VMXNET3 Support Unavailable in Content Analysis 4.1

Products

• Content Analysis Software
• ISG Content Analysis

Issue/Introduction

Users are advised that support for the vmxnet3 network adapter driver has been inadvertently omitted or is currently non-functional in Content Analysis 4.1.

Upgrading to this version while using the vmxnet3 adapter will result in a total loss of network connectivity.

Environment

Any deployment utilizing VMWare vmxnet3 network adapters.

Resolution

Symptoms:

• Upon upgrading to Content Analysis 4.1, the network interface will fail to initialize.

• The Content Analysis may report "% failed Network is unreachable" or "Interface does not exist"

• Loss of communication with the appliance immediately after the upgrade reboot.

DO NOT UPGRADE TO CONTENT ANALYSIS RELEASE 4.1 IF YOU ARE USING VMXNET3 adapters.

We strongly recommend that all customers currently utilizing vmxnet3 adapters remain on Content Analysis 3.2.

Please delay your upgrade plans until patch release of Content Analysis 4.2 is available to address this driver incompatibility.

 

Resolution Plan:

Engineering is working to address the omission of the compatibility in the 4.1. build. Content Analysis 4.2 will restore full vmxnet3 support. 

Target Release: Content Analysis 4.2 (ETA: 2026Q2)

Additional Information

Workarounds

If upgrading to Content Analysis 4.1 is unavoidable (e.g., for critical security patches unrelated to networking), you must change the virtual network adapter type before performing the upgrade.

Switch to E1000 adapters. The E1000 (Intel 82545EM Gigabit Ethernet) adapter is fully supported in Content Analysis 4.1 and provides stable connectivity.

Steps to Implement:

1. Shutdown the Content Analysis.

2. Edit the VM settings in your hypervisor management console.

3. Remove the all existing vmxnet3 network adapter(s).

4. Add a new network adapter(s) and select E1000 as the adapter type.

5. Ensure the new adapter is connected to the correct Virtual Switch/Port Group.

6. Power on the Content Analysis.

7. Proceed with the upgrade to Release 4.1.