Enhanced VMXNET adapter cannot obtain a DHCP IP address with FreeBSD 8.x, 9.x, or 10.x

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

The enhanced VMXNET adapter (VMXNET 2) cannot obtain a DHCP IP address when used on a virtual machine with the FreeBSD 8.x, 9.x, or 10.x guest OS.

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 5.1

Resolution

Use the VMXNET 3 adapter instead of the enhanced VMXNET adapter. The VMXNET 3 adapter will allow the FreeBSD 8.x, 9.x, or 10.x guest operating system to obtain the DHCP IP address.

1. In the vSphere Client inventory, right-click the virtual machine and select Edit Settings.
2. On the Hardware tab click Add.
3. Select Ethernet Adapter and click Next.
4. Select VMXNET 3 for the adapter type from the drop-down menu.
5. In the Network connection panel, select either a named network with a specified label or a legacy network.
6. To connect the virtual NIC when the virtual machine is powered on, select Connect at power on.
7. Click Next.
8. Review your selections and click Finish.
9. Click OK to save your changes.