DVS is not visible on ESXi host and vMotion fails with network compatibility error

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

1. The Distributed Virtual Switch (DVS) is not visible on the ESXi host. During normal vMotion operations of a VM, the task fails with a network compatibility error, as shown in the screenshot below.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Configuration notification message.

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 7.0.x

VMware vCenter Server 8.0.x

Cause

The host is out of sync with the DVS, so the distributed switch details do not appear on the host, which in turn causes network-related errors during vMotion. The host is also not accessible through SSH, Host UI, or DCUI console.

Resolution

Rebooting the ESXi host restores functionality and allows the host to sync back with the DVS. After the reboot, the DVS becomes visible on the host, and vMotion proceeds without network errors.