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mredwarren
Contributor
Contributor

VMware Newbie - Issue with ESXi 6.0

Hello to all,

I am a server tech who has had a small sized virtualized network handed to me and since I have been knee deep in vm-ish, no exaggeration.

I have a server that needed ESXi 6.0 reloaded ( I know, extremely out of date) however that is what was turned over. I rebuilt RAID, installed ESXi however after initial configuration two noticeable issues.

1. The network lights on the server are flashing very, very fast. I mean like very fast. I know there is a portchannel on the Cisco (3 links) to three of the server Ethernet ports. Is this normal? I checked the switch interfaces for failed packets and there are none. Host #2 is set up the same way and has not issues communicating.

2. I thought I would need to get in and set up the PortGroup, vmkernel, vnic, etc., but after configuring the IP address, DFGW, DNS, etc., I can only ping the DFGW. I also cannot cannot pull up the WebUI. With all four ethernets connected there is no connectivity however once I connect only NIC3 cable I can ping the DFGW. My domain controller is in Host #2 which is on the same subnet but the newly install Host #1 cannot ping it or any VMs there. I cannot ping the Host from a desktop either.

I tried connecting a laptop to the server directly but it failed. I think I will need a cross over cable or a cross over adapter. (Checking that tomorrow).

I installed this in my home lab (2 x ESXi Hosts) and worked like a charm but for the life of me cannot figure out the issue.

Hoping to get some pointers from the community.

Thanks,

Ed

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4 Replies
IRIX201110141
Champion
Champion

Remove the Etherchannel on your Cisco switch and ask your self what kind of problem you would solve with the etherchannel.

Regards,
Joerg

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jburen
Expert
Expert

First, I agree with the other comment: etherchannels can cause issues when used for the wrong reasons.

But back to your issues. When you installed ESXi did you configure an IP address and other networking parameters i.e. gateway? After you configure that you would have a Standard Switch with a port group for your vmkernel adapter vmk0. This adapter would have the IP config that you configured during setup. If things are not working open the console of your server and login to the DCUI (Direct Console UI).

You can also compare settings with the second host.

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mredwarren
Contributor
Contributor

I was able to gain access to the DCUI where I configured the settings identical to Host #2. It was finally narrowed down that the portchannel was the issue.

The other host has VLAN 400 and is able to communicate on the network which is confusing. I had to remove VLAN 400 inside of the new ESXi in order to get connectivity. I am not sure if it is due to me not having the networking portion configured yet in the host (portchannels, vmkernels, vnics, etc.).

Finally, I read that I can export the configuration from Host #2 for backup. Is it possible to tweak that configuration file (change IP address and other information) and import it into the new Host seeing that both host would have nearly the same information (portchannels, vmkernels, vnics, etc)? I am trying to cut down on time but ensure I am configuring it correctly. I was not sure I could do that or not.

Thanks for any additional information you both can provide.

R/

Ed

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jburen
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Expert

Afaik there is no option to export a configuration from a host and import it to another besides Host Profiles. But even then, a host profile for a host is always unique (IP address etc.) Make sure that the ports the hosts are connected to, are trunk ports on your switch and configure the correct VLANs on those ports. Also, make sure that the correct VLAN is configured for your management network (DCUI). Other VLAN can be used for the port groups.

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