PowerFlex netPortFlap_PrintReport events are frequently reported in vmkernel log

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

PowerFlex netPortFlap_PrintReport events are frequently reported in vmkernel log.

2026-06-27T17:45:58.358Z cpu32:2098342)WARNING: PowerFlex netPortFlap_PrintReport:213 :FLAP: Portal 1/2 clientAddr <VMK_IP_Addr>, serverAddr: <SDS_IP_Address>, peer objId: #############, type: 1, num sockets: 2 (0 requalify) is weak violating
2026-06-27T17:45:58.358Z cpu32:2098342)WARNING: PowerFlex netPortFlap_PrintReport:213 :FLAP: Portal 2/2 clientAddr <VMK_IP_Addr>, serverAddr: <SDS_IP_Address>, peer objId: #############, type: 1, num sockets: 2 (0 requalify) is weak violating

Environment

ESXi

DELL PowerFlex Storage array (Formerly known as Scale IO)

Cause

The connectivity flap occurs between the ESXi host and PowerFlex nodes due to underlying network instability, storage side issues, or local network interface card (NIC) constraints.

Resolution

1. Review the SDS IP address in the vmkernel logs.
   
   
   1. 1. If only one IP is reported repeatedly, the specific SDS node must be investigated.
      2. If multiple IPs are reported, proceed to the following steps
         
         
2. Perform standard network troubleshooting between the ESXi host and the PowerFlex storage nodes to rule out packet loss or routing issues.
   
   
3. Investigate for possible network congestion on the network infrastructure
   
   
4. If the issue is isolated to be external to the ESXi host, involve the storage vendor (Dell) or the physical network team for further investigation.

Additional Information

Troubleshooting network and TCP/UDP port connectivity issues on Hosts