No links to download driver CDs?

[bpete]

While upgrading an IBM HS21 XM from ESX 3.5 to 4.0 U1, I discovered that there are no links to download any of the driver CD images in the Related Drivers & Tools tab on the ESX 4 download page. I'm specifically looking for the "VMware ESX/ESXi 4.0 Driver CD for Broadcom NetXtreme II Ethernet Network Controllers" and "*+VMware ESX/ESXi 4.0 Driver CD for Broadcom NetXtreme II

BCM5706, BCM5708, BCM5709, BCM5716 Ethernet Controllers+*" images, but the descriptions for each say "there are no components available" for me to download. A random sampling from the entire driver CD selection list gives the same results regardless of driver CD selected.

Any ideas?

[AndreTheGiant]

Maybe the driver is in the installation CD.

Check on HCL to see if your system is supported in ESX 4.0

Andre

[bpete]

The HS21 XM (machine type 7995) is listed as supported in the VMware HCL. The default Broadcom network driver installed as part of ESX 4 seems to install and load correctly, but network connectivity is never established. I've tried three different installations of ESX 4 on this blade -- one upgrade and two clean installs -- but the outcome is the same each time.

Interestingly, two non-XM HS21 blades (machine type 8853) with the same Broadcom 5708S chipset upgraded flawlessly, no driver CD needed.

[RParker]

You still don't need the driver disk, it obviously recognizes the NIC, the problem you have is probably one of auto negotiation which is a SWITCH issue not a NIC problem.

Try forcing the SWITCH (port where ESX is plugged into) to 10/100 FULL DUPLEX, and go from there.

We have many machines with BROADCOM Netextreme's and not 1 problems with connectivity, so that's the problem your SWITCH. What happens when you install Windows on those SAME ESX host to that SAME switch, same issue?

[bpete]

I believe you are correct in suggesting a switch issue. We moved the blade into a different chassis and it was able to see the network. The next step will be this weekend, we'll reset the offending switch during the maintenance window, perhaps that will clear things up. Odd that we didn't experience these symptoms with the other two blades that were successfully upgraded, and are connected to the same switch.

[DSTAVERT]

You might want to consider awarding points for the answers.

[bpete]

I will be doing so, although my original question about driver CD downloads remains unanswered. Does it matter if the points awarded are unrelated to the original posting?

[DSTAVERT]

You actually got the question answered and the real problem solved. The driver CD as Andre mentioned is not required for Update 1. If you look in the downloads section you will see a link for ESX 4 Update 1 and a link for ESX 4. Under the link for 4 there are links to the driver CDs. The drivers are all included for Update 1 so no CDs required. The real problem wasn't the drivers or lack of them and RParker answered that one. You have a real dilema. I would assign points.

[bpete]

Thank you for your input.