Enabling SR-IOV on physical Servers

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

There might be multiple scenarios that require us to validate on why SR-IOV status shows as "Not-Supported" in ESXi configuration. One such reason would be that the said feature isn't enabled in Server BIOS. 

This article provides the steps on how to validate and enable the feature.

In the image below, the SR-IOV staus shows as Not Supported for Physical adapters.

Cause

In some server BIOS, the SR-IOV feature shall be set to 'Disabled' be default.

Resolution

Note: Before you proceed further in validating SR-IOV status in server BIOS, please check Broadcom Compatibility Guide to reference if the physical adapter has SR-IOV feature supported. Also, the following steps requires downtime or placing host in maintenance mode, proceed accordingly.

Steps to Enable SR-IOV:

1. SR-IOV Global

• • Place the ESXi host in Maintenance Mode.
  • Log in to the iDRAC for the server and launch the Virtual Console.
  • Restart the server.
  • After the Dell EMC blue screen appears, press F2 to enter setup.
  • Select System BIOS.
  • Navigate to Integrated Devices.
  • Set the SR-IOV Global Enable parameter to Enabled. 

     2. SR-IOV - Device Level:

• • Go to System Setup Main Menu.
  • Select Device Settings.
  • Choose the NIC adapter.
  • Select Main Configuration Page.
  • Choose Device Level Configuration.

 

   3. SR-IOV - Virtual Mode Parameter:

 

• Save the Changes and exit the system setup.
• Reboot the server and Exit Maintenance Mode for the host.
• Notice that for the host, ‘SRIOV Status’ for a vmnic is seen as ‘Disabled’.
• Select the vmnic adapter and click on Edit Settings.
  • Change the status from Disabled to Enabled.
  • Select the number of Virtual Functions and click OK.
• Reboot the ESXi host to apply the changes.

Additional Information

Note: All the above said changes should be reviewed and validated from Server manuals. If there is a difference, Server Manual stands true and valid.