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VMware Server Alternate Port
Port 904 serves as an alternate communication channel for VMware components when the default port 902 is unavailable, often on certain Linux distributions such as SUSE. It facilitates management connections for ESXi hosts, vCenter Server, and remote console services, playing a critical role in the VMware virtualization ecosystem by enabling secure and efficient management traffic flow..
Port 904 is used as an alternative to VMware's default port 902 to facilitate management and remote console connections to ESXi hosts and other VMware infrastructure components. This occurs primarily in circumstances where port 902 is occupied or blocked due to system-specific configurations like on some SUSE Linux distributions.
When active, port 904 handles communication between the VMware Client, such as the vSphere Client or other management utilities, and VMware ESXi hosts. This includes remote console operations, file transfers, authentication sequences, and communication with VMware agents residing on the hosts. Its presence helps maintain management continuity, particularly in complex environments with diverse deployment scenarios.
The port is typically enabled by VMware services such as the hostd management agent and the vpxa (vCenter Agent). Since it is not the primary port, it is often dynamically activated based on network conditions or administrative configuration, ensuring operational flexibility within VMware's virtualization framework.