WiFi connetion for ESXi 6.x/7.x

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mrjayviper

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Jul 28, 2017
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as above.

due to cabling constraints, my server can only connect to the internet via WiFi (currently an Intel 8260AC).

- Can I use my current setup to setup ESXi 6.x/7.x (not the workstation edition)
- OR maybe I need something like this? (DAP‑1522 - Xtreme N Duo Wireless N Access Point)

I'll be using a server board (I believe Intel i350 chip) and I think that's already officially supported.

Thank you.
 

pricklypunter

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Nov 10, 2015
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Sure, it can be done, but I'm not sure I would be comfortable with it from a security viewpoint. I advise you take steps to mitigate the risk of having your management ports open to public abuse :)
 
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mrjayviper

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Jul 28, 2017
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Sure, it can be done, but I'm not sure I would be comfortable with it from a security viewpoint. I advise you take steps to mitigate the risk of having your management ports open to public abuse :)
Can be using the wifi card directly or using the wifi Ethernet dongle link? Thanks
 

pricklypunter

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Either will work, but I find most WiFi cards to have better antenna's and be capable of more stable connections. If you have a free expansion slot available, I would probably use that with a WiFi card vs using a dongle. Plus a dongle hanging out of a port is a mechanical accident waiting to happen. Either way, you will want as good a connection as you can get :)

You could also use a WiFi repeater with an Ethernet port, which would allow you to move it around a bit until you find the best, most reliable spot for a good signal. Lastly, depending on where your server is, you might be able to just simply use a Powerline/ Ethernet adapter pair to extend your Ethernet across the mains wiring to where you need it, thereby mitigating some of that security headache :)
 
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mrjayviper

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Jul 28, 2017
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Either will work, but I find most WiFi cards to have better antenna's and be capable of more stable connections. If you have a free expansion slot available, I would probably use that with a WiFi card vs using a dongle. Either way, you will want as good a connection as you can get :)
Are the wifi drivers built-in or I need to customize the iso? Thank you
 

pricklypunter

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Nov 10, 2015
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You would need to add the driver support to ESXi for whatever card or USB dongle you were using and build your own install ISO for it. There are a few websites out there that explain how to go about doing that. Personally I favour using a WiFi repeater/ extender over all of the other possibilities, if for no other reason, it's easy to do and requires no twiddling with ESXi to get it to work :)