VMware uses a file package called a VIB (VMware Installation Bundle) as the mechanism for installing or upgrading software packages, drivers on an ESX server.
The file may be installed directly on an ESX server from the command line or we can deploy using VMware update manager. Here I am going to mention about the command line method of doing the upgrade.
Install or update a patch/driver on the host using these esxcli commands:
COMMAND LINE INSTALLATION
New Installation
For new installs, you should perform the following steps, Issue the following command (full path to the file must be specified):
esxcli software vib install -v {VIBFILE} or esxcli software vib install -d {OFFLINE_BUNDLE}
Upgrade Installation
The upgrade process is similar to a new install, except the command that should be issued is the following:
esxcli software vib update –v {VIBFILE} or esxcli software vib update -d {OFFLINE_BUNDLE}
Notes:
To install or update a .zip file, use the -d option. To install or update a .vib file use the -v option.
The install method has the possibility of overwriting existing drivers. If you are using 3rd party ESXi images, VMware recommends using the update method to prevent an unbootable state.
Depending on the certificate used to sign the VIB, you may need to change the host acceptance level. To do this, use the following command: esxcli software acceptance:
esxcli software acceptance set –level=