Virtual machine loses network connectivity after vMotion with Notify Switches enabled

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

A virtual machine loses network connectivity after performing a vMotion.

The Notify Switches setting is enabled on the virtual switch/portgroup.

When using tcpdump to analyze packet traffic, it is determined that a RARP request is sent normally after the virtual machine has been moved via vMotion to the destination host.

Reviewing the MAC table on the physical switch(es), the MAC address of the VM is not moving to a new switchport after the vMotion.

Cause

The physical switch is not updating the MAC table appropriately.

Resolution

Work with your physical network team or vendor to determine why the switch is not updating correctly.

Additional Information

If the RARP is not determined to be sent, please see A virtual machine loses network connectivity after vMotion.