Question about configuring VMDqs on ESX 4.0

[gwrg1]

Hello,

We are using Intel Gigabit ET Quad Port Server Adapter in HP ProLiant DL380 G6 servers. On these servers we are running VMware ESX 4.0 U1 and want to configure to use the eight VMDqs of the ET Quad Port Server adapter cards.

I didnt find any article from VMware related to ESX 4.0 and configuring the VMDqs. There is only an article for ESX 3.5 that doesnt work on ESX 4.0.

We also opened a SR at Vmware but the answer was that the functionality to use VMDqs on ESX 4.0 isnt available in the Intel driver for VMware and Intel is responsible for these drivers.

But regarding to this thread (http://software.intel.com/en-us/forums/showthread.php?t=66153) Mr. Ott states thatusing VMDqs is supported on ESX 4.0.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance

best regards

Gerald

[David_O_Intel1]

To confirm that VMDq is supported by the adaptor, can you be more specific about the adaptormodel number?

Also, what processor do you have with your system?

David Ott

[gwrg1]

Hello Mr. Ott,

Thanks for your fast answer.

The NICs are the following:

http://www.intel.com/products/server/adapters/gb-ET-Quad-Port/gb-ET-Quad-Port-overview.htm

Hope this is enough information.

The Proliant DL380 G6 are equipped with 2x Intel Xeon Processor X5570 (2.93 GHz, 8MB L3 Cache, 95W, DDR3-1333, HT, Turbo 2/2/3/3).

Thanks in advance

best regards

Gerald

[David_O_Intel1]

Just spoke with another engineer on the Virtualization team. The Intel 82576 ET Quad Port adapter is supported in ESX, and it supports VMDq.

The default driver (igb) that is packaged with ESX does not support VMDq. You would have to download the driver separately and install it. The linkis:

http://downloads.vmware.com/d/details/esx_esxi40_intel_82575_82576_dt/ZHcqYmR0QGpidGR3

Instructions to enable Netqueue & VMDqare the same as ESX 3.5.x for the igb drivers.The link to it is:

http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1009010

David Ott

[gwrg1]

Hello Mr. Ott,

The problem is that we have installed the above mentioned driver and we used the above mentioned article to configure Netqueue and VMDq but it doesnt work. Does Intel have really tested it with VMware ESX 4.0? I dont think so because VMware looked into the code and told us that we cannot change the number of VMDqs. Its only possibel to enable or disable Netqueue but we cannot use the 8 VMDqs per port.

Please ask engineering how we can activate all 8 VMDss per port on ESX 4.0 since the article you mentioned didnt work.

best regards

Gerald

[David_O_Intel1 · Accepted solution]

Hi Gerald,

I passed on your follow-up comments internally and was referred to the right driver team who told me that they have neverreleased a 1Gb driver for ESX 4.0 with VMDq enabled. They are planningput one out, but until various issues areresolved the schedule for releasewon't be announced.

Not good news, although itexplains your difficulties.Perhaps you could check periodically ondriver availability as theycontinue to work on it.

David Ott

[gwrg1]

Hi David,

Thanks for your effort and your excellent speed in answering our questions.

Now well have to wait for the new driver.

Thanks

Gerald

[vernongetzler]

I appreciate the concern which is been rose. The things need to be sorted out because it is about the individual but it can be with everyone.
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vernon getzler
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