distributed vswitch with free esxi

[mihaii]

I'm unable to create a distributed vswitch with the free version of esxi 5.5 (for port mirroring option)

this is how my web client looks
http://s7.postimg.org/y52mh6h2z/esxi.png

is distributed vswitch only available in vcenter and not free esxi?

Thanks,
Mihai

 

[QHalo]

You'll need vCenter and Enterprise-Plus licensing to use the dvSwitch. If you're labbing, you can get a 60-day trial and play with it. Otherwise, you'll have to pony up.

 

[gimp]

dvSwitch is only a licensed option and requires vCenter.

 

[mihaii]

Thanks guys

I'm still a bit confused with the Vmware products (esxi, Vcenter, Vsphere)

So I just Vsphere and Vsphere client now and I have to reinstall the hypervisor (trial Vcenter?) and then get the Vcenter Web client? Or I am able to add a trial licence key and transform to Vcenter for 60 days?

 

[QHalo]

When you install ESXi it comes in Enterprise-Plus 60-day trial mode. Then you can download a trial for vCenter and install it in 60-day mode. No license keys needed. If you want to use Free ESXi past the 60 day period, you put in your Free ESXi trial key.

 

[Vader]

OR...if you buy VSAN licensing.