esxi-simple-web

Basic controls straight from the esxi host in the browser

This allows you to run basic operations against the ESXi MOB api from a simple web interface straight from the ESXi host without the need for the vCenter web client.

Inspired by virtuallyGhetto's Ghetto webAccess for ESXi

Deprecation Notice

This method is now deprecated as ESXi 6+ has a web ui built in now using this fling: ESXi Embedded Host Client

Installation & Usage

Copy over the web directory to your esxi host with

scp -r web {ESXi hostname}:/usr/lib/vmware/hostd/docroot/

Then navigate to https://{ESXi hostname}/web/, accept the certificate error and enter your username/password for the host.

Development

Requires php >= 5.4.0

Start the development server with

php -S 127.0.0.1:8080 proxy.php

In your browser go to http://localhost:8080/encrypt.php to generate the config file. Afterwards go to your browser and visit http://localhost:8080/web/ and start developing!

Notes

In ESXi 6, the vSphere MOB is disabled by default, this web view requires that it be enabled. virtuallyGhetto has already solved this issue in Quick Tip - vSphere MOB is disabled by default in ESXi 6.0.

In the ESXi shell, enable it with the command:

vim-cmd hostsvc/advopt/update Config.HostAgent.plugins.solo.enableMob bool true

Verify that it's true with the command:

vim-cmd hostsvc/advopt/view Config.HostAgent.plugins.solo.enableMob

You can also enable it manually using vsphere by selecting the parent node of the vm tree, configuration tab, click Advanced Settings under Software, expand Config > HostAgent > Plugins > solo > enableMob, and set it to true.