A virtual Network Security sensor is a virtual instance of the Network Security system image. A virtual File Protect sensor is a virtual instance of the File Protect system image. A virtual sensor provides the same detection efficacy as a physical appliance, but requires no hardware.
A virtual Central Management System appliance is a virtual instance of the Central Management System system image. The virtual Central Management System appliance manages sensors and hybrid appliances, but requires no Central Management System hardware. The same virtual Central Management System appliance can manage both physical and virtual sensors and hybrid appliances. It can also manage integrated appliances.
Open Virtualization Format (OVF) is an open standard for various virtualization platforms, and is used to package and distribute the software that runs on virtual machines. A virtual appliance is packaged as an OVA image, which is a compressed file containing the contents of an OVF folder. The OVF folder contains the Network Security, Central Management System, or File Protect software image as well as virtual machine files. You install a virtual appliance in a VMware ESXi host.
Caution
VMware ESXi host version 6.0 or later is required. Earlier ESXi versions are not supported, and virtual appliances installed using those versions will not function properly.
Note
This document assumes familiarity with deploying virtual machines and administering ESXi hosts. This document provides the basic steps for creating and deploying Trellix virtual appliances. For comprehensive information about deploying virtual machines, see the documentation provided by VMware, Inc.
The following table describes the steps to deploy a virtual appliance. As noted, the virtual networking steps pertain to a virtual sensor only, not to a virtual Central Management System appliance.
Task | Instructions |
|---|---|
1. Install the virtual appliance. | Installing a virtual Network Security, Central Management System , or File Protect appliance |
2. Perform the initial configuration of the appliance. | Performing the initial Network Security, File Protect , or Central Management System configuration |
3. Configure the virtual network. | Configuring a virtual Network Security, File Protect , or Central Management System network ImportantTo prevent broadcast storms, enable inline operational mode after the virtual network is configured. |
Note
This guide provides the basic steps for creating and deploying a virtual appliance. For comprehensive information about deploying virtual machines, see the documentation provided by VMware, Inc.
Root user account on an ESXi server
Familiarity with deploying virtual machines and administering ESXi hosts
Requirements in VMWare requirements