1. Open a console to the ESX host. For more information, see Unable to connect to an ESX host using Secure Shell (SSH) (1003807).
   
   
2. Open the /etc/sysconfig/static-routes file using a text editor. For more information, see Editing configuration files in VMware ESX (1017022).
   
   
3. Add a line for each desired static route using the syntax:
   
   any net <TargetNetwork> netmask <NetmaskAddress> gw <GatewayAddress>
   
   For example, to route network traffic destined for 142.121.56.0/23 through the gateway at 244.58.175.1, add the line:
   
   any net 142.121.56.0 netmask 255.255.254.0 gw 244.58.175.1
   
   
4. Run this command to apply the network configuration change:
   
   # service network restart
   
   
5. Run this command to verify that the route was added successfully:
   
   # route
   

To manually add a static route on a running host:

1. Open a console to the ESX host. For more information, see Unable to connect to an ESX host using Secure Shell (SSH) (1003807).
   
   
2. Add a static route using the command:
   
   # route add -net <TargetNetwork> netmask <NetmaskAddress> gw <GatewayAddress>
   
   For example, to route network traffic destined for 142.121.56.0/23 through the gateway at 244.58.175.1, run the command:
   
   # route add -net 142.121.56.0 netmask 255.255.254.0 gw 244.58.175.1
   
   
3. Run this command to verify that the route was added successfully:
   
   # route
   

Note: The configuration change takes effect immediately, but does not persist across a reboot

For more information on configuring static routes for specific interfaces, see the Configuring Static Routes section of the RHEL 6 Deployment Guide.

Note: The preceding link was correct as of March 24, 2011. If you find the link is broken, provide feedback and a VMware employee will update the link.