IBM System x3850 M2 and System x3950 M2 Servers Fail to Connect to 100Mbps Networks
Details
IBM System x3850 M2 and IBM System x3950 M2 Servers running ESX Server 3, version 3.5 fail to connect to 100Mbps networks. The issue might not be limited to 100Mbps networks. In the VI Client, the network link status in Configuration > Networking > Properties is indicated as Down. Detaching and reinserting the physical network cable does not affect the network link status.
Solution
Please view KB 1003203 for more information on connectivity issues encountered when using the bnx2 driver with the Broadcom BCM 5709.
Workaround 1
Reboot the system. This workaround might not succeed in establishing a network connection.
Workaround 2
Boot with the network interface connected to a gigabit network.
Workaround 3
Boot with no link (detach the cable, or disable the switch port), and re-establish the link after bootup.
Keywords
ESX Server 3; IBM System x3850 M2; IBM System x3950 M2; network; network link; 100Mbps; network adapter;
