Unable to ping ESXi host management IP address from vCenter

Products

• VMware vCenter Server
• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

 

• A newly deployed ESXi host cannot be reached by ICMP (ping) from vCenter or from other ESXi hosts in the same environment.

• Attempts to SSH or connect via Host Client using the ESXi management IP address fail.

• The management IP address of the ESXi host is configured and visible in the DCUI, but network connectivity is unavailable.

 

Environment

 

• VMware vSphere ESXi 7.0, 8.0, and later versions

• VMware vCenter Server 7.0, 8.0, and later versions

 

Cause

The issue occurs when the incorrect VLAN ID is configured for the Management Network on the ESXi host.

• If the VLAN ID does not match the VLAN used by vCenter Server and other ESXi hosts management interfaces, traffic cannot reach the ESXi host management IP.

• This typically occurs with newly deployed hosts, where the default VLAN ID setting (0 = untagged) was not adjusted to match the production management VLAN.

Resolution

 

• Access the ESXi host via Direct Console User Interface (DCUI) or iDRAC/iLO/remote console.

• From the DCUI main menu, navigate to: Configure Management Network → VLAN (optional)
  
  

• Enter a valid VLAN ID number from 1 through 4094 and press Enter key.
  
  
  
  
• Type "ESC" and select "Yes", this will apply the change and restore the management network .
  
  
  
• Run ping test again from vCenter or other ESXi host.

 

Additional Information

Follow ESXi Configuring Network Settings guide for ESXi network configuration details.