Additional NIC Card to BE6M-M5-K9

[CiscoKid480]

Looking to add an additional NIC Card to the UCS BE6M-M5-K9 server. Has anyone done this that can provide some guidance. 

[Enes Simnica]

G, Adding an additional NIC to ur Cisco UCS B200 M5 server is definitely possible, but the process depends on the type of NIC u're installing and how the server is managed , meaning via UCS Manager or standalone.  so u have some options:

1. The supported nic option: The UCS B200 M5 supports Cisco VICs (like the VIC 1387 for virtualization or VIC 1457 for 25Gbps) for full UCS Manager integration. Third party NICs (e.g., Intel X710, Mellanox ConnectX) work in passthrough mode but lack UCS policy benefits.

2. Driver and os compatibility: For Cisco VICs, the necessary drivers are available on Cisco’s software download portal, and they’re well supported across major operating systems like ESXi, Linux, and Windows. If u’re using a third party NIC, u need to double check that ur OS has native support or that u’ve installed the correct vendor drivers.

also u have the step of verifying the installation. But in the end i would say that if ur environment relies on UCS Manager, a Cisco VIC is the best choice for full feature integration, including dynamic vNIC provisioning and policy enforcement. For standalone setups, third party NICs can work, but u’ll miss out on some of UCS’s automation benefits. hope it helps G

-Enes

[Kirk J]

BE6M-M5-K9 is a call manager type appliance based off of the UCS 2xx M5 rack servers.

These appliances are not compatible with UCSM.

As far as hardware goes you should be able to use PIDs for VIC/MLOM/NICs off the ucs c220M5 spec sheet https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/products/collateral/servers-unified-computing/ucs-c-series-rack-servers/c220m5-sff-specsheet.pdf

Using non Cisco pid'd nics can cause the chassis FANs to stay at high RPMs as the CIMC won't have power/cooling profiles for the unknown cards.

Kirk...

[CiscoKid480]

Thank you for the response! The spec sheet is helpful. These servers/appliances, as you mentioned, are preloaded with and for CUCM virtual machines running on the ESXi host. While I am looking to add the additional NIC, is it safe to assume that the server itself and ESXi host will recognize the added card and can be used in the vm environment? 

[Kirk J]

If you get one of the spec sheet based cards/adapters, then the CIMC should recognize it.  The HUU firmware ISO  for C220M5 should have firmware for it (may or may not need an update).

Depending on which card/adapter it is, ESXi should see it in the network adapters list.

You may need to update the esxi driver (VIB) if it is not seen or doesn't work correctly.

Kirk...

[CiscoKid480]

I did check the adapter against the spec sheet and did find the adapter listed, so everything checks out so far. I have scheduled the install for this Friday. I will circle back with an update.

[CiscoKid480]

Thank you for the response! Sorry for not being clear, I am inquiring specifically about the M220 M5 rack servers, BE6M-M5-K9.

[wajidhassan]

Hey @CiscoKid480 !

For adding an extra NIC card to your UCS BE6M-M5-K9 server, here are the basics:

• First, check the server’s documentation for supported NIC models and available PCIe slots.

• Make sure the NIC you want is compatible with the BE6M-M5-K9.

• Power down the server safely before installing the card.

• Insert the NIC firmly into an available PCIe slot.

• Power the server back on and verify the NIC is detected in the BIOS/firmware.

• Install any necessary drivers or firmware updates via UCS Manager or OS.

• Configure the new NIC in your operating system or hypervisor as needed.

If you have UCS Manager, you can also assign and manage the NICs there.

This should get you started on adding the NIC smoothly.

[CiscoKid480]

Thank you! I have the install scheduled for this Friday evening. I will circle back with an update on the results.

[Elliot Dierksen]

That is a single CPU system, so make sure the PCIe slot where you install the additional card is supported by CPU 1.

[CiscoKid480]

Elliot, thanks for the advice. How do I verify that the CPU 1 supports the PCIe slot where the card was installed? I installed it on PCIe slot 1. Would this be via the BIOS?

[Elliot Dierksen]

I was thinking of this from the spec sheet.

You can't use riser slot 2 in a single CPU C220 system. The C240's are a bit different.

[CiscoKid480]

Thanks for everyone's assistance. I installed the card a couple of weeks ago, however, a couple of days after the install, the ESXi host crashed displaying a CPU related process error. The card then went undetected by CICM and ESXi after a reboot. I had to remove the card and reseat it in the slot in order to get it redetected. I haven't experienced a crash since, so not sure if the crash was coincidental or not but I am still monitoring this.