ESXI 6 - Physical NIC vmnic linkstate is down/up - Every few seconds

[iPhrankie]

Hello Everyone,

We're getting an info/warning event every few seconds. vmnic5 linkstate is down and then one second later it is back up. This is occurring constantly.

Physical NIC vmnic5 linkstate is down. warning 8/30/2016 10:58:43 AM vmware2

Physical NIC vmnic5 linkstate is up. info 8/30/2016 10:58:44 AM vmware2

It is an Intel 82599 10 Gigabit Dual Port Network Connection. The VIB driver was download and installed from the VMware site.

I switched the cable from one port to the other and the problem persisted on that port - vmnic4/vmnic5.

It is being used for VM traffic. I removed it from the vSwitch and it's not assigned to anything. The event still occurs.

VMware ESXi Version 6.0.0 / Build 3073146

Any thoughts? Many thanks.

[iPhrankie · Accepted solution]

It turns out the NIC needed to be reseated in the server chassis. The indicator light on the switch indicated a good connection (giving a false status). Once the cable was unplugged and reinserted the indicator light did not come back on. The path was followed back to the NIC and reseated. The indicator light on the switch then indicated a good connection.

Problem solved for now.