Potential Network Issues:
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Issue
After adding an ESXi host to a Distributed Switch, the host's virtual switch topology does not show all the Distributed Switch port groups .
Explanation
For example, the ESXi host below is added to the Distributed Switch, but has no vmkernels or virtual machines attached to the Distributed Switch.
Solution
This is an expected behavior. When an ESXi host is added to a Distributed Switch, it is given what is called a
host proxy switch, which is a switch that resides on every host that is associated with a vSphere Distributed Switch. The host proxy switch replicates the networking configuration set on the vSphere Distributed Switch to the particular host.
The topology diagram of a host proxy switch only shows the adapters attached to the switch ports on the host, and any VMs and vmkernels attached to the Distributed Switch's port groups. The topology diagram of the host proxy switch does not show port groups of the Distributed Switch if they are unused by the host. The user can see the entire Distributed Switch by viewing the topology of the distributed switch directly.
To see the Distributed Switch's topology:
- Select the Networks tab in the left sidebar of vCenter.
- Select the Distributed Switch.
- Select Configure > Topology.
Issue
Explanation
For example, this datacenter has three hosts- d49, d50, and d51. When the Networks tab is selected in the left sidebar of vCenter, there are port groups listed, one of which is called VM Network. When VM Network is selected, there is a tab in the middle of the screen for "
Hosts". Host d51 is clearly missing:
![host missing](https://api-broadcomcms-software.wolkenservicedesk.com/attachment/get_attachment_content?uniqueFileId=1512262744188)
Any time an ESXi host is missing from this tab, it means the host has not been given this switch or port group yet. When a host is added to vCenter Server, it is not automatically given networks. You must configure the host for them.
Solution
If the network is a Distributed Switch, the ESXi host needs to be added to the Distributed Switch. This can be accomplished by:
- Select the Distributed Switch in the Networks tab in the left sidebar of vCenter,
- Click Actions > Add and Manage Hosts. Follow the wizard and the host will now be added to every network of that Distributed Switch.
If the network is on a Standard Switch, then the network needs to be added to the host individually. If there are other working hosts in the datacenter, it is best practice to copy those hosts, adding port groups with the same name on the new host. Follow the Port Group Configuration documentation for more information.
Note: These network labels must be the same across hosts to allow the VMs to vMotion.