Virtual machine does not respond to ping (ICMP) requests while connections over other protocols are successful

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• A virtual machine does not reply to ping (ICMP) requests.
• Connection attempts over other protocols (RDP for a Windows VM, SSH for a Linux VM for example) are successful.
• Domain logins at a VM console are successful

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi

Cause

The behavior where specific protocols (like RDP) work while ICMP fails is likely due to  protocol-level filtering, often caused by guest OS firewall settings, security software, or intermediate security gateways (like NSX or physical firewalls).

Resolution

This is expected behavior in certain circumstances.

If ICMP response is expected, check the guest OS firewall or any devices in the datapath between the source and destination VM that may be filtering network traffic.

Additional Information

Troubleshooting virtual machine network connection issues

Virtual Machine to Virtual Machine Communication Failure