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waichai16
Contributor
Contributor

Network Adapter keep "Disconnected"

I install ESXi 4.1.0 update 1 on IBM x3100 M3, installation successful with no error.

But after I installation, the VM server can't access network, I get into "Configure Management Network" > "Network Adapters", it can find the NIC but keep show "Disconnected" in Status. Replaced Lan cable, Hubs with no luck, install extra NIC also no luck, both 2 NIC show "Disconnected". I tested load a Linux from CD, it can access network. I plugged the extra NIC to the other ESXi 4.1.0 update 1 server is work.

Both onboard NIC and extra NIC is Intel 82574L Gigabit NIC.

I've no idea about this issue and nothing found from Google.

Please give suggestion, thank you.

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13 Replies
ABDJBR
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

hi ,

have you checked the "configured speed , duplex " in the network adapter properties ?

if there is any mismatch between the switch and the NIC ( mismatch in negotiate mode ) the NIC will be disconnected from the network .

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jeffgetz
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Hi,

This may seem like a stupid question, but I'll ask it anyway. You have the VM's NIC connected to a vSwitch that's uplinked to your host's physical network adapters, right?  Can your ESXi host ping out to the network? I've just started using vSphere myself within the past few months and the networking piece can be a little difficult to get set up correctly.

Jeff

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ABDJBR
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

hi,

if you can ping the ESX host from any PC on the network ( and that's usually the normal case ) then for sure the host can ping !

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vladuke
Contributor
Contributor

Absolutely the same problem. I'm try to install "ESXi 4.1 installable with IBM Customization" (downloaded from vmware site and from ibm site) and just "ESXi 4.1 Installable Update 1". Build numbers: 348481, 381591. No difference.

Try to disable integrated network in bios, when installed external network adapter.

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waichai16
Contributor
Contributor

I test to change full/half deplux with speed 10/100/1000 also show disconnected, connected to Gigabit switch also no work.

I can't ping other device in network, can't get IP from DHCP, can't ping even I access IP, both from and to the esxi server.

I've disabled on board nic when I add external nic, no luck.

thank you for your suggestions. any other i can try?

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ABDJBR
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

when you tested the speed negotiating , did you unplug the network cable and plug it again , cause when the speed change it has to negotiate that with the switch , otherwise our NIC will be disconnected !

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waichai16
Contributor
Contributor

try unplug cable not work, it keep showing in esxcfg-nics -l

Link: Down, Speed: 0Mbps, Duplex: Half

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vladuke
Contributor
Contributor

  • You can send request to Support IBM
  • Do you have external nic not on chip 82574L?

The problem not with external network hardware like switches, cables or speed/duplex negotiation.

The problem with module e1000e for ESXi kernel and IBM hardware, because on the integrated NIC works also IBM web-managment interface. IBM and VMware make special builds ESXi, which, imho, should fix bugs like this.

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Gabriel_Chapman
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Are you sure that system is on the vSphere HCL? I didn't see it after a quick search.

Ex Gladio Equitas
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vladuke
Contributor
Contributor

In vSphere HCL no HP ML110, but ESXi perfectly work on it. Servers ML110 and x3100 are the same level.

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Gabriel_Chapman
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

For starters, you cannot expect a system not in the HCL to work, you won't get support from VMWare for it because they will not waste their time especially with an antiquated box such as this one.

Second, IBM boxes are very finicky when it comes to VMWare and compatability. Simply stated, IBM has not even bothered to test this system for ESX/i any version. IBM serverproven will list your box, and its compatible components and their tested status vs different OS/Hypervisors:

http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/info/x86servers/serverproven/compat/us/country_sp/4253.html#LAN

Thats the 3100, you can click through any component and none of them will be certified or supported for ESX/ESXi.

To bottom line it, you're wasting your time with that system and ESX/ESXi

Ex Gladio Equitas
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Mareg
Contributor
Contributor

My solution is use second nic Intel  PRO/1000 GT. Works also with WMWare ESXi 5.0 .

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ashokltcg
Contributor
Contributor

Hi ,

I have executed below command , but still i am unable to enable my physical network adapter.

esxcli network nic up -n vmxxxx

Please guide me how to enable to those disconnected physical nic in esxi host.

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