Migrating a VMkernel interface used for the management network between standard vSwitches (2037654)

Purpose

This article provides steps to migrate the VMkernel interface that is used for management traffic between standard vSwitches.

Resolution

Note: As a best practice before migrating a VMkernel interface, it is recommended to disable HA (or host monitoring under HA) to prevent HA/FDM from restarting virtual machines.

You can migrate the VMkernel interface between two standard virtual switches or more with this method in the console/KVM, using the DCUI shell.

Using DCUI on the Console/KVM

1. Press Alt+F1 at the console/KVM and log into the command line as root.
2. Run this command to list the VMkernel interfaces:
   
   # esxcfg-vmknic -l
   
3. Run this command to delete the VMkernel interface that you want to migrate from the port group to which it belongs:
   
   # esxcfg-vmknic -d Port_Group_Name
   
4. Run this command to add the VMkernel port to the destination vSwitch:
   
   # esxcfg-vswitch –A "Port_Group_Name" vSwitch0
   
   For example:
   
   esxcfg-vswitch –A "Management" vSwitch0
   
   Note: After migrating the management interface, you can re-enable HA.
   
5. To add the interface you removed in step 3 to the Port Group you created in step 4, run this command:
   
   # esxcfg-vmknic -a -i x.x.x.x -n y.y.y.y Port_Group_Name
   
   For example:
   
   # esxcfg-vmknic –a -i 192.168.100.1 -n 255.255.255.0 "Management"

Note: This method will also work if used in an SSH root login.

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