Some Intel NICs lose network connectivity after rebooting the ESX host

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• After rebooting the ESX host, some Intel NICs lose network connectivity.
• The NICs appear to be available, but do not work.

Environment

VMware ESX Server 3.5.x
VMware ESXi 3.5.x Embedded
VMware ESXi 3.5.x Installable

Resolution

To troubleshoot this issue, use the ethtool to verify if the NIC is functional.

To verify if the NIC is functional:

1. Log in to the ESX console.
2. Run this command:
   
   # ethtool-S vmnicX
   
   If rx_missed_errors and rx_no_buffer_count increment, the NIC is not functional.

To resolve this issue install this patch depending on your product version:

• For ESX 3.5 : VMware ESX 3.5, Patch ESX350-200912404-BG: Updates igb driver(1016661)
• For ESXi 3.5: VMware ESXi 3.5, Patch ESXe350-200912401-I-BG: Updates Firmware(1016664)

To workaround this issue, you must change the speed settings on the device and then revert to the original settings. For example, if your NIC speed is set to Auto negotiate, change the speed to 1000 Mbps and then revert it to auto negotiate.

To change the speed settings and to revert to the original value:

1. Log in to vCenter Server and navigate to Host > Configuration.
2. Click Networking under Hardware.
3. Click Properties... of the vSwitch.
4. In the vSwitch Properties dialog, click the Network Adapters tab.
5. Click the network adapter and then click Edit....
6. Select 1000 Mb, Full Duplex from the Configured Speed, Duplex dropdown.
7. Click OK and then Close.
8. Repeat Steps 3 to 5 and reset the speed to the original value.