How many NICs(net-interface) ESXi U4 supporte

[linanfang]

Hi:

Recently I met one problem, I install 2 more NIC on my ESXi server so totally it has 4 network interfaces, but it seems like only two interfaces can work simultaneously.

When I use a third interface, either one of the previous working interface down or the new one can not work.

So I want to ask one simple question, is there any restrict on the NIC number like CPU on ESXi?

If not, it must be my own problem and I will try other way to fix it.

Thanks very much~~

[AndreTheGiant]

Are all the NICs in HCL?

ESX/ESXi support more the 20 NIC (it depends of the NIC model)

Andrea

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[linanfang]

Hi, thanks for answering.

All the NICs are in the HCL, because I can use any 2 of the 4, they are working great. But when I active the 3rd one, it cause some troubles.

Sometime I lose my Vi-client connection(means one of the previous NIC fail to work) and sometime I can not get the new NIC MAC(means new one do not work).

So I am very sure they can all work alone. Is there any details about the multiple NICs configuration? You said 20 NIC, that means ESXi searver can be installed 20 physical NIC and can work well?

Anyway, thanks a lot~:)

[kjb007]

You can have 4 vNICs on a vm max. Also, you may want to check your vSwitch. By default, it is created with 24 / 56 ports. Each vNIC uses one port. See if you've used all your ports up. Go to the esx networking section. Edit the vswitch settings and you can see how many are there.

-KjB

VMware vExpert

[AndreTheGiant]

For all the ESXi limits follow the Configuration Maximums for VMware Infrastructure 3

If you have network problem (using more NICs) you have to check you physical network and switchs.

On the ESX side you can simple connect the NICs to a vSwitch using default teaming policy.

Andre

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[linanfang]

OK, thanks all very much, tomorrow I will go to lab and check V-switch and do some configuration, also I will check my own physical network.

Anyway, thanks, these hints are very usful for me. I appreciate you all:)

[kjb007]

Happy to help. Let us know how it goes.

-KjB

VMware vExpert