Updating Dell branded BCM57404 / BCM57414 nics to current firmware for ESXI

Hello,

I see the latest firmware for BCM57414 is version 22.21.06.80

https://dell.to/3UckIhi

The latest firmware I see for BCM57404 is version 20.08.04.05

https://dell.to/4aSN4Eh

Have you tried using the update tab in the iDRAC and check https://dell.to/3y7QEMc ?
If so; Did it supply different firmware?

iDRAC9: How to Update Via HTTPS

https://dell.to/3Qn2jx8

Hi @DELL-Charles R​ , 

and here lies the problem: neither the website nor the https update offers any firmware for BCM57404 later than 20.08.04.05 which is in stark conflict to the firmware 226.1.107.1 listed at VMware for this device.
https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/detail.php?deviceCategory=io&productid=41157

Speaking to VMware as well as Dell it is my understanding that Dell issues the firmware and communicates the same to VMware. It seems like Dell missed out on informing VMware about the correct and current firmware applicable to this device.

The system (R730) and the NIC (BCM57404) are ESXI 7.0 U3 compatible, but there seems to be no path to reach the requiered firmware version 226.1.107.1.

Hello,

I looked over the VMware compatibility and it shows:

BCM57404 versions

ESXi 6.7 U3 - 20.08.04.04

Nothing for ESXi 7.0, 7.0 U1, 7.0 U2

Then it list an incompatible version for 7.0 U3 - 226.1.107.1

The ones I posted were Dell latest firmware for each BCM57414 , BCM57404

edit: updated screenshot with correct one.

Hi Charles, 

please verify the screenshots, what you wrote is not comparing well to the documentation: literally there are all esxi versions from 6.7 to 8.0 listing this chipset in a Dell branded version as compatible. 
https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/detail.php?deviceCategory=io&productid=41157

@DELL-Charles R​, it is my understanding (please correct me where I am wrong) that Dell hands over the firmware to VMware and not the other way around. 

the R730 is ESXI 7 certified, the BCM57404 is listed as ESXI 7 certified, Dell does not publish component compatibility, but refers customers to the VMware website to check upon compatibility. 

So Dell claims it’s an ESXI issue, VMware claims it’s a Dell issue, in the end of the day the customer is loosing. 

could you please help me understand if this is: 

1) a documentation issue because the firmware does not exist?

2) a Dell issue because the firmware is accessible?

i am really confused!

Hi Charles, 

I would like to add in addition that the controller is listed in the vmware I/O Compatibility Guide (Last Updated: April 29, 2024) with Dell branding. 

Hello,

I have raised the issue to one of our Engineers. I can follow up when I have more information.

This is what I was saying that the vmware hcl doesn't list any esxi 7 version but 7.0.U3

Nothing for ESXi 7.0, 7.0 U1, 7.0 U2

hey @DELL-Charles R​, 

I can see your point, but as far as I understood the documentation a R730 system that contains this nic should arrive to ESXI 7 U3, doesn’t it? 

Hi Charles, 

thank you for your list, could you please also research the Intel Nic options? 

As far as the list you posted: 

man, there's not one nic properly documented, it's a mess: 

The vmware lists FW versions for different adapters (QLogic), the Mellanox one has missing separators. It's messy. 

Hello,

I do not see any Intel NIC that is 25G:

Intel

@DELL-Charles R​ documentation points to a XXV710 model in existence. Could you verify? 

is there any ETA for any information regarding the inconsistencies in documentation regarding the firmware of the other nics?

compatible firmware was released: https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-hk/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=t6vn9

Hello,

Intel XXV710

Intel NIC Family Version 19.5.0 Firmware for X710, XXV710, and XL710 adapters v.19.5.12 is the latest we have.

https://dell.to/3UEuV7D

I didn't send this earlier because >Supported Operating Systems at the bottom of the firmware page does not show VMware

And firmware does not match hcl below 22.5.0

https://dell.to/3UHhhRl

I do not have an ETA at this time. I hope to speak with him today.

Hey, just to give you the full list in a simple format: 

1. Broadcom BCM57404 / BCM57414: HCL contains non existing firmwares.
2. Card Network, Low Profile, SFP, 25 GbE, Dual Port, Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx 25 GbE DA/SFP Network Adapter, Mellanox, CX4L: Tipo in Firmware Version:
   14.31.1014 HCL = 14.31.10.14 Dell
3. QLogic FastLinQ QL45212: Not updated to compatible firmware beyond 6.5U3 
4. Intel XXV710: Not updated beyond 19.5

Considering that all 7 R730 systems we want to retrofit in total, I am rather confused about the update strategy behind this move: 

End of Service for this devices was 1/07/2022, ESXI 7 U3 release date was 10/05/2021. ESXI 7 Release Date

I can confirm that the nic works with ESXI 6.7 A05, but not with 7.0 in any version.