Integrating Grafana with the vPostgres database from vCenter allows you to visualize and monitor your VMware environment’s metrics and logs. Follow this detailed guide to set up and connect Grafana to your vCenter’s database.

Step 1: Enable vPostgres Database Access on vCenter

vPostgres on vCenter is restricted by default. To enable access:

• SSH into the vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA):
  • Enable SSH via the vSphere Web Client or vCenter Console.
  • Connect via SSH:ssh root@
• Access the Shell:
  • If not already in the shell, execute:shell
• Enable vPostgres Remote Access:
  • Edit the vPostgres configuration file:vi /storage/db/vpostgres/postgresql.conf
  • Modify the listen_addresses:listen_addresses = '*'
  • Save and exit.
• Configure Client Authentication:
  • Edit the pg_hba.conf file:vi /storage/db/vpostgres/pg_hba.conf
  • Add permission for the Grafana server:host all all /32 md5
  • Save and exit.
• Restart vPostgres Service:service-control --restart vmware-vpostgres

Step 2: Retrieve vPostgres Credentials

• Locate vPostgres Credentials:
  • The vcdb.properties file contains the necessary credentials:cat /etc/vmware-vpx/vcdb.properties
  • Look for username and password entries.
• Test Database Connection Locally:psql -U vc -d VCDB -h localhost
  • Replace vc and VCDB with the actual username and database name found in vcdb.properties.

Step 3: Install PostgreSQL Client (Optional)

If required, install the PostgreSQL client on the Grafana host to test connectivity.

• On Debian/Ubuntu:sudo apt install postgresql-client
• On CentOS/RHEL:sudo yum install postgresql
• Test the connection:psql -U vc -d VCDB -h

Step 4: Add PostgreSQL Data Source in Grafana

• Log in to Grafana:
  • Open Grafana in your web browser:http://:3000
  • Default credentials: admin / admin.
• Add a PostgreSQL Data Source:
  • Go to Configuration > Data Sources.
  • Click Add Data Source and select PostgreSQL.
• Configure the Data Source:
  • Host: :5432
  • Database: VCDB (or as found in vcdb.properties)
  • User: vc (or from vcdb.properties)
  • Password: As per vcdb.properties
  • SSL Mode: disable (unless SSL is configured)
  • Save and test the connection.

Step 5: Create Dashboards and Queries

• Create a New Dashboard:
  • Click the + (Create) button and select Dashboard.
  • Add a new panel.
• Write PostgreSQL Queries:
  • Example query to fetch recent events:SELECT * FROM vpx_event WHERE create_time > now() - interval '1 day';
  • Customize as needed for specific metrics or logs (e.g., VM events, tasks, performance data).
• Visualize Data:
  • Use Grafana’s visualization tools (e.g., tables, graphs) to display your data.

Step 6: Secure Access

• Restrict vPostgres Access:
  • In the pg_hba.conf file, limit connections to just your Grafana server:host all all /32 md5
• Use SSL (Optional):
  • Enable SSL in the postgresql.conf file:ssl = on
  • Use SSL certificates for enhanced security.
• Change Default Passwords:
  • Update the vPostgres password for added security:psql -U postgres -c "ALTER USER vc WITH PASSWORD 'newpassword';"

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This setup enables you to harness the power of Grafana for monitoring your VMware vCenter environment using its vPostgres database. Adjust configurations per your operational security standards and ensure that incoming connections are properly authenticated and encrypted. Adjust paths and configurations according to the specifics of your environment.