ESXI5 - Broadcom 5720 QP 1Gb Network Daughter Card

[JMAjurgen]

Hi,

I'm new to virtualisation and have downloaded the vSphere 5 trial.

I have a new DELL PowerEdge R720 server with Broadcom 5720 QP 1Gb Network Daughter Card.

On installing vSpere I get a "No Network Adapters" message.

I've already tried the offline "VMware ESXi 5.0 Driver CD for Broadcom NetXtreme II Network/iSCSI/FCoE"

http://downloads.vmware.com/d/details/dt_esxi50_broadcom_netxtreme_17034v501/dCV0YnRAJXdidGVkZA==

And inserted it in the install iso but I still get the same message and the install does not continue.

Anyone that can help me with this?

Regards

Jurgen

[Vannus]

Your best bet is to create a custom ISO file with Image Builder, then burn it to CD or build from the iDRAC on the server.

A video showing the image builder process can be found here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfjEyB2FTwc

Make sure you have the correct driver version as specified on the VMware support matrix, you may also need a minimum firmware revision on the card.

[JMAjurgen]

Hi,

First of all, thanks for the reply.

I've tried building a custom iso, but with a gui tool (don't know the name at this moment and deleted it out of frustration...).

I think the problem is in the drivers.

The ones I've found are not exactly for my nic's (BCM5720) but for BCM5706/BCM5708/BCM5709/BCM5716.

Still it was the closest thing I could find.

Can't find any BCM5720 driver for vSphere...

So if I can't find the drivers I just can't user vSphere on the server... Nice...

Can't keep wasting my time on something that should work out of the box.

Guess it will be Microsoft afterall and no sale for VMware.

I'll give you a "Yes, my question has been answered" although my problem is not solved, but as I said, I'm wasting waaay to much time with this.

Regards,

Jurgen

[Vannus · Accepted solution]

Looking at the support matrix, it should be this driver

http://downloads.vmware.com/d/details/dt_esxi50_broadcom_tg3_3_120h_v50_2/dHRAYnRAd2piZHAlJQ==

Use the proper image builder cmdlets in PowerCLI to build the ISO file, I have yet to find a GUI version that works properly for ESXi 5.0. (doesnt mean there isnt one).

The ones you were using was the overall bundle that includes the hardware iscsi and the FCoE drivers for the older NetXtreme variant i think.

It would seem that there is an inbox driver that should be compatible as part of the standard 5.0u1 cd, it should at least see the cards. you may want to check the server BIOS and firmware, and the NIC firmware levels at the dell support site. (enter your service tag to ensure you get drivers for the correct variant)

Regards

[JMAjurgen]

Hi Vannus,

I'm at home at the moment, I'll give it a try tomorrow at work.

I'll let you know if I can get it running.

Thanks again for your time and effort!!!!!

Regards,

Jurgen

------------------------------------------------

Update

------------------------------------------------

Hi Vannus,

I have it running with the drivers you suggested.

Just because I was curious I've made the iso with the CLI and the tool I used (I've found it again on the internet --> ESXi-Customizer-v2.7), and they both work.

So, thanks again for all your help!!!!

I've given you the helpfull and correct answer points.

Kind regards and good luck in life

Jurgen

Message was edited by: JMAjurgen

[Vannus]

Your most welcome.

I'll check out ESXi-Customizer, not one I have come accross before.

Regards

[salwinsys]

I'm having same issues as well. Where can I find the correct driver for ESXi 5.0 Broadcom 5720 QP and Broadcom 5719 QP.

Thanks,

Vishal

[Vannus]

I suspect its the same driver as the one linked to above,

check the manufacturer and card type against the VMware Compatibility matrix

[davidvieira]

Hello Vannus and Jurgen -

I'm sorry you were having this trouble finding the right drivers for the BCM5720 on the VMware website. They are not always easy to find... I had to search for 'netxtreme tg3'. Also, it doesn't help that the "release date" shown for all of the various ESXi 5.0  driver versions is 2011-08-22, which is obviously not correct...it's hard to see what the latest version really is.

Jurgen, I noticed in this thread that you were able to get things working with the 3.120h driver that Vannus found for you. There was a newer version posted around the time of this thread (3.123b). I suggest you check the release notes and decide if you want to update. There are one or two 5720-related fixes.

https://my.vmware.com/group/vmware/details?downloadGroup=DT-ESXi50-Broadcom-tg3-3123bv501&productId=...

I hope this helps.

Dave

[RvStenis]

Hi there.

Ive installed the 3.120 driver but i only get 2 out of 4 nics, then tried the 3.124 driver but still no success

I have a DELL PE M520 server, the right switch installed, idrac sees 4 nics installed on the embedded fabric. the nic is reported as BCM5720 so this should be right..

Hope someone can help.

Gr.

Ron.

[tbsault]

You can download the Dell-customized ESXi installer image from support.dell.com. Follow the steps below to download the ESXi installer media:

1.  Go to support.dell.com.

2.  Select your line of business.

3.  Enter your Service Tag or Choose Your Product from a list.

4.  Go to The Drivers & Downloads page.

5.  Choose the Operating System as ESXi <Appropriate Version>

6.  Expand Enterprise Solutions.

7.  Click Download File beside the appropriate image.

[davidvieira]

Hi Ron -

Are you still having this issue?  Have you confirmed that both 5720 controllers are also enabled in the M520 BIOS?

Dave

[RvStenis]

Yesterday i managed to find the time to install the dell cd image and indeed it contained the right drivers, all 4 ports are available.

[omerfaruksen]

Just a quick update on this issue which i think it may be useful

http://communities.vmware.com/message/2069580#2069580

[csindelar205]

Fixed my problem.  Thanks so much for the good post.