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Table Of Contents
Hardware or Driver Issues on VMware Channel NICs
NIC malfunctions and old or incorrect drivers can cause channel drops resulting in poor performance.
Problem
The VMware Channel intermittently drops or disconnects and reconnects.
Cause
The following are common causes of NIC problems.
Old or incorrect VMware Channel NIC drivers
Hardware failure of the hub or Ethernet switch used for the VMware Channel connection
Defective Ethernet patch or crossover cables
Improper conguration of the NICs used for the VMware Channel connection
ISP problems in a WAN environment
Solution
When a NIC problem is encountered, perform the following checks:
1 Verify that VMware Channel NIC drivers are the correct and latest versions. Known issues are identied
with HP/Compaq ProLiant NC67xx/NC77xx Gigabit Ethernet NICs. Check other NIC types. See knowledge
base article 1008383 (vCSHB-Ref-116) VMware vCenter Server Heartbeat and Gigabit Ethernet NIC drivers
(NC77XX)
2 Verify hubs and Ethernet switches are operating properly. Identify and replace any defective components.
3 Test for defective Ethernet patch or crossover cables and replace if defective.
4 Correctly congure the NICs used for the VMware Channel connection.
5 Check the physical link for ISP problems.
Firewall Connection
In a LAN or WAN deployment, the VMware Channel can be connected through one or more Internet rewalls.
Because rewalls block unauthorized network trac, congure rewalls on the route of the VMware Channel
to allow channel trac.
Problem
The VMware Channel cannot connect, or continuously connects and disconnects.
Cause
In a WAN deployment, port 57348 or any other port congured for the VMware Channel is closed on one or
more rewalls on the route between the VMware Channel NIC on the Primary server and its counterpart on
the Secondary server.
Solution
Open port 57348 and any other port congured for the VMware Channel on all rewalls on the route
between the VMware Channel NIC on the Primary server and its counterpart on the Secondary server.
90 VMware, Inc.
Administrator Guide