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VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation
Guide
AppSpeed 1.0

EN-000185-02

VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation Guide

You can find the most up-to-date technical documentation on the VMware Web site at:
http://www.vmware.com/support/
The VMware Web site also provides the latest product updates.
If you have comments about this documentation, submit your feedback to:
docfeedback@vmware.com

© 2009 VMware, Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and international copyright and intellectual property
laws. VMware products are covered by one or more patents listed at http://www.vmware.com/go/patents.
VMware, the VMware “boxes” logo and design, Virtual SMP, and VMotion are registered trademarks or trademarks of
VMware, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks
of their respective companies.

VMware, Inc.
3401 Hillview Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94304
www.vmware.com

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Contents

About This Book

5

1 AppSpeed Installation Overview 7
Installation Workflow 7
Installation Prerequisites 7
System Requirements 8
Deployment Considerations 8
Open Port Requirements 8

2 Installing and Configuring the AppSpeed Server 9
Import and Install the AppSpeed Virtual Appliance
Configure the AppSpeed Server 10

9

3 Installing the AppSpeed Plug‐In and Probes 13
Install the AppSpeed Plug‐In 13
Deploying the AppSpeed Probes 13
Install an AppSpeed Probe 14
Power Probes On or Off 15
Delete Probes 15
Adding a License 15
Verifying the Installation 15
View Unmapped Traffic 16
Managing SSL Keys 16
View SSL Key Information 16
Add an SSL Key 17

4 Configuring AppSpeed with vNetwork Distributed Switching 19
Configuring AppSpeed to Monitor a vNetwork Distributed Switch 19
Create a dvPortGroup 19
Configure the vPort Group 20
Configure the AppSpeed Probe to Monitor vNetwork Distributed Switches 20
Configuring AppSpeed to Monitor Cisco Nexus 1000V Switches 20
Configure Port Mirroring 20
Configure the AppSpeed Probe to Monitor Cisco Nexus 1000V Switch 21
Create a Temporary vSwitch 21

5 Upgrading AppSpeed 23
Overview of the Upgrade Process
Upgrade AppSpeed 23

23

6 Extracting SSL Files 25
Extract SSL Files from an Apache Server 25
Extract SSL Files from a Microsoft IIS 6.0 Server 25
Extract SSL Files from a Microsoft IIS 7.0 Server 26

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VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation Guide

7 Troubleshooting 27
AppSpeed Setup Errors 27
AppSpeed User Interface Loading Problems
General Errors While Using AppSpeed 30

Index

4

28

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About This Book

This book, the VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation Guide, describes the procedures for installing the
VMware® vCenter AppSpeed virtual appliance and plug‐in, including how to configure the AppSpeed server
and how to deploy the AppSpeed probes on the VMware host machines within the datacenter network.

Intended Audience
This book is intended for anyone who wants to install the AppSpeed plug‐in. The information is written for
experienced Windows or Linux system administrators who are familiar with virtual appliance technology and
datacenter operations.

Document Feedback
VMware welcomes your suggestions for improving our documentation. If you have comments, send your
feedback to docfeedback@vmware.com.

Technical Support and Education Resources
The following sections describe the technical support resources available to you. To access the current versions
of this book and other books, go to http://www.vmware.com/support/pubs.

Online and Telephone Support
Use online support to submit technical support requests, view your product and contract information, and
register your products. Go to http://www.vmware.com/support.
Customers with appropriate support contracts should use telephone support for the fastest response on
priority 1 issues. Go to http://www.vmware.com/support/phone_support.

Support Offerings
Find out how VMware support offerings can help meet your business needs. Go to
http://www.vmware.com/support/services.

VMware Professional Services
VMware Education Services courses offer extensive hands‐on labs, case study examples, and course materials
designed to be used as on‐the‐job reference tools. Courses are available onsite, in the classroom, and live
online. For onsite pilot programs and implementation best practices, VMware Consulting Services provides
offerings to help you assess, plan, build, and manage your virtual environment. To access information about
education classes, certification programs, and consulting services, go to http://www.vmware.com/services/.

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VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation Guide

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1

AppSpeed Installation Overview

1

VMware vCenter AppSpeed provides performance management and service‐level reporting for applications
running within virtual appliances. AppSpeed analyzes the traffic that flows between end users, Web
applications, and back‐end servers. This analysis provides visibility into multitier applications and enables
rapid identification of performance issues originating from inadequate resource allocation and application
problems.
AppSpeed is installed on a VMware host machine that resides within the data center network and integrates
into both the VMware vSphere Client and the VMware Virtual Infrastructure (VI) Client. AppSpeed is
installed on a centralized server, with one or more AppSpeed probes installed on each host to be monitored.
This chapter includes the following topics:
„

“Installation Workflow” on page 7

„

“Installation Prerequisites” on page 7

Installation Workflow
AppSpeed is Ia virtual appliance in Open Virtualization Format (OVF). The AppSpeed plug‐in is installed in
the vSphere Client or VI Client.
You perform the installation and setup process in the following stages:
„

Import the OVF file and configure the AppSpeed server (see “Installing and Configuring the AppSpeed
Server” on page 9)

„

Install the AppSpeed plug‐in in the Client (see “Install the AppSpeed Plug‐In” on page 13)

„

Install the AppSpeed probes using the AppSpeed user interface within the Client (see “Deploying the
AppSpeed Probes” on page 13)

„

Add a valid AppSpeed license key (see “Adding a License” on page 15)

„

Verify the successful deployment of the probes (see “Managing SSL Keys” on page 16)

NOTE To upgrade from a previous version of AppSpeed to a more recent version, see Chapter 5, “Upgrading
AppSpeed,” on page 23.

Installation Prerequisites
The following VMware ESX™ and vCenter versions support AppSpeed:
„

ESX, version 3.0.x, 3.5.x or 4.0x

„

vCenter Server, version 2.5x, or vSphere 4.0

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VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation Guide

System Requirements
Review the following system requirements before you install AppSpeed:
„

You must have admin‐level access to vCenter Server for the automated installation process.

„

Routable IP addresses for servers and probes need to be defined.
NOTE Using DHCP is not recommended. However, if DHCP is used, you do not need routable
IP addresses.

„

If HTTPS sites are to be monitored, an SSL private key is required.

„

Administrator privileges are required on the Client machine to install Adobe Flash Player 10.

In addition, it is recommended that you synchronize the time on the hosts on which the AppSpeed server and
probes are to be installed. If the time is not synchronized, AppSpeed might lose data and experience delays in
the mapping process. You can synchronize the time by setting an NTP server in the Configuring Time option
for each host in vCenter.

Deployment Considerations
When you plan your AppSpeed deployment, take into consideration the following system resource
requirements:
„

„

Server
„

30GB HDD

„

2 vCPUs

„

4GB RAM

Probes
„

5GB HDD

„

1 vCPU

„

0.5GB RAM

Open Port Requirements
AppSpeed requires that the following ports be open on your firewall:
„

„

AppSpeed server to vCenter Server:
„

TCP port 443 to connect to vCenter Server for the vCenter interface. Port 443 is the vCenter default
Web service port, but you can configure a different TCP port in vCenter.

„

TCP port 80 to connect to vCenter Server for the vCenter proxy interface. This port is used only
during setup to verify that the vCenter proxy is configured correctly. Port 80 is the vCenter default
Web service port, but you can configure a different TCP port in vCenter.

vCenter Server to the AppSpeed server:
„

„

„

AppSpeed server and probe communication:
„

TCP port 1194 to connect to the AppSpeed server (OpenVPN over a TCP connection)

„

UDP port 123 to connect to the AppSpeed server (NTP)

„

TCP port 22 to connect to the probes if you want to access the probes from outside the VPN

vSphere/VI Client to vCenter Server:
„

8

TCP port 80 to connect to the AppSpeed server (Web interface).

TCP port 80 to connect to vCenter server (vCenter proxy interface). Port 80 is the vCenter default Web
service port, but you can configure a different TCP port in vCenter.

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2

Installing and Configuring the
AppSpeed Server

2

The first stage in the installation process is to import the OVF file and install and configure the AppSpeed
server. You can install the AppSpeed server on any ESX host that is managed by the monitored vCenter.
This chapter includes the following topics:
„

“Import and Install the AppSpeed Virtual Appliance” on page 9

„

“Configure the AppSpeed Server” on page 10

Import and Install the AppSpeed Virtual Appliance
AppSpeed is provided as an OVF file. The first step in the installation process is to import the OVF file in the
installation package into the vSphere Client or VI Client.
You must have administrator privileges to import the OVF file.
To import the OVF file into the vSphere Client
1

Save the OVF file in a location that can be accessed from the vSphere Client.

2

In the vSphere Client, select File > Deploy OVF Template.

3

Select Deploy from File and click Browse to located the OVF file.

4

Click Next and click Next again.

5

Read and accept the End User License Agreement, and click Next.

6

Enter a name for the virtual appliance server in the Name text box.
The name must be unique.

7

Select the location for the deployed template and click Next.

8

From the Inventory Location tree, select the ESX host on which to install the virtual appliance, and click
Next.
The host must be managed by the monitored vCenter.
If you select a cluster, you must select a specific host within that cluster.

9

Select the datastore on which to store the files for the virtual appliance, and click Next.

10

From the Management Network drop‐down menu, select the network to use to manage the probes.
The AppSpeed server uses this network to deploy and communicate with probes deployed on other hosts.
Select a network that has access to the other machines and to vCenter.

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Click Next.

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VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation Guide

12

Review the installation summary and click Finish to begin the installation.
When the installation is complete, the virtual appliance is added in the vSphere Client.

13

In the Basic Tasks pane, click Power on the virtual appliance to start the virtual appliance.

To import the OVF file into the VI Client
1

Save the OVF file in a location that can be accessed from the VI Client.

2

In the VI Client, select File > Virtual Appliance > Import.

3

Select Import from file and click Browse to located the OVF file.

4

Click Next and click Next again.

5

Read and accept the End User License Agreement, and click Next.

6

Enter a name for the virtual appliance server in the Name text box.
The name must be unique.

7

From the Inventory Location tree, select the ESX host on which to install the virtual appliance, and click
Next.
The host must be managed by the monitored vCenter.

8

Select the datastore on which to store the files for the virtual appliance, and click Next.

9

From the Management Network drop‐down menu, select the network to use to manage the probes.
The AppSpeed server uses this network to deploy and communicate with probes deployed on other hosts.
Select a network that has access to the other machines and to vCenter.

10

Click Next.

11

Review the installation summary and click Finish to begin the installation.
When the installation is complete, the virtual appliance is added in the VI Client.

12

In the Basic Tasks pane, click Power on the virtual appliance to start the virtual appliance.

Configure the AppSpeed Server
You configure the AppSpeed server from the vSphere Client or VI Client. The first time you access the console
you are prompted to configure the AppSpeed server.
As part of the configuration process, AppSpeed performs the following actions in vCenter:
„

Creates a snapshot of the AppSpeed server virtual machine

„

Registers the AppSpeed plug‐in as a vCenter Client extension

„

Registers the redirection of AppSpeed in the vCenter proxy

„

Registers the AppSpeed server to start automatically when a host starts up

„

Registers the AppSpeed server power off settings so that AppSpeed is properly shut down when
powering off

To configure the AppSpeed Server
1

Power on the server virtual appliance and open the AppSpeed server console.
When the virtual appliance is booted, the console is displayed.

2

At the login prompt, type setup.
NOTE To exit the console after beginning the setup, press Ctrl+C to reinitiate the setup, and press Ctrl+C
again to exit the setup.

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Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring the AppSpeed Server

3

Press Enter to accept the default value or specify an alternative value.
The default (or previously defined) value for each parameter appears in brackets.

4

(Optional) Select a setting for the network management card.
a

Type Y to use DHCP settings.

b

Type N to set a fixed IP address. You are prompted to set the IP address, netmask, and gateway for
the management card.
NOTE If you do not want to specify the gateway, enter 0.0.0.0.

5

Set the AppSpeed time zone.
If the time zone list does not fit in the console window, press Shift + Page Up/ Page Down to view all
locations.

6

Configure the vCenter IP address, user name, and password when prompted.
Optionally, you can specify the port number. Type the port number immediately after the IP address,
preceded by a colon (:). For example, 10.23.89.89:8080 indicates port 8080 on IP address 10.23.89.89.

7

Press Enter to confirm that you want to complete the setup process.

8

(Optional) Press Ctrl+C to reinitiate the setup process and change any parameter values.
NOTE If you reinitiate the setup process, the previous answers are retained. You can change the values
as needed.

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When prompted, review the setup summary and type Y to accept the settings and complete the setup
process.

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3

Installing the AppSpeed Plug-In and
Probes

3

Before you can take advantage of the monitoring capabilities of AppSpeed, you must install the AppSpeed
plug‐in and deploy the AppSpeed probes.
This chapter includes the following topics:
„

“Install the AppSpeed Plug‐In” on page 13

„

“Deploying the AppSpeed Probes” on page 13

„

“Adding a License” on page 15

„

“Verifying the Installation” on page 15

„

“Managing SSL Keys” on page 16

Install the AppSpeed Plug-In
You must install the AppSpeed plug‐in on each vSphere Client or VI Client that needs to connect to AppSpeed.
To install the AppSpeed plug-in
1

In the vSphere Client or VI Client, select Plugins > Manage Plugins.

2

Select the AppSpeed plug‐in and click the Download and install button.
A progress window indicates the progress until the installation is complete.

3

Click Close when the installation is complete.

4

Enable the plug‐in:
a

In a VI Client, click the Installed tab. In the entry for the AppSpeed Utility, select the Enabled check box.

b

In a vSphere Client, right‐click vCenter and click Enabled in the plug‐ins list.

The AppSpeed icon is added to the toolbar.

Deploying the AppSpeed Probes
Before the monitoring process can begin, you must install at least one AppSpeed probe on one or more hosts.
Each probe can monitor up to three vSwitches. You can install more than one probe on the same host to
monitor additional vSwitches. The probe settings, including the management network, storage device, and
monitored vSwitches, are configured as part of the probe installation process.
You can add and remove probes. See “Install an AppSpeed Probe” on page 14 and “Delete Probes” on page 15.
To modify the probe configuration, see the VMware vCenter AppSpeed User’s Guide.
NOTE To configure the AppSpeed probe to monitor a vNetwork distributed switch, see “Configuring AppSpeed
with vNetwork Distributed Switching” on page 19

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VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation Guide

The AppSpeed probe deployment process automatically makes the following changes in the vCenter:
„

Creates a snapshot of the AppSpeed server virtual machine if one does not already exist. (To save disk
space, you can remove the AppSpeed snapshots after the probe installation is complete.)

„

Creates the AppSpeed Probes folder if it does not already exist.

„

Creates promiscuous port groups for the selected vSwitches.

„

Creates a probe by creating a linked clone; If it is not successful, AppSpeed creates a new virtual machine
and copies it. The virtual machine of the probe has the appropriate hardware settings, including CPU and
memory reservation.

„

Reconfigures the probeʹs cluster so that the probe is not subject to the Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS)
and High Availability (HA).

„

Powers on the probe

„

Edits and reconfigures the probeʹs settings

Install an AppSpeed Probe
You can install a probe on one host at a time, or you can install a probe on multiple hosts at the same time.
You can also install more than one probe on the same host.
To install a probe
1

Access the AppSpeed user interface:
a

In the vSphere Client, click Home > Solutions and Applications and click the AppSpeed icon.

b

In the VI Client, click the AppSpeed icon on the toolbar.

NOTE If the AppSpeed icon does not appear, verify that the AppSpeed plug‐in is selected in the Plugins
menu.
2

Select the check boxes for the hosts or clusters on which to install a probe and click Install Probes.
A probe is installed on each selected host, regardless of whether another probe is already installed on the host.
NOTE When you select the check box for a cluster, the check boxes for each host that it contains are
selected. Similarly, when you select a host, the probes already installed on it are selected.
The Probe Installation window displays a separate entry for each host that you select. Each entry appears
in a separate pane.
NOTE When you install a probe in AppSpeed, distributed vSwitches do not appear in the Probe Installation
window. To monitor these switches, you must configure the AppSpeed probe. See “Configuring AppSpeed
with vNetwork Distributed Switching” on page 19.

3

(Optional) Configure the probe for each host entry.
a

Type the name of the probe in the Probe Name text box.
If you do not specify a name, the AppSpeed server assigns a default name.

14

b

From the Storage drop‐down menu, select the storage device to which the probe connects.

c

From the Management Network drop‐down menu, select the network to use to manage the probes:
„

Select DHCP to use dynamic address settings.

„

Select Static IP to set a fixed IP address for the network management card. Enter the IP address
and netmask details. Optionally, enter the gateway details.

„

Select up to three monitoring vSwitches. The vSwitches sniff traffic on the configured
management network. By default, the first three available vSwitches are selected.
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Chapter 3 Installing the AppSpeed Plug-In and Probes

4

(Optional) To add an additional probe to a host, click
Install another probe on this host at the bottom
of the host entry and configure the probe as described in Step 3.

5

When you are done adding host‐probe combinations, click Install Probes.

6

Review the installation information, and click OK.
Alternatively, click Back to return to change any of the settings.
The installation progress is indicated in the Probe Status column in the Probes Management window.
Upon completion, the new probe is added to the All Probes folder. The probe is powered on and set up.

Power Probes On or Off
You can power probes on or off from the Probes Management window.
To power probes on or off
In the Probes Management window, select the check boxes for one or more probes, and click Power On or
Power Off.

Delete Probes
If you do not want to monitor the traffic on a specific host, you can remove the probes from that host.
To delete probes from hosts
1

In the Probes Management window, select the check boxes for one or more probes on the same or multiple
hosts, and click Delete Probe.

2

Click OK to confirm.
The probe is removed from the selected hosts only.

Adding a License
You must have an AppSpeed license to monitor servers.
To add a license
1

Click Licensing in the navigation pane of the Administration module.

2

Click Add License.

3

Enter the license key provided by VMware in the text box and click OK.
The license key is validated and its details are added in the License page.

Verifying the Installation
You can verify the successful installation and deployment of the probes by checking the probe status in any of
the following locations:
„

Recent Tasks pane of the vSphere Client or VI Client

„

vCenter Probes Management window

„

Servers tab or Transactions tab of the Unmapped Traffic page

If the probe is successfully installed and deployed, the status of the probe is Running. In addition, if active traffic
is present on the part of the network that the probe is monitoring, the traffic throughput is reflected accordingly.
NOTE The traffic throughput can be 0 if there is no traffic on the monitored vSwitches or if a problem occurs
with the installation. If the problem persists and you know that traffic is present, see Chapter 7,
“Troubleshooting,” on page 27.

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VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation Guide

View Unmapped Traffic
You can view information about the unmapped servers and transactions detected on the network. Unmapped
objects have not yet been mapped to a specific server or application.
NOTE The number of unmapped objects typically decreases as AppSpeed maps the environment.
To view unmapped traffic
1

In the navigation tree, select Applications and Servers.

2

Click Unmapped Traffic on the page selection bar.
You must configure the SSL keys for each endpoint where AppSpeed detects SSL traffic in order to view
unmapped traffic on HTTP sites that incorporate SSL protection. See “Managing SSL Keys” on page 16.

3

View the status information for the unmapped traffic.
„

Name: Name of the server or transaction.

„

Endpoint: IP address and ports used by the server (Servers tab only).

„

Latency: Average and standard deviation (STDEV) latency rates for the server or transaction.

„

Hits: Average number of hits per second for the server or transaction, and the total number of hits in
the specified timeframe.

„

Throughput: Average throughput for the server or transaction, and the total throughput in the
specified timeframe.

„

Errors: Average rate of errors, as a percentage, for the server or transaction.

Managing SSL Keys
For AppSpeed to monitor traffic on HTTPS sites that incorporate SSL protection, you must configure the SSL
keys for each endpoint (IP address and port pair) where AppSpeed detects SSL traffic.

View SSL Key Information
You can view the existing SSL key configuration in the AppSpeed user interface
To view SSL key information
1

Click SSL Management in the navigation pane of the Administration module.

2

View the secure site endpoints for which AppSpeed cannot monitor traffic without a key.
„

The Pending SSL Endpoints table lists the endpoints for which valid SSL keys are required, including
their IP addresses and ports. AppSpeed automatically identifies the SSL endpoints for which keys do
not exist.

„

The Monitored SSL Endpoints table lists the endpoints for which valid keys exist in AppSpeed,
including the respective server name, where available, and IP address and ports. AppSpeed monitors
traffic on these endpoints.

NOTE AppSpeed supports the configuration and monitoring of SSL keys for HTTPS sites only.

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Chapter 3 Installing the AppSpeed Plug-In and Probes

Add an SSL Key
You can assign a key to a pending endpoint to enable AppSpeed to actively monitor its traffic.
If necessary, you can extract the SSL files from the Web server to obtain the key (see “Extracting SSL Files” on
page 25).
To add an SSL key
1

In the SSL Management window, select the check boxes for the endpoints in the SSL Pending Endpoints
table and click Add/Update SSL key.

2

Browse to and open the key file.
The key is assigned to the selected endpoints. The endpoint moves from the SSL Pending Endpoints table
to the Monitored Endpoints table.

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4EN‐000185‐02

Configuring AppSpeed with vNetwork
Distributed Switching

4

When you install a probe in AppSpeed the distributed switches do not appear in the Probe Installation
window. You must manually configure AppSpeed to monitor these switches.
This chapter includes the following topics:
„

“Configuring AppSpeed to Monitor a vNetwork Distributed Switch” on page 19

„

“Configuring AppSpeed to Monitor Cisco Nexus 1000V Switches” on page 20

„

“Create a Temporary vSwitch” on page 21

Configuring AppSpeed to Monitor a vNetwork Distributed Switch
AppSpeed is able to monitor vNetwork Distributed Switches. However, AppSpeed is unable to directly install
a probe that will monitor such a vNetwork Distributed Switch.
To install a probe, you must specify an available vSwitch to monitor. Later on, you need to create a
promiscuous dvPortGroup and change the network settings of the probe to monitor the vNetwork Distributed
Switch. As with vSwitches, AppSpeed monitors only the virtual machines on hosts on which the probes are
installed.
NOTE To deploy a probe, there must be at least one available vSwitch on the host for the probe to monitor. If
the host does not have any vSwitches configured, or if all other vSwitches are already being monitored by
other probes, you must first create a new temporary vSwitch before you deploy the new probe. See “Create a
Temporary vSwitch” on page 21.

Create a dvPortGroup
If you deploy a vNetwork Distributed Switch, it is recommended that you add a new port group.
To create a port group
1

In the vSphere Client or VI Client, select Home > Networking.

2

Create a new port group for the vNetwork Distributed Switch:

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a

Select the vNetwork Distributed Switch.

b

From the Basic Tasks list, create a new port group.

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VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation Guide

Configure the dvPort Group
You must configure the vNetwork Distributed Switch ports to work in promiscuous mode so that the
AppSpeed probe can monitor the switch.
To configure the dvPort group
1

In the vSphere Client or VI Client, select Home > Networking.

2

Right‐click the corresponding port group in the vNetwork Distributed Switch and select Edit Settings.

3

Select Security.

4

Set the Promiscuous mode to Accept.

5

Select VLAN.

6

Set the VLAN type to VLAN Trunking.

7

Set the VLAN trunk range to 0‐4094.

8

Save your changes.

Configure the AppSpeed Probe to Monitor vNetwork Distributed Switches
Once the probe is deployed and set up (as described in “Deploying the AppSpeed Probes” on page 13), you
can configure the AppSpeed probe to monitor the distributed vSwitches.
To configure a probe to monitor a vNetwork distributed switch
1

In the vSphere Client or VI Client, select Home > Hosts and Clusters.

2

Right‐click the corresponding probe virtual machine and select Edit Settings.

3

Select the required network adapter.

4

From the Network drop‐down menu, select the relevant port group (by default, dvPortgroupX).

5

Verify that both the Connected and Connect at power on check boxes are selected.

Configuring AppSpeed to Monitor Cisco Nexus 1000V Switches
If only Nexus 1000V switches are configured in the vCenter or if all other vSwitches are already being
monitored by other probes, you need to create a new vSwitch before you deploy the probe.
NOTE To deploy a probe, there must be at least one available vSwitch on the host for the probe to monitor. If
the host does not have any vSwitches configured, or if all other vSwitches are already being monitored by
other probes, you must first create a new temporary vSwitch before you deploy the new probe. See “Create a
Temporary vSwitch” on page 21.

Configure Port Mirroring
You must configure port mirroring on the Cisco Nexus 1000V vSwitch ports so that the AppSpeed probe can
monitor a Nexus 1000V vSwitch.
To configure port mirroring

20

1

Set the server ports that you want to monitor as the source ports.

2

Set an unused port as the destination port.

3

Enable port mirroring on the switch.

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Chapter 4 Configuring AppSpeed with vNetwork Distributed Switching

Configure the AppSpeed Probe to Monitor Cisco Nexus 1000V Switch
After the probe is deployed and set up, you can configure it to monitor the Nexus 1000V switches.
To configure the AppSpeed probe to monitor a distributed vSwitch
1

In the vSphere Client or VI Client, select Home > Hosts and Clusters.

2

Right‐click the corresponding probe virtual machine and select Edit Settings.

3

Select the required network adapter.

4

From the Network drop‐down menu, select the relevant port with port mirroring configured.

5

Verify that both the Connected and Connect at power on check boxes are selected.

Create a Temporary vSwitch
To deploy a probe, there must be at least one available vSwitch on the host for the probe to monitor. If the host
does not have any vSwitches configured, or if all other vSwitches are already being monitored by other probes,
you must first create a new temporary vSwitch before you deploy the new probe.
NOTE If an available vSwitch exists on the host, you do not need to create a temporary switch.
To create a temporary vSwitch
1

In the vSphere Client or VI Client, select Home > Hosts and Clusters.

2

Select the destination host on which you want to install the probe.

3

Select Configuration > Networking > Add Networking Wizard.

4

In the Connection Type window, select the Virtual Machine option and click Next.

5

Deselect the check boxes for the NICs and click Next.

6

Name the vSwitch in the Network label text box and click Next.

7

Click Finish.

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5

Upgrading AppSpeed

5

If a new version of AppSpeed is available, you can upgrade to that version.
This chapter includes the following topics:
„

“Overview of the Upgrade Process” on page 23

„

“Upgrade AppSpeed” on page 23

Overview of the Upgrade Process
The AppSpeed upgrade process uses an ISO image and is fully automated. The ISO image is provided by
VMware.
You upgrade AppSpeed by connecting the ISO image with the new version to the AppSpeed server machine
and running a command‐line interface (CLI) command. The CLI command performs the following actions:
1

Upgrades the AppSpeed server and performs two sequential reboots.

2

Sets up the AppSpeed server with the new version, keeping all configurations and monitoring data of the
previous version.

3

Creates a recovery virtual machine snapshot on the AppSpeed server machine to which you can revert at
any time.

4

Creates a backup copy of all the configuration and monitoring data to enable the upgrade to restore
existing data.

5

Distributes the upgraded version to all probes.

You can observe the progress of the AppSpeed server upgrade and set up processes from the console. You can
observe the redeployment of the probes in the AppSpeed user interface.

Upgrade AppSpeed
You upgrade AppSpeed version using the ISO image provided by VMware.
To upgrade AppSpeed
1

Save the ISO file provided by VMware to a location on your network.

2

In the vSphere Client or VI Client, connect the AppSpeed server to the ISO file.
a

Select the AppSpeed server machine in the inventory tree.

b

Click Connect CD/DVD and select Connect to ISO image from the drop‐down menu.

c

Browse to the location of the ISO file.

3

Log in to the AppSpeed server console as the console user.

4

From the default console shell, run the command upgrade_AppSpeed.

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VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation Guide

5

Press Enter to run the upgrade script.
The upgrade process reboots the AppSpeed server and recreates all AppSpeed probes. This might take a
long time.
NOTE If an error occurs during the script execution, an error message appears indicating the nature of
the error.
After the AppSpeed server boots from the ISO image, it continues the upgrade process. This process can
take up to one hour.
When the process is complete, the ISO image reboots the system and starts a second upgrade script.
A message appears indicating that the AppSpeed server upgrade is complete.
You are prompted to disconnect the ISO file.

6

Disconnect the ISO file in the Client.
The script recreates the probes in the new version. You can monitor the redeployment process from the
AppSpeed Probes Deployment window.

7

24

Verify the redeployment of the probes, as described in “Verifying the Installation” on page 15.

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6

Extracting SSL Files

6

You can extract the SSL files from the Web server to obtain the SSL keys. The procedure varies according to the
type of Web server.

Extract SSL Files from an Apache Server
You can extract the SSL files from an Apache server.
To extract SSL files from an Apache server
1

In the Apache conf directory, open the http.conf file. The filename is either
/etc/httpd/conf.d/ssl.conf or /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf.

2

Locate the SSLCertificateKeyFile command on the SSL site.

3

Save a copy of the file that appears under SSLCertificateKeyFile as [cluster].key and transfer it
to the vSphere Client machine.
You can select and upload the key file to the AppSpeed server (see “Add an SSL Key” on page 17).

Extract SSL Files from a Microsoft IIS 6.0 Server
You can extract the SSL files from a Microsoft IIS 6.0 server.
To export the IIS key file
1

Select Start Programs > Administrative Tools > Internet Information System (IIS) Manager.

2

Expand the COMPUTERNAME (local computer) tree in the left pane, and then expand the Web Site tree.

3

Right‐click Default Web Site and select Properties.

4

Select the Directory Security tab, and then select the Server Certificate button.

5

Select Next, select Export the current certificate to a PFX file, and select Next again.

6

Select a file for the exported certificate and key to be written, and select Next.

7

Enter the password with which the key is to be encrypted.
During the export process, a password is requested to protect the key. If a password is assigned, remember
this password. This password is required when importing the key into AppSpeed.

8

Re‐enter the password in the Confirm Password text box.

9

Select Finish.
The PFX file should be transferred to the vSphere Client machine and uploaded to the AppSpeed server
(see “Add an SSL Key” on page 17).

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VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation Guide

Extract SSL Files from a Microsoft IIS 7.0 Server
This section describes how to extract the SSL files from a Microsoft IIS 7.0 server.
To export the IIS 7.0 key file
1

Select Start Programs > Administrative Tools > Internet Information System (IIS) Manager.

2

Expand the COMPUTERNAME (local computer) tree in the left pane and then double‐click the Server
Certificates icon in the middle pane.

3

Right‐click the certificate and select Export.
A PFX file is created.
During the export process, a password is requested to protect the key. If a password is assigned, remember
this password. This password is required when importing the key into AppSpeed.
The PFX file should be transferred to the vSphere Client machine and uploaded to the AppSpeed server
(see “Add an SSL Key” on page 17).

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7

Troubleshooting

7

If you encounter problems when using AppSpeed, use this troubleshooting information to try and resolve the
problem.
This chapter includes the following topics:
„

“AppSpeed Setup Errors” on page 27

„

“AppSpeed User Interface Loading Problems” on page 28

„

“General Errors While Using AppSpeed” on page 30

AppSpeed Setup Errors
If you have problems while setting up AppSpeed, try these troubleshooting suggestions.
Problem
Setup fails and the following error message appears:
Connection timed out. Verify the vCenter address and try again.
Cause
You entered an incorrect vCenter Server IP address during setup.
Solution
1

Verify the accuracy of the vCenter Server IP address.

2

Run setup again and enter the correct IP address.

Problem
Setup fails and the following error message appears:
Connection timed out. Verify the vCenter address and try again.
Cause
The vCenter HTTPS Web Service port is not configured to work with the default port 443.
Solution
1

Check the vCenter Web Service port.

2

Run setup again and enter : in the vCenter parameters section.

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VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation Guide

Problem
Setup fails and the following error message appears:
Connection timed out. Verify the vCenter address and try again.
Cause
The vCenter HTTPS Web Service port is blocked to traffic between the AppSpeed server and vCenter Server.
Solution
1

Verify with IT that the vCenter HTTPS Web Service port on the firewall is open from the AppSpeed server
to vCenter Server.

2

Run setup again.

3

If the problem persists, try running Telnet to the vCenter IP with the vCenter HTTPS Web Service
configured to port 443 to verify that the port is open.

Problem
The following error message appears:
The remote server returned an error: Server Unavailable
Cause
The vSphere Client or VI Client uses HTTP to download the AppSpeed user interface from the AppSpeed
server. If the firewall between the vSphere Client or VI Client and the AppSpeed server is closed for port 80,
the download fails.
Solution
1

Verify that port 80 is open on the firewall.

2

If the problem persists, log in to the AppSpeed server virtual machine as the console user and run
restart_AppSpeed.

Problem
The following error message appears:
The application failed to initialize properly, click OK to terminate the application.
Cause
A problem occurred in the AppSpeed server.
Solution
1

Log in to the AppSpeed server virtual machine as the console user.

2

From the console, run restart_AppSpeed.

AppSpeed User Interface Loading Problems
If you have problems loading the AppSpeed user interface, try these troubleshooting suggestions.
Problem
After clicking the AppSpeed plug‐in Download and Install link, the following message appears:
The remote server returned an error: (404) Not Found.
Cause
The AppSpeed plug‐in fails to install if vCenter is not configured to work with port 80.

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Chapter 7 Troubleshooting

Solution
1

Manually download the setup.exe file from:
http://:/AppSpeed/static/setup.exe

2

Run the setup.exe file. (Close the vCenter before performing the installation)

3

On the machine running the vCenter Client, go to C:\Program
Files\VMware\Infrastructure\Virtual Infrastructure Client\Plugins\AppSpeed.

4

Open the Settings.config file in a text editor.

5

Replace the line  with the line:
 http://:/AppSpeed/.

6

Replace the line AppSpeed with
.
For example, for vCenter 1.2.3.4 and port 8080, use:
http://1.2.3.4:8080/AppSpeed//AppSpeed>,
consult your system administrator.
Cause
An HTTP connection to the AppSpeed server is refused due to certificate authorization issues.
Solution
1

In Internet Explorer or Firefox, go to http://.
A message appears indicating that the server’s certificate must be approved before the machine allows
HTTP connections.

2

Approve the certificate using the Web browser.

3

Restart the VI Client.

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VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation Guide

4

Click the AppSpeed button.

5

If the problem persists, go to http:///AppSpeed/static/setup.exe and download
setup.exe from the AppSpeed Brain.
If you succeed, the server is accessible.

6

If the problem persists and the 503 Service Unavailable message appears, log in to the AppSpeed server
virtual machine as the console user and run restart_AppSpeed from the console.

Problem
The user interface cannot connect to AppSpeed.
Cause
Storage used by the AppSpeed server was disconnected for a while causing the file system to respond as a
read‐only file system.
Verify the cause by logging into the console on the AppSpeed virtual machine and running commands such
as start_AppSpeed or restart_AppSpeed. The resulting error message will indicate that the file system is
read‐only. For example, a message similar to the following one might appear:
OS Error: [Error 30] Read‐only file system: ʹtwistd.pid’
Solution
1

Validate that the storage is up.

2

From the vSphere Client or VI client, reboot the AppSpeed server’s virtual machine to reinitialize the file
system.

General Errors While Using AppSpeed
If you have problems while using AppSpeed, try these troubleshooting suggestions.
Problem
A virtual machines is not in the AppSpeed inventory tree.
Cause
No AppSpeed probe is configured to monitor the virtual machine.
Solution
1

Verify that an AppSpeed probe is running and located together with the virtual machine on the same host.

2

In the host networking configuration, verify that the AppSpeed probe is connected to the vSwitch that the
virtual machine uses for traffic handling.

Cause
The virtual machine is not mapped due to a low volume of traffic.
Solution
1

In the Analysis module, select Applications and Servers in the inventory tree.

2

Click Unmapped Traffic on the page selection bar.

3

Click the Servers tab and search for the virtual machine.
A low number of hits indicates that the virtual machine is not yet mapped.

Cause
The virtual machine is not displayed because SSL private keys need to be loaded.

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Chapter 7 Troubleshooting

Solution
1

In the user interface, select SSL Management in the Administration module and verify that the server
appears on the list.

2

If the server is on the list, load the corresponding private keys.
See “Managing SSL Keys” on page 16.

Problem
Your application does not appear in the AppSpeed user interface.
Solution
1

In the Analysis module, select Applications and Servers in the inventory tree.

2

Select Unmapped Traffic on the page selection bar.

3

Click the Servers tab and search for the server that runs the application under the relevant protocol.
A low number of hits indicates that the application is not yet mapped. In the Transactions tab, you can
see the transactions that are not mapped to an application due to a low number of hits.

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If the server is not discovered, verify that the AppSpeed probe is running and connected to the same
vSwitch that the server uses for traffic handling.

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VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation Guide

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Index

A

L

Adobe Flash Player 8
AppSpeed
install plug-in 13
upgrade 23
AppSpeed probes, See probes
AppSpeed server
communications with vCenter Server 8
configure 10
install 9
probe communication 8
AppSpeed snapshots 14

licensing 15

C
Cisco Nexus 1000V, See Nexus 1000V switches

D
delete probes 15
deployment considerations 8
DHCP 8
distributed switches
configure probe 20
create port group 19
create vSwitch 21
promiscuous mode 20

E
ESX
compatible versions 7
host selection 10

F
file system
read-only 30

H
HTTPS 8
HTTPS sites 16

I
import OVF file
to VI Client 10
to vSphere Client 9
installation
prerequisites 7
verify 15
workflow 7
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M
Microsoft IIS 6.0 server 25
Microsoft IIS 7.0 server 26
mirroring ports 20

N
Nexus 1000V switches
configure probe 21
create vSwitch 20
port mirroring 20

O
OpenVPN 8
OVF file
import to VI Client 10
import to vSphere Client 9

P
port groups 19
ports
mirroring 20
open 8
requirements 8
TCP 8
UDP 8
power probes on or off 15
probe deployment
changes in vCenter 14
probes
communication with AppSpeed server 8
configure for vNetwork distributed switches 20
configure to monitor Nexus 1000V 21
delete 15
deploy
deployment 13
install 14
power on or off 15
promiscuous mode 20

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VMware vCenter AppSpeed Installation Guide

R
requirements
open ports 8
probes 8
server 8
system 8

S
servers
unmapped 16
SSL endpoints
monitored 16
pending 16
SSL keys 16
add 17
extract from Apache server 25
extract from Microsoft IIS 6.0 server 25
extract from Microsoft IIS 7.0 server 26
view information 16
system requirements 8

T
time zone 11
troubleshooting
general 30
read-only file system 30
setup errors 27
user interface loading problems 28

U
unmapped traffic 16
upgrade AppSpeed 23
user interface
troubleshooting loading problems 28

V
vCenter proxy interface 8
verify installation 15
VI Client 7
import OVF file 10
vSphere Client 7
import OVF file 9
vSwitch
create for vNetwork distributed switch 21

W
workflow 7

34

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