Set Up Networking for Software FCoE

Before you activate the software FCoE adapters, create VMkernel network adapters for all physical FCoE NICs installed on your host.

This procedure explains how to create a single VMkernel network adapter connected to a single FCoE physical network adapter through a vSphere Standard switch. If your host has multiple network adapters or multiple ports on the adapter, connect each FCoE NIC to a separate standard switch. For more information, see the vSphere Networking documentation.

Procedure

1. Browse to the host in the vSphere Web Client navigator.
2. Click Actions > Add Networking.
3. Select VMkernel Network Adapter, and click Next.
4. Select New standard switch to create a vSphere Standard switch.
5. Under Unclaimed Adapters, select the network adapter (vmnic#) that supports FCoE and click Assign.
   Make sure to assign the adapter to Active Adapters.
6. Enter a network label.
   Network label is a friendly name that identifies the VMkernel adapter that you are creating, for example, FCoE.
7. Specify a VLAN ID and click Next.
   FCoE traffic requires an isolated network. Make sure that the VLAN ID you enter is different from the one used for regular networking on your host. For more information, see the vSphere Networking documentation.
8. After you finish configuration, review the information and click Finish.

Results

You have created the virtual VMkernel adapter for the physical FCoE network adapter installed on your host.

Note: To avoid FCoE traffic disruptions, do not remove the FCoE network adapter (vmnic#) from the vSphere Standard switch after you set up FCoE networking.