Attempts to create or clone virtual machines result in MAC address space error in vCenter Server 5.5

Products

• VMware vCenter Server
• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

While creating or cloning virtual machines, the following error message is displayed:
VC MAC address space is exhausted

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 5.5.x
VMware vSphere ESXi 5.5

Resolution

Perform the following steps to reclaim the MAC address space:
 

1. In the vSphere Web Client, navigate to the vCenter Server instance.
2. On the Manage tab, select Advanced Settings.
3. Click Edit.
4. In the Key text box, type vpxd.network.macReclaim.
5. In the Value text box, type true.
6. Click Add.
7. Click OK.

You do not need to restart vpxd for the changes to be applied.