Looking to automate NSX for vSphere? Unsure where to start? Look no further than PowerNSX.

NSX, PowerShell, PowerNSX

PowerNSX is a PowerShell module that abstracts the VMware NSX for vSphere API to a set of easily used PowerShell functions. It aims to focus on exposing New, Update, Remove and Get operations for all key NSX functions as well as adding additional functionality to extend the capabilities of NSX for vSphere management beyond the native UI or API.

PowerNSX works closely with VMware PowerCLI, and PowerCLI users will feel quickly at home using PowerNSX. Together these tools provide a comprehensive command line environment to manage your VMware NSX for vSphere environments.

PowerNSX continues to be updated and feature requests are welcome via the issues tracker on the projects GitHub page. Remember that VMware does not support this module, and PowerNSX comes with no warranties express or implied. Please test and validate PowerNSXs functionality before using in a production environment.

What’s in the box?

So what does your free download of PowerNSX give you?

At a glance:

  • Over 210 cmdlets providing CRUD operations for a majority of NSX for vSphere’s capability. This command-line environment (programmatic language) allows for projects and applications of all sizes!
    • Quickly deploy entire application stacks that include networking, security, and load balancer functions
    • Develop tools for operational validation with ease
    • Easy interaction with NSX objects through abstractions

PowerNSX provides an approachable start to automation with friendly commands, fleshed out help, and many examples. Whether you are a user of command line style interaction or prefer wholesale automation through extensive scripts and programs, PowerNSX provides anyone the ability to automate their network virtualisation platform.

Am I the only one using this?

Definitely not! A number of customers use PowerNSX in their day to day operations. Additionally,  PowerCLI administrators are expanding their already familiar toolset into network virtualisation with PowerNSX. Some examples are listed below:

  • A global cloud provider uses PowerNSX to automate the build of base tenants NSX networks. This helps them onboard a new on-premises customer in an automated fashion that takes minutes and not days
  • A large utility provider automating deployment of mission critical systems and attesting their deployment with custom built tools through PowerNSX
  • A global fashion outlet rapidly performs operational tasks using PowerNSX. This allows faster validation of their environment for their Site Reliability Engineers
  • As PowerNSX gains traction, the authors see requests and comments from customers in all verticals. These customers range from SMBs, MSs, and global enterprises
  • Internally, VMware uses PowerNSX for a number of projects too!

Want to learn more?

VMworld 2016 had a distinct focus on automation and operations with VMware NSX for vSphere. The author of PowerNSX presented at VMworld Las Vegas and Barcelona, and the Las Vegas session can be reviewed anytime:

Each session covers the reason why the tool was developed, what makes PowerNSX unique, and how to get up and running with PowerNSX. It also covers a number of sample use cases and demonstrates some example applications.

You can also join the VMware:{code} slack channel and chat with other like minded individuals over at vmwarecode.slack.com.

Get the tool

PowerNSX is a free tool that you can find on VMware’s GitHub page. You can download it today!

  • Download now on GitHub and start automating your NSX environment.
  • Find out more at the Homepage which includes tips, tricks, examples, and all things happening with PowerNSX.