each server.

Resolution: The file from the primary server wins all conflicts. For example, if Server A is set as the primary server, its version of the file will be replicated to all other servers1.

2. Last Writer Wins Conflict Algorithm

Scenario: When existing files that have been replicated previously are modified on multiple servers before replication.

Resolution: The file with the latest UTC timestamp wins. For instance, if Server A modifies a file last, its version will be replicated to Server B1.

3. New Files Conflict Algorithm

Scenario: When new files are created on multiple servers before replication, but initial sync is not happening.

Resolution: The behavior depends on the Windows Server version and updates. In some cases, the older file is replicated, while in others, the newer file is replicated1.

Conflict and Deleted Folder

When conflicts occur, DFSR moves the losing file to a special folder called DfsrPrivate\ConflictAndDeleted. This ensures that no data is lost and administrators can review and restore files if necessary2.

Ongoing Replication Conflicts

During ongoing replication, DFSR uses a set of conflict-handling algorithms to ensure that the appropriate files replicate between servers. This includes detecting file collisions and appropriately handling a winning and losing file3. 

Remote desktop issue [Expanded Information] Error code: 0x808 Extended error code: 0x101

 

If you are seeing below error while taking machine to RDP, you need to check below configuration.

1. Please check your RDS CALs Terminal license server is reachable.

2. Please check whether all required ports are open between RDS license server and session client.

3. Please check whether you have assigned license server or not.

4. Open license diagnose from client machine and check whether your machine is connecting to correct license server or not and getting the license or not.   

failed to connect to the NFS shared folder X.X.X.X:/volume/XXX: gateway or NFS server/shared folder may not be available

If you are seeing below error while mounting NFS repository in Veeam backup & Replication server using Proxy VM.

Make sure you have given access to initiator (source machine) of NFS folder.

Also check the network connectivity incase if you are using gateway server to mount the NFS then make sure gateway server is able to reach both VBR and NAS device.

Make sure there is no network latency between VBR, proxy VM and NAS device.

you can try to map NFS folder in proxy VM directly then try to mount in VBR server.

failed to connect to the NFS shared folder X.X.X.X:/volume/XXX: gateway or NFS server/shared folder may not be available.

License server cannot issue licenses to the remote desktop session host server because the "License server security group" group policy setting is enabled

If you are getting below error you need check below parameters.

License server cannot issue licenses to the remote desktop session host server because the "License server security group" group policy setting is enabled.

1. Whether RD Session host and License server is in same domain.
2. Incase of RD Session host and License server is in cross domain then you need to correct below things.

Make sure we have two-way trust enabled in both domain.
License server must be a member of the Terminal Server License Servers group in those domains.

Make sure TS License server is member of Terminal Server License Servers Properties in both the domain.

What is Veeam Instant Recovery and step to recover VM using Instant Recovery

With Instant Recovery to VMware vSphere, you can immediately recover different workloads (VMs, EC2 instances, physical servers and so on) as VMware vSphere VMs. Instant Recovery to VMware vSphere can be helpful, for example, if you want to migrate your infrastructure from one environment to another, or you want to recover your infrastructure in a matter of minutes but with limited performance.

During recovery, Veeam Backup & Replication runs workloads directly from compressed and deduplicated backup files. This helps improve recovery time objectives (RTO), minimize disruption and downtime of production workloads. The workloads are recovered in a matter of minutes.

When you perform Instant Recovery, Veeam Backup & Replication mounts workload images to a host directly from backups stored on backup repositories. This means that Veeam Backup & Replication creates fully functioning “temporary spares” with limited I/O performance. To provide full I/O performance, you must migrate these "temporary spares" to the production site.

Steps to restore Cluster node using Instant Recovery

Login to Veeam Backup & Replication

Home -> Backups -> Disk

Select the job Name -> Right click Select Instant Recovery

Change the Restored VM Name if you don’t want to overwrite.

Host: Click choose to change host Name.

Select Network and click Choose.

Click Next

Click Next

Click next

Don’t click on connect Network and Power ON target VM once restore.

Once Restoration complete

 

Home -> Go to Instant Recovery -> Quick Migration

Follow the instruction and select the Host, Resource Pool, VM Folder and Datastore

Follow the instruction.

Click Next

Click Next

Select Delete source VM files upon successful quick migration and click Finish..

SFP and SFP+ full details with connectivity plan

 

An SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) port on a Cisco switch is a modular interface that allows for flexible connectivity options, particularly for fiber optic or copper networking connections.

1. Physical Characteristics:
1. SFP ports are small, modular interfaces located on the front panel of Cisco switches.
2. They typically have a rectangular shape with a slot for inserting an SFP module or transceiver.
3. SFP ports support hot-swappable functionality, allowing modules to be inserted or removed without powering down the switch.
2. Flexibility:
1. SFP ports offer flexibility in network connectivity by supporting a wide range of SFP modules or transceivers.
2. They can accommodate various types of optical or copper cables, including multi-mode or single-mode fiber optics, and different Ethernet standards (e.g., 1Gbps, 10Gbps, etc.).
3. SFP ports can be used for different networking technologies, such as Ethernet, Fibre Channel, or SONET/SDH.
3. Module Compatibility:
1. SFP ports are compatible with SFP modules or transceivers that match the desired network requirements (e.g., speed, distance, media type).
2. Cisco offers a variety of SFP modules tailored to specific networking needs, including Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and Fibre Channel.
4. Configuration and Management:
1. SFP ports are configured and managed through the Cisco switch's command-line interface (CLI) or graphical user interface (GUI).
2. Administrators can configure port settings such as speed, duplex mode, VLAN membership, and other parameters to optimize network performance and reliability.
5. Monitoring and Diagnostics:
1. SFP ports provide monitoring and diagnostics capabilities to track port status, link status, and performance metrics.
2. Administrators can use tools like Cisco's Embedded Event Manager (EEM) or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to monitor SFP port activity and detect any issues or abnormalities.
6. High Availability and Redundancy:
1. SFP ports support features like link aggregation (EtherChannel) and redundancy protocols (such as Spanning Tree Protocol) to enhance network reliability and availability.
2. Multiple SFP ports can be aggregated together to increase bandwidth and provide failover capabilities in case of link failures.

Benefits of SFP & SFP+

SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) ports offer several benefits for network connectivity in various environments.

1. Flexibility: SFP ports provide flexibility in network connectivity by supporting a wide range of SFP modules or transceivers. This allows for the use of different types of optical or copper cables, including multi-mode or single-mode fiber optics, and various Ethernet standards (e.g., 1Gbps, 10Gbps, etc.).

2. Modularity: SFP ports are modular interfaces that can accommodate hot-swappable SFP modules or transceivers. This modular design allows for easy replacement or upgrade of networking components without disrupting network operations or requiring downtime.

3. Scalability: SFP ports enable scalability in network design by allowing administrators to add or remove ports as needed to accommodate changing network requirements. This scalability makes SFP ports suitable for both small-scale and large-scale networking deployments.

4. Cost-Effectiveness: SFP ports offer cost-effective solutions for network connectivity by allowing administrators to choose the appropriate SFP modules or transceivers based on their specific networking needs. This flexibility helps optimize costs by avoiding the need for unnecessary hardware investments.

5. Interoperability: SFP ports facilitate interoperability between different networking devices and technologies by supporting industry standard SFP modules or transceivers. This interoperability allows for seamless integration of networking components from different vendors, enhancing flexibility and compatibility in network design.

6. High Performance: SFP ports support high-performance networking capabilities, including high-speed data transmission rates and low-latency communication. This makes them suitable for demanding applications and environments that require high bandwidth and reliable connectivity.

7. Space Savings: SFP ports have a small form-factor design that helps conserve space on networking devices, such as switches and routers. This space-saving design is particularly beneficial in environments with limited rack space or where compact networking equipment is preferred.

8. Future-Proofing: SFP ports provide a future-proofing mechanism for network infrastructure by supporting the latest advancements in networking technology. Administrators can easily upgrade SFP modules or transceivers to take advantage of new features or higher performance standards as they become available.

1. Identify the SFP Port:
1. Locate the SFP port on the Cisco switch. The SFP ports are typically located on the front panel of the switch and are often labeled with a port number and/or description.
2. Prepare the Cable:
1. Cable which is already plugged in ESX host (Validate on one ESX host(ESX01))
2. Unplug the cable from the SAN Switch (One connectivity from ESX host)
3. Ensure that the cable you intend to plug into the SFP port is compatible with the SFP module installed in the port. Verify that the cable connector matches the port type
3. Remove the SFP Module Cover (if applicable):
1. If there is a cover or dust cap protecting the SFP port, carefully remove it to expose the port(On Cisco Switch)
4. Insert the Cable Connector:
1. Align the cable connector with the SFP port and gently insert it into the port until it clicks into place. Ensure that the connector is inserted straight and evenly to avoid damaging the port or connector.
5. Secure the Cable:
1. Once the cable connector is fully inserted into the SFP port, secure it in place by tightening any locking mechanisms or screws on the connector, if applicable

What is vROPS and how to Check Network Utilization on Physical Interface using vROPS VMWare.

 What is vROPS and how to Check Network Utilization on Physical Interface using vROPS VMWare.

                                                         Or

Generate Physical Interface Network Utilized Report in VMWare using vROPS.

 

Login to vROPS

Click on Object Browser under Environment

Click integrated vCenter from Object browser -> Expend Select datacenter or cluster.

Click Metrics -> Click calendar and select the date & time range

Click Metrics > Expend it

Click Network -> Physical and click on Usage Rate

 

In the right-side next page, you will see usage in graph

vTPM Windows 11 installation in VMware step by step

 

What is a vTPM? A virtual Trusted Platform Module (vTPM) as implemented in VMware vSphere is a virtual version of a physical TPM 2.0 chip, implemented using VM Encryption. It offers the same functionality as a physical TPM but is used within virtual machines (VMs).

Deployment of vTPM modules, require a Key Provider on the vCenter Server.
For more information on vTPM modules.

In order to deploy vTPM modules (and VM encryption, vSAN Encryption) on VMware vSphere ESXi, you need to configure a Key Provider on your vCenter Server.

Traditionally, this would be accomplished with a Standard Key Provider utilizing a Key Management Server (KMS), however this required a 3rd party KMS server and is what I would consider a complex deployment.

VMware has made this easy as of vSphere 7 Update 2 (7U2), with the Native Key Provider (NKP) on the vCenter Server.

The Native Key Provider, allows you to easily deploy technologies such as vTPM modules, VM encryption, vSAN encryption, and the best part is, it’s all built in to vCenter Server.

Enabling VMware Native Key Provider (NKP)

To enable NKP across your vSphere infrastructure:

->Log on to your vCenter Server

->Select your vCenter Server from the Inventory List

->Select “Key Providers”

->Click on “Add”, and select “Add Native Key Provider”

->Give the new NKP a friendly name

->De-select “Use key provider only with TPM protected ESXi hosts” to allow your ESXi hosts       without a TPM to be able to use the native key provider.

In order to activate your new native key provider, you need to click on “Backup” to make sure you have it backed up. Keep this backup in a safe place. After the backup is complete, you NKP will be active and usable by your ESXi hosts.

https://www.starwindsoftware.com/blog/windows-11-tpm-and-encryption-in-vmware-vsphere

Windows Deployment Services Encountered an error: Error Code 0x0000001

If you are getting below error while deploying OS using SCCM PXE deployment and your SCCM DP and DHCP roles are installed in different-different machine.

 

Make sure you have already configured IP helper in core switch against all the vLAN/Scope subnets.
Make sure you have configured 066 Boot Server Host Name TFTP (SCCM DP server IP you need to add here) in DHCP Server Option.

What is new in VxRail 8.0.201 | VxRail 8.0 upgrade plan

  

What is new in VxRail 8.0.201

 

VxRail 8.0.201 includes the VMware vCenter Server 8.0 Update 2a (same as VxRail 8.0.200), VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 2 (same as VxRail 8.0.200), updated BIOS for hardware models V670F, P670F/N, E660/F/N, S670, and other security fixes.

For more information, see VMware vCenter Server 8.0 Update 2a Release Notes and VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 2 Release Notes.

Security fixes:

VxRail 8.0.201 contains fixes that resolve multiple security vulnerabilities. For more information, see the following Dell Security Advisory (DSA):

DSA-2023-465: Dell VxRail Security Update for multiple third-party component vulnerabilities which address:

•       PowerEdge: Intel November 2023 Security Advisory (2023.4 IPU) (CVE-2023-23583)

VxRail Manager: SUSE

 

VxRail 8.0.201 Package Software

This section lists the components of the VxRail 8.0.201 software package.

VxRail Software

•       VxRail Manager 8.0.201 build 28354420

•       VxRail System 8.0.201 build 28354422

•       VxRail Manager VMware vCenter Plugin 9.3.0.0

VMware integration

•       VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 2 build 22380479

•       VMware vCenter Server Appliance 8.0 Update 2a build 22617221

•       VMware vSAN 8.0 Update 2 build 22380479

PowerEdge platform components

•       BIOS: 1.12.1

•       iDRAC: 7.00.30.00

•       iSM: 5.2.0.0.3156

 

 

NSX Compatibility

	Product Interoperability Matrix (vmware.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                            

On-Prem VM migrate to Azure Step by Step

 You need to consider below points before planning to migrate On-Prem VM to cloud.

1.       Azure Subscription

2.       Which region do you need to migrate.

3.       Where are my users?

4.       Are there any Govt regulations requirements?

5.       Cost effective region?

6.       Network latency to the existing datacenter / users?

7.       Why do I need to migrate to Azure?

 

 

What options are available to migrate these applications/servers to Azure Cloud.

 

1.       Option 1

a.       Create a new VM in Azure.

b.       Deploy the Applications.

c.       Take the backup of the application on the prem.

d.       Restore the backup on the Azure VM.

e.       Verify the Application

f.        Update the DNS record.

Advantages –

a.       Fresh installation / clean installation.

b.       Easy to migrate.

c.       Amount of data transfer from On-prem to Azure is very less.

Disadvantages –

a.       It is not the same environment.

b.       Patches are missing.

c.       Application Patches are missing.

d.       O/S configurations are missing.

e.       User experience is very bad.

 

 

2.       Option 2

a.       As it is – migration.

b.       Entire state of the server /VM /Application is migrated to the target (Cloud)

On-Prem: Hardware sizes might be oversized.

VM is running at low performance.

1)      What VM’s are running

2)      What O/S is running

3)      Cost Associated

4)      What is H/W utilization details.

5)      Cost of the VM

6)      Allocating proper resources

7)      Choosing the right VM – proper processor and memory

8)      What applications are running.

9)      What network ports are allowed to communicate

Create Recovery Service vaults

Select Resource group

Instance details

Give vault name

Create vNet

Create Storage Account

Now go to site Recovery and select the product platform that you are going to migrate.

I am selecting VMware machine to Azure because my On-Prem VM is running on VMware workstation.

Under VMware machines to Azure -> Prepare Insfrastructure

Deployment planning completed -> Drop down and select I will do it later

Configuration server-> Add configuration Server

 

Now account has been created

Now ping and run the telnet using port 135 to check connectivity between source and destination.

If communication is fine between source and destination proceed for infrastructure configuration.

Configuration server -> dropdown and select the infrastructure

Post-failover deployment model ->  Drop down and select either classic or Resource Manager

I am selecting resource manager

If you have already created Replication policy -> Drop down and select the replication policy else click on Create new policy and associate

As I hadn’t pre-created Replication policy so I am creating new policy. 

Now Replication policy is creating.

Now

Now click Review and create

Now Infrastructure is ready click Enable Replication

Drop down configuration server -> Select the configuration server

Machine type -> Virtual machine 

Now add the source server

Name -: Server name

IP address-: Enter IP address

OS type-: Drop down and select OS window