VMware

This Question is Not Answered

1 "correct" answer available (10 pts) 2 "helpful" answers available (6 pts)
4 Replies Last post: Nov 7, 2009 4:11 AM by Formatter  

ESXI 4 and VMdirectpath Configuration posted: Jul 19, 2009 8:46 AM

Click to view Formatter's profile Hot Shot
Formatter
230 posts since
Jul 27, 2008

Having a Dell Poweredge T610 I have a number of USB ports that show as able to be configured for passthrough. One such port I believe is the one that I rin the ESXI sd card on and there are a few others that may have functions that they do. However, how do you sort out which ports you may be able to passthrough to a vm and which ones are in use and you shouldnt passthrough? anyone have any ideas?

P Skipton

Re: ESXI 4 and VMdirectpath Configuration

1. Sep 23, 2009 4:33 AM in response to: Formatter
Click to view Formatter's profile Hot Shot
Formatter
230 posts since
Jul 27, 2008
Here is a pic of what shows so maybe someone could make a suggestion.

Has anyone tried this or can anyone tell me which usb port is the one that I am booting from on the internal sd card slot? Or how to find out?

Attachments:

Re: ESXI 4 and VMdirectpath Configuration

2. Nov 5, 2009 10:49 AM in response to: Formatter
Click to view Zymergi's profile Lurker
Zymergi
1 posts since
Nov 5, 2009
I too have been configuring this.

In the dell bios, Intel Virtualization Technology... which I assume includes VT-d (direct IO); was enabled


reboot


Now in vCenter I selected all the USB related devices (exactly the same as your screen shot)... the icon went to "Reboot host required"


reboot ESX (vSphere4) server


Upon connection, the passthrough devices no longer appear. (was hoping for the green circle)


This link was the only other help on the issue I could find:


http://vm-help.com/esx40i/VMDirectPath/USB_Setup.php


One difference, the dell USB devices are off the root whilst in the article they are nested heirarchally.


Off to browse the vSphere logs.

I found no entries in Adminstration / System Logs / <vCenter node> mentioning either "adding" the above devices for passthru or removing them upon system start.

http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/pedge/en/server-poweredge-t610-tech-guidebook.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Host_controller_interface

lead me to believe that we are NOT dealing with PCI usb. And could be the root cause...

If so, next step is to purchase PCI USB card and install on machine and see if passthru works then... notice in the ...USB_Setup.php link he uses a PCI device rather than the orphaned USB Controller device

Re: ESXI 4 and VMdirectpath Configuration

3. Nov 5, 2009 7:42 PM in response to: Zymergi
Click to view Dave.Mishchenko's profile Guru
Dave.Mishchen…
8,948 posts since
Nov 15, 2005
Zymergi, when you see Intel VT in the BIOS it is referring to VT-x. You'll want a specific option for Directed I/O (VT-d). What sort of server and chipset are you dealing with?

Perry, how did you make out with your server?




Dave
VMware Communities User Moderator

New book in town - vSphere Quick Start Guide -http://www.yellow-bricks.com/2009/08/12/new-book-in-town-vsphere-quick-start-guide/.
Do you have a system or PCI card working with VMDirectPath? Submit your specs to the Unofficial VMDirectPath HCL - http://www.vm-help.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=21.

Re: ESXI 4 and VMdirectpath Configuration

4. Nov 7, 2009 4:11 AM in response to: Dave.Mishchen…
Click to view Formatter's profile Hot Shot
Formatter
230 posts since
Jul 27, 2008

Dave,

I have found the same issue, in the Dell T610 the usb does not seem to be PCI based even though it looks like it should be. Thats ok I am also getting an actual PCI usb and I am going to try that. Since my server is working so well I really didnt want to take a chance on making the boot CF card unavalible as I do have some production machines on that T610.

I shall post when I get the card and I am able to test.

Thanks for asking how it was going Dave, Also large VMware VMUG in Halifax Nova Scotia on the 24 Nov 2009 at the WTC.

Actions

VMware Developer

SDKs, APIs, Videos, Learn and much more in the Developer community.

Learn More

Developer Sample Code

Increase your developer productivity with VMware API sample code.

Learn More

VMworld Sessions & Labs

Online access to the latest VMworld Sessions & Labs and online services.

Learn more

Purchase PSO Credits Online

Purchase credits to redeem training and consulting services online.

Buy Now

Community Hardware Software

View reported configurations or report your own.

Learn More

VMware vSphere

Come witness the next giant leap in virtualization.

Register Today

Communities