This article provides information on enabling and disabling link aggregation, NIC Teaming, Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), and EtherChannel connectivity between ESXi/ESX and Physical Network Switches.
Note: There are a number of requirements which need to be considered before implementing any form of link aggregation. For more information on these requirements, see Host requirements for link aggregation (etherchannel, port channel, or LACP) in ESXi (1001938).
VMware vSphere ESXi 7.x
VMware vSphere ESXi 8.x
To remove EtherChannel, there must only be one active network adapter on the vSwitch/dvSwitch. Ensure that the other host NICs in the EtherChannel configuration are disconnected (Link Down). Perform one of these options:
With only a single network card online, you can then remove the portchannel configuration from the physical network switch and change the network teaming settings on the vSwitch/dvSwitch from IP HASH to portID. For more information about teaming, see NIC teaming in ESXi and ESX (1004088).
Note: Both adding and removing a host from an LACP configuration can be complicated process, especially if the management vmkernel is using the LACP uplink group. There is a chance for network disruption due to this complication.
Host requirements for link aggregation for ESXi and ESX
VLAN configuration on virtual switches, physical switches, and virtual machines