VMware 5.5 installation failure >8 Broadcom 10 Gb Ethernet Ports - IBM System x

Resolving The Problem

Source

RETAIN tip: H212441

Symptom

Installation of VMware ESXi 5.5 can fail in a system with more than eight (8) Broadcom 10 Gigabit (Gb) Ethernet ports.

Some systems have been observed to continually restart with this configuration.

Affected configurations

The system may be any of the following IBM servers:

• System x3850 X6, type 3837 (4-socket, 3-year warranty), any model
• System x3850 X6, type 3839 (4-socket, 4-year warranty), any model, any 3850 x6

The system is configured with at least one of the following:

• VMware ESXi 5.5, Base Install

The system is configured with one or more of the following IBM Options:

• Broadcom NetXtreme II Dual-Port 10GbE BaseT Adapter for IBM System x, Option part number 44T1353, any 44T1370
  

Note: This does not imply that the network operating system will work under all combinations of hardware and software.

Please see the compatibility page for more information:

http://www.ibm.com/systems/info/x86servers/serverproven/compat/us/

The system has the symptom described above.

Solution

This is a permanent restriction. Refer to VMware's published port limitations at:

Workaround

There is no workaround when Broadcom adapters are installed totaling more than eight (8) 10Gb ports.

Reduce the total number of Broadcom ports.

Additional information

Refer to VMware's published port limitations at: