Host powering off when any uplink is placed down from command line

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• Host not responding state in vCenter
• When one uplink is placed down from the command line with the command  #esxcli network nic down -n vmnicX, the ESXi powers off automatically. 
• vobd.log reports the below error:

In(14) vobd[#######]:  [UserLevelCorrelator] 129869551us: [esx.audit.host.poweroff.reason.unavailable] The host is being powered off. The poweroff was not the result of a kernel error, deliberate reboot, or shut down. This could indicate a hardware issue. Hardware may reboot abruptly due to power outages, faulty components, and heating issues. To investigate further, engage the hardware vendor.
In(14) vobd[#######]:  [GenericCorrelator] 570850654us: [vob.user.hostd.host.poweroff.reason] Reason for power off: <Reason for reboot: The host is being powered off through Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI).>, User: <UNKNOWN_USER>
In(14) vobd[######]:  [UserLevelCorrelator] 570850654us: [vob.user.hostd.host.poweroff.reason] Reason for power off: <Reason for reboot: The host is being powered off through Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI).>, User: <UNKNOWN_USER>

 

Environment

VMware ESXi 8.0

Cause

An abrupt power off/shutdown of the ESXi host without intervention could be related to one of the following:

• Hardware issue(s)
• BIOS setting with Automated server recovery
• Third party calls using API

Resolution

Contact your hardware vendor to investigate further.

Additional Information

Determining why an ESXi host was powered off or restarted