Driver Version in Hardware Compatibility List (HCL).

[csTUG]

Hi there,

We are trying to find out, if a new software version for our storage array is supported by VMware. The results in the VMware HCL list specific driver versions in the "Device Driver" column.

Are these driver version the minimum driver version supported by ESXi or are only these exact driver version supported? E.g., the HCL lists be2iscsi 4.1.334.3 and be2net 4.1.334.0, we have be2iscsi 4.9.288.0 and be2net 4.9.303.0 (i.e., newer versions) installed.

Thanks and best regards,

Josef.

[a_p_]

What exactly did you search for in the HCL?

The Drivers section in the VMware downloads lists the newer versions (see https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/details?downloadGroup=DT-ESXI5X-EMULEX-BE2NET-492880&productId=285 , and/or https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/details?downloadGroup=DT-ESX55-EMULEX-BE2ISCSI-493030&productId=353 )

Afaik VMware usually supports newer driver versions as long as they are also supported by the hardware vendor.

André

[csTUG]

I was trying to find out, if HP LeftHand OS 11.5 (storage software) on HP StoreVirtual 4730 storage nodes (storage hardware) is supported on our VMware hosts (HP BL460c) with ESXi 5.1 U2. On our VMware hosts, be2iscsi 4.9.288.0 and be2net 4.9.303.0 are installed.

I was looking this configuration up in the HCL, and got the results depicted in the screenshot below (last row, SAN/IQ 11.5).

I.e., supported device drivers listed in the HCL are be2iscsi 4.1.334.3 and be2net 4.1.334.0, we have newer versions installed.

My questions is if the driver versions listed in the HCL are the minimum versions (so our newer versions would work), or if these are the exact versions that are supported (so our newer versions might work, but are not supported).

Thanks,

Josef.

[a_p_]

In this case it looks like you have either the HP OEM image (or parts of it) installed on the hosts, which contains the newer drivers. (see http://vibsdepot.hp.com/hpq/recipes/HP-VMware-Recipe.pdf) As mentioned before, VMware works closely together with vendor's like HP, and if they recommend newer drivers or settings other than those in the HCL, VMware usually supports this too.

André

[csTUG]

Hi André,

You are completely right, we are using HP's OEM image for installing ESXi on the hosts. In addition to this, we are utilising HP's VIBs depot in VUM in order to stay up-to-date with the drivers.

Thanks,

Josef.