vmnic2 on HPE ConnectX-6 Lx adapters fails with Link State Down (Failed criteria: 128)

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• A physical NIC (specifically vmnic2 / Port 2) on an ESXi host remains in a "Link Status: Down" state.
• The esxcli network nic list command shows "Admin Status: Up" but "Link Status: Down."
• In /var/run/log/vobd.log, the following error is observed: [vob.net.dvport.uplink.transition.down] Uplink: vmnic2 is down. Failed criteria: 128
• The issue persists after hardware replacements (SFP, Switch Module).

Environment

• Hardware: HPE servers utilizing Mellanox/NVIDIA ConnectX-6 Lx adapters.
• Firmware: 26.31.1014.
• Software: VMware ESXi 7.0.x / 8.0.x.

Cause

A known firmware defect in version 26.31.1014 for HPE ConnectX-6 Lx adapters causes Port 2 to be forced into a permanent "Line Down" state following configuration changes, such as MTU adjustments or vSwitch bindings. Port 1 typically remains functional.

Resolution

Update the network adapter firmware to a version higher than 26.31.1014.

1. Refer to HPE Edgeline Engineering Advisory (HPE ID: a00133944en_us) for detailed hardware compatibility. (HPE Edgeline Engineering Advisory (HPE ID: a00133944en_us)) https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=a00133944en_us&docLocale=en_US
2. Download the latest supported firmware from the HPE Support Center.
3. Apply the firmware update and reboot the ESXi host.
4. Verify the link status using: esxcli network nic list.

Additional Information

For general troubleshooting of "Failed criteria 128," see http://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article?articleNumber=318898