Slow Gigabit Networking with ESX & XenServer

Dappy · 12 Sep 2008 at 15:58

I've tried both VMWare ESX 3.5 & XenServer and both have the same issue with slow gigabit networking within the virtual machines.

I can only get up to 10 mb/s transfer rates from physical workstations to the virtual machines. The VMs are running the gigabit enhanced network drivers.

Is this a limitation of a VM?

My server is a hp ProLiant ML110 G5

Thanks

Rangler · 12 Sep 2008 at 16:08

Have you installed the vmware tools.?

By defaul the VM's will only show 10mb until you install the vmtools then you should be up to full speed.

Dappy · 12 Sep 2008 at 16:17

Rangler said:
By defaul the VM's will only show 10mb until you install the vmtools then you should be up to full speed.

Hi, yes after installing the VMWare tools and Xen tools the VM's show that they have a gigabit connection, but the transfer rate still won't go above 10mb.

Rangler · 12 Sep 2008 at 16:19

Possibly a daft question but what switches are you using.? And are they set to auto sense the link speed.?

Dappy · 12 Sep 2008 at 16:24

Rangler said:
Possibly a daft question but what switches are you using.? And are they set to auto sense the link speed.?

I'm using a Netgear GS105 auto-sensing gigabit switch, just a small home network.

Rangler · 12 Sep 2008 at 16:28

The port your ESX server is plugged into are both of the light on permanently or just the right one.?
This the one.?

Dappy · 12 Sep 2008 at 16:30

Rangler said:
The port your ESX server is plugged into are both of the light on permanently or just the right one.?
This the one.?

Yep that's the one. Both are lit, and on the server orange is lit indicating a gigabit connection.

Rangler · 12 Sep 2008 at 16:34

Okies what about the clients ? does the link speed in windows show 10/100 or 1000.?

Dappy · 12 Sep 2008 at 16:39

Yep, the clients have a gigabit connection. When transferring files to the server when it was running Windows 2003 prior to VMware or Xen I was getting gigabit speeds.

Rangler · 12 Sep 2008 at 16:42

Ok open up your VI client click on your host then go to configuration and select network adaptors.

In the device lists does it display them as running "1000 Full".?

marinecommando · 12 Sep 2008 at 16:50

Daft question but have you installed a gigabit adapter on the VM box? You can replace the default 10/100 virtual card by editing the config file and have it using a 1000mbps intel card instead.

*edit* sorry spotted that yes you have!