VMware Compatibility Guide

#devops #vmware #broadcom #esxi

Checking VMware ESXi Host Compatibility Before Upgrade Using the Broadcom Compatibility Guide

To ensure a successful upgrade, VMware ESXi hosts must be compatible with a newer version. Failure to assess compatibility may result in unsuccessful upgrades or unsupported setups. This applies to all VMware ESXi hosts running version 6.x or later, any server hardware platform, any storage configuration, all failed ESXi upgrade attempts, pre-upgrade tests that reveal compatibility difficulties, and system update elevators that signal upgrade blockage.

To resolve any such issues:

Access the Broadcom Compatibility Guide:
Navigate to https://compatibilityguide.broadcom.com/
Select Systems / Servers
Check Server Hardware Compatibility:
Enter your server manufacturer and model
Select the target ESXi versionde
Review BIOS version requirements
Note any specific firmware requirements
Verify Current System Configuration:
Check current BIOS version
Address Any Gaps:
Update BIOS if required
Document Prerequisites:
Create checklist of required updates
Note any special upgrade considerations

Consider using VMware Update Manager (VUM) to do automated compatibility tests. Examine vendor-specific upgrade manuals and hardware vendor websites for ESXi-specific upgrade packages. Below are some VMware/Broadcom resources to assist you verify for compatibility and interoperability before making any upgrades or modifications.

The Broadcom Compatibility Guide, formerly the VMware Compatibility Guide, is a comprehensive resource for verifying hardware and software compatibility with VMware products. It provides a central location to check if your hardware and software configurations are supported by VMware.
The guide helps users ensure that their specific hardware and software, including guest and host operating systems, are compatible with VMware products like vSphere, ESXi, vSAN, and NSX.
It contains information on:

Supported guest and host operating systems for virtualization.
Compatible I/O adapters (like network cards and storage controllers) and their firmware/driver versions.
Compatibility with VMware products like NSX and vSAN.
Interoperability with databases and other VMware products. Using the Compatibility Guide before upgrading or making changes to your VMware environment helps prevent compatibility issues that can lead to system crashes, failed upgrades, or other problems.