Emulex cards dropping after esxi Update

Hello,

To better assist you I would like to gather some more information.

What is the Server model?

Dell part number (DP/N) from the QR sticker on the adapter if you can?

Is it a low profile or full height?

The firmware version you have currently on the adapter?

ESXi version you're currently on and version updating to?

Initially I believe this may the firmware you are looking for:

Emulex Fibre Channel Adapter Firmware

Applies to: LightPulse LPE1200x FC8 HBA

Version 02.03.02, A00-00

https://dell.to/3zIDx5i

Hi Charles,

Thank you for the response:

Here s some of the firmware specs I believe:

vmhba4  lpfc              link-up   fc.20000090fae5f932:10000090fae5f932    (0000:d8:00.0) Emulex Corporation Emulex LPe12000 8Gb PCIe Fibre Channel Adapter
vmhba5  lpfc              link-up   fc.20000090fae5f933:10000090fae5f933    (0000:d8:00.1) Emulex Corporation Emulex LPe12000 8Gb PCIe Fibre Channel Adapter
 vmkload_mod -s lpfc |grep Version
Version: 14.0.169.26-5vmw.703.0.50.20036589

Seems we need this, from Broadcom support, but I cannot find this to download and apply

More pertinent info perhaps:

We would ideally like to upgrade to this version at a minimum VMware ESXi, 7.0.3, 23307199

We do have a new baseline of VMware ESXi, 7.0.3, 23794027 which would be utmost preference.

Let me know if you need anything further from my side at the moment.

Dan

Take a look to https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?deviceCategory=io&details=1&partner=6_bpartner&keyword=LPe12000&page=1&display_interval=10&sortColumn=Partner&sortOrder=Asc

Choose the right one and than take a look to the detail. There should be a async driver availalbe which means it comes not as part of the VMware vanilla ISO.  Use a driver versions which match with the FW of your emulex.

Regards,
Joerg

Hi Joerg,

Thank you, I was looking at this table and from what I can see the update is part of update F, and we are now up to update P and there is no direct download link for the firmware. Unless I am not seeing it correctly.

Hello,

I didn't see your firmware you currently have.

This is the latest for Emulex Fibre Channel Adapter Firmware

Applies to: LightPulse LPE1200x FC8 HBA

Version 02.03.02, A00-00

https://dell.to/3Wj5DfY

I also didn't see this adapter on the original order.

Is it a Dell branded adapter?

If it's Dell branded then this Knowledge Base articles may explain what you are seeing:

DELL OEM Emulex LPE12002/LPe1200x FC8 HBAs are not detected after upgrading from ESXi 6.7 to 7.0

https://dell.to/3WlbTEf

I see a couple of dozen...

You need to check the "Driver & Tools" tab and not the primary one.  Question... did you perform the update with a Custom Dell offline bundle?

Regards,
Joerg

I though he already was on 7.0.x and just updated to 7.0.something?

About Dell branded LPe12000 there is not a single one listet. https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?deviceCategory=io&details=1&partner=23&keyword=LPe12000&page=1&display_interval=10&sortColumn=Partner&sortOrder=Asc

Thanks again all, it seems we are due for an upgrade on the firmware to 02.03.02, A00-00 as we are currently at 2.01A12. 

Will try to work through upgrading the firmware, any concerns you can see before I go off in this direction?

Adapter: vmhba4

   Port ID: 6E1800

   Node Name: 20:00:00:90:fa:e5:f9:32

   Port Name: 10:00:00:90:fa:e5:f9:32

   Speed: 8 Gbps

   Port Type: NPort

   Port State: ONLINE

   Model Description: Emulex LPe12002-M8 8Gb 2-port PCIe Fibre Channel Adapter

   Hardware Version: 31004549

   OptionROM Version: 5.03x3

   Firmware Version: 2.01A12

   Driver Name: lpfc

   DriverVersion: 14.0.169.26

Hello,

I do have an update. This looks to be the last firmware for that adapter:

Emulex Fibre Channel Adapter Firmware.

Version: 03.03.37, A00-00

Release date: 25 Sep 2020

https://dell.to/3Lrq97W

That looks to be the last one for LightPulse LPE1200x FC8 HBA. There have been other Emulex firmware updated but not to that card.

I also recommend to use the Dell ESXi ISO, that Origin3k mentioned. It has the Dell validated drivers included

VMware ESXi 7.0 U3

This is Dell Customized Image of VMware ESXi 7.0U3

Dell Version: A21, Build# 23307199

https://dell.to/3S4a1gE

Thank you for your continued assistance Charles, two things to clarify, if you do not mind. When I click on this link:

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=t8p92&oscode=wst14&productcode=poweredge-r640&dgc=sm&cid=1595898&lid=spr14110501622&refid=sm_COMMUNITY_spr14110501622&linkId=506839175

It indicates this is not the latest driver:

This is not the latest Dell validated version of this driver

Should I use the link to the latest driver: https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=53fxv&oscode=wst14&productcode=poweredge-r640

As for a Dell Customized ESXi ISO, would there be a Dell customized to the latest release of " 23794027 " or only to "23307199"

Thanks again, I really do appreciate the help.

Dan

Hello,

That one for the firmware is the last one for LightPulse LPE1200x FC8 HBA.

There have been other Emulex firmware updated but not to that card.

For the ESXi ISO the one posted is the latest.

If you go to the page and at the bottom check > Other Available Versions

I did not see 23794027

It may be worth checking back periodically for an update but I don't have any information about when that may be.

Thanks again Charles, for this to be installed on the ESXi host, which of the versions should I choose to install? Should I choose this one and it will install on the ESXi Host or do I need to use one of the 

Hello again,

For the firmware install there are a few ways shown at the bottom of the page

>Installation instructions

*You can use the LifeCycle controller and supply the windows .exe file

*Or you could use a Linux bootable environment and use the .bin

I would personally recommend the Installation via Lifecycle Controller

Use this link to the firmware. It shows the windows.exe

https://dell.to/4cFOZNC

File Format: Update Package for MS Windows 64-Bit.

File Name: Fibre-Channel_Firmware_T8P92_WN64_03.03.37_A00-00.EXE

Hi Charles,

I attempted top update with the most recent firmware, the 3.03 version and got the error included in the images, and then tried the older 2.03 firmware version and received the same error. I was wondering if you could help me understand why the error occurred and how to resolve it, outside of using the Linux update process if possible.

Hello,

Than may indicate we have the wrong update for the wrong controller.

Can you post a picture of the QR code on the adapter near the heat sink

Or just post pic of both sides of the controller.