Real infrastructure.
Built in the lab.
Shared with you.
Hands-on guides for VMware Cloud Foundation, VCF Operations, networking, and homelab infrastructure. Follow the deployments, explore custom integrations, and learn from the troubleshooting along the way.
MANAGEMENT PACKS
Management Packs
Custom management packs that bring storage, network, and server hardware visibility into VCF Operations. Explore the integrations, deployment notes, and source code.
STORAGE / VCF OPERATIONS
QNAP Management Pack
Bring QNAP storage into your operations dashboard. Explore array information, disk health, volume usage, and the lessons behind the integration.
Storage visibility · Deployment notes · Source code
Explore on GitHub ↗NETWORKING / VCF OPERATIONS
UniFi Management Pack
Bring UniFi sites and adopted devices into VCF Operations. Collect device metrics through the local UniFi Network API—without a bridge.
Device metrics · Site relationships · Direct API
Explore on GitHub ↗SERVERS / VCF OPERATIONS
Dell iDRAC Management Pack
Bring Dell PowerEdge health, inventory, power, and temperatures into VCF Operations through iDRAC Redfish—without OpenManage Enterprise.
Server health · Power and temperatures · Direct API
Explore on GitHub ↗SERVERS / VCF OPERATIONS
HPE iLO Management Pack
Bring ProLiant inventory, fans, temperatures, and power into VCF Operations through iLO Redfish. Explore the tested iLO 4 design and deployment guide.
Server inventory · Fans and temperatures · Direct API
Explore on GitHub ↗CUSTOM BUILT APPLIANCES
Custom Built Appliances
Purpose-built appliances that simplify VMware Cloud Foundation lab deployment, services, and day-to-day operations.
VCF / OFFLINE DEPOT
VCF Offline Depot Appliance
A dedicated Ubuntu appliance that streamlines VCF Offline Depot setup, Broadcom downloads, HTTPS certificates, depot accounts, and VCF Installer configuration.
Offline depot · Automated configuration · Lab-ready deployment
Latest Updates
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VMware Explore 2026 continued in Las Vegas with a packed Day 3 centered on technical learning, hands-on practice, community connections, and the […]
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Read moreVMware Explore 2027 Moves to Resorts World Las Vegas
VMware Explore 2027 moves to Resorts World Las Vegas, May 3–6. Review the new dates, venue, technical program, key deadlines, and pre-registration savings.
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VMware Explore 2026 Day 2 focused on VCF 9.1 deep dives, Hands-on Labs, expert-led learning, partner sessions, the VMware {code} Hackathon, and the upcoming…
Read moreVMware Explore 2026 Las Vegas: Day 1 Highlights
VMware Explore 2026 opened in Las Vegas with a clear message: private cloud is becoming the foundation for secure, practical AI at […]
Read moreWelcome to My VCF Homelab Blog
HOMELAB JOURNAL Welcome to My VCF Homelab Blog Welcome to Justin Raley’s VCF homelab blog. Follow a lab rebuild covering hardware, networking, […]
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VCF Offline Depot Appliance: Simplifying Setup and Installer Configuration
A dedicated Ubuntu appliance for VCF Offline Depot setup, Broadcom downloads, HTTPS certificates, depot accounts, and automated VCF Installer configuration.
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HOMELAB / WINDOWS SERVER / VSPHERE ESXi PXE Server on Windows: WDS, iPXE and IIS WDS and iPXE for the UEFI handoff, […]
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Build a Windows Server publisher for a subscribed vCenter Content Library using IIS, HTTPS, and PowerShell automation. Includes ISO/OVA organization, two-hour catalog generation, troubleshooting…
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Deploy a lab VyOS router OVA with VMware Tools, administrator credentials set during deployment, and optional configuration injection. Includes vCenter validation results, first-boot lessons,…
Read moreMonitor HPE iLO with VCF Operations and Redfish
HOMELAB / SERVERS / VCF OPERATIONS Monitor HPE iLO with VCF Operations and Redfish A direct, read-only management pack for ProLiant inventory, […]
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