VMware Virtualization Lab (vSphere-Style on Workstation)

This lab simulates a small virtual infrastructure using VMware Workstation or ESXi.

Objectives

• Build a virtualized environment with multiple networks (management + client).
• Deploy Windows Server and Windows 11 clients as VMs.
• Run AD/DNS/DHCP on a server VM.
• Practice snapshotting, resource allocation, and simple hardening.

Example Topology

• Hypervisor: VMware Workstation / ESXi
• VMs:
  • DC01 – Windows Server 2022 (AD DS, DNS, DHCP)
  • WIN11-CL01 – Windows 11 client
  • (Optional) Linux server for testing

Networks

• VM-MGMT – Management / Servers (host-only)
• VM-CLIENTS – Client access network

High-Level Steps

1. Create two custom networks in VMware (or use NAT + Host-only).
2. Deploy DC01, configure static IP and domain services.
3. Deploy WIN11-CL01, join corp.lab.
4. Take snapshots before and after major changes.
5. Use the CIS-Benchmark-Checklist.md as a mini hardening guide.

This lab is meant to reflect how I work with virtual infrastructure and align it to security baselines.

Author

Eyouel Melaku