Create a Cisco Custom ISO with the vCenter Life Cycle Manager

Introduction

This document describes how to create a Cisco Custom ISO with the vCenter Life Cycle Manager. 

Prerequisites

Requirements

1. Functional vCenter Server version 7.0 or higher.
2. ESXi Offline installation bundle.
3. Cisco UCS driver ISO or Zip file.
4. Both Files must be imported into your vCenter Life Cycle Manager prior to proceeding with the steps outlined.

Note: This procedure does not require an existing Data Center object or a Host Cluster within vCenter. This procedure is applicable to any vCenter that is version 7.0 or higher.

Components Used

1. vCenter 9.0 (vCenter must be at least 7.0 or higher)
2. vCenter Life Cycle Manager

The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, ensure that you understand the potential impact of any command.

Download Files

Note: Please select the correct version required for your specific environment. The image displayed is for demonstration purposes.

Import the Driver files

Extract the Driver Zip File that was downloaded from Cisco Product Support. 

In order to import the necessary Driver Files, navigate to vSphere Life Cycle Manager > Actions > Import Updates > Browse.

For demonstration purposes, the Cisco VIC Ethernet Driver has been selected.

Once the import process is complete, the imported Driver is listed under Software Depot > Components. 

Repeat these steps for all additional drivers that are required. 

Configuration Steps

Create a new Data Center Object. Right Click on the vCenter Object > New Data Center > Name.

Create a new Cluster Object. Right Click on the created Data Center Object > New Cluster > Name. 

Ensure that the Create a new image option is selected. 

Select the applicable ESXi version. Leave the Vendor Addon section blank. Click Next. 

Select FINISH.

Navigate to the Cluster Object > Updates > Image > Edit

Select Show Details on Components 

Select Add Components.

Select the specific drivers that you require under Independent components in order to build your Cisco Custom ISO.

For demonstration purposes, the Cisco VIC Ethernet Driver has been selected.

The Driver is listed under the Image Profile. Click Save.

Click Additional Options(...) > Export

Pick your desired format. For demonstration purposes ISO has been selected.

Once the format is selected, the created export file begins downloading from your browser window.

The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, ensure that you understand the potential impact of any command.