Choice of Network Adaptors for VM ?

[TonyJK]

Hi,

We just get a Health Check Report from consultant.  He comments that "Network Adaptors on most VMs are default adaptors (Flexible or E1000).

1) We just wonder whether it is desirable to change the Network Adaptors for different Operating Systems ?  Is there any documentation mention the proper Network Adaptors to be used ?

2) Besides, after changing the Network Adaptor, will we get hidden NIC that has to be cleared ?

Your advice is sought.

[aravinds3107]

1) VMXNET3 would be the best choice as you would be gettng 10Gbps NIC speed but the VM hardware version should be of version 7 for the NIC to be supported

Refer http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=100180...

2) Hidden devices should not be present when the network adapters are removed and re-added

[TonyJK]

Hi,

Thanks for your advice.

Could it be possible to give me the command for changing the NIC being used by the VM ?

Besides, should we use vnxnet3 for VNXNET 3 NIC ?

Thanks

[aravinds3107]

It is VMXNET3,

Are you looking for a script to change for a single VM or multiple VM, if its a single VM you can remove and add a the network adapters using vSphere Client

[nava_thulasi39]

Hi,

This below KB article gives workaround to change the network adaptors type.

http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=102007...

It needs the VM downtime and when you change the adpter from e1000 to vmxnet3, the VM loses all the network relevant information. So you need to feed all network relevant information again. (if you have static IP address)

Hence not sure, there is any automation as ready to use.