The default behavior is to configure the ESXi management network using DHCP. You can override the default behavior and use static IP settings for the management network after the installation is completed.

Table 1. Network Configuration Scenarios Supported by ESXi
Scenario Approach
You want to accept the DHCP-configured IP settings. In the ESXi direct console, you can find the IP address assigned through DHCP to the ESXi management interface. You can use that IP address to connect to the host from the vSphere Client and customize settings, including changing the management IP address.

One of the following is true:

  • You do not have a DHCP server.
  • The ESXi host is not connected to a DHCP server.
  • Your connected DHCP server is not functioning properly.

During the autoconfiguration phase, the software assigns the link local IP address, which is in the subnet 169.254.x.x/16. The assigned IP address appears on the direct console.

You can override the link local IP address by configuring a static IP address using the direct console.
The ESXi host is connected to a functioning DHCP server, but you do not want to use the DHCP-configured IP address.

During the autoconfiguration phase, the software assigns a DHCP-configured IP address.

You can make the initial connection by using the DHCP-configured IP address. Then you can configure a static IP address.

If you have physical access to the ESXi host, you can override the DHCP-configured IP address by configuring a static IP address using the direct console.
Your security deployment policies do not permit unconfigured hosts to be powered on the network. Follow the setup procedure in Configure the Network Settings on a Host That Is Not Attached to the Network.