Does ESXi 5.5 support VMDq?

[Eric1118]

Hello Guys,

According this article, it mentions how to enable VMDq in ESXi 5.1

http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=102609...

In the NOTE:

This method does not work for ESXi 5.5.x. The Intel igb driver 4.2.16.8 and newer have vmdq disabled for 5.5.

I had checked the VMware document and google, but can't find answer.

So, How can I enable VMDq in ESXi 5.5?

Please advise.

[vfk]

Have a look at this thread Re: Intel-VT Features and VMware Support of those Features?

[vNEX]

Hello Eric,

in my opinion KB1026094 just tells you that igb driver 4.2.16.8 and later for Intel 82576 and 82580 adapters isn't supported/doesn't work on ESXi 5.5.

NetQueue ie. VMware implementation of Intel VMDq (VT-c feature family)  is enabled by default on ESXi host. You just need the proper inbox driver for

your network adapter which supports VMDq or get certified async driver from NIC vendor.

For more info how to get and install async drivers see:

VMware KB: Installing async drivers on VMware ESXi 5.0, 5.1, and 5.5

For driver status check and enabling VMDq on specific driver see:

VMware KB: Broadcom 5719/5720 NICs using tg3 driver become unresponsive and stop traffic in vSphere

VMware KB: Enabling NetQueue on Intel Gigabit Network Devices Using the igb Driver in ESX/ESXi 4.x a...

Beware of some issues:

VMware KB: Out of memory with enabled NetQueue when using jumbo frames on ESXi 5.1 and later

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Regards,

P.

[PhilJ_FL]

I realize that this is an old post, but just to tie a bow on it since I was searching for the same information today, here's the KB article stating that VMDq has been deprecated as of 5.5 for 1Gb adapters:

http://kb.vmware.com/kb/2090693‌

Why the NetQueue article wasn't updated with complete information is a mystery (or looks like a lack of QA if you're type-A <wink>).