ESXi Catalog and Last custom image

Question

Hi there,

I'm looking for a confirmation about firmware versions and lastest custom ESXi image.

Trying to create the SUU iso, I noticed that ESXi base catalog point to the N-1 ESXi image version (as per the documentation https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000126599/firmware-catalog-for-dell-customized-vmware-esxi-images ): does this mean that for latest custom ESXi image, latest firmware versions have to be installed (using Lifecycle Controller base catalog instead)?

Dell-Martin S · Accepted Answer

You're right, the Dell documentation states that the ESXi base catalog points to the N-1 version. This means the latest firmware versions may not be included in the latest customized ESXi ISO image (N). To ensure you have the most current firmware, you'll need to use the Lifecycle Controller and its base catalog to update after deploying the N image. There's no guarantee of a perfect firmware match with the N image directly from the Dell catalog.

To find the closest match for firmware, I would recommend:

Identify the exact version of the N customized ESXi ISO: This is crucial to determine which firmware versions should ideally be compatible.
Check Dell's support site: Search for your specific server model and the ESXi version (N) to see if Dell provides any recommended firmware versions. They might offer guidance even if a perfectly matching catalog isn't readily available.
Use the Lifecycle Controller's update function: This is the most reliable way to ensure your firmware is up-to-date after deploying the ESXi image, even if it's not the exact versions bundled with the N-1 image.

In short, using the Lifecycle Controller post-installation is the best approach to achieving your goal of matching firmware and driver versions with the latest custom ESXi ISO image. The N-1 catalog is a starting point, not the final answer

DELL-Charles R · Accepted Answer

Hello,

You may wait and do these updates quarterly. The ESXi catalogs only release quarterly.

The last one was November. So when the new ESXi image came out in December, there won't be a catalog for it until February.

It takes a while to do full validation on a new image.

DELL-Charles R · Answer

Hello,

It shows noted on the page you linked, it is highly recommended to ensure that the firmware versions are as listed in the documentation provided. This is to ensure the functionality and stability.

The driver versions that are integrated into Dell customized VMware ESXi images are documented in 8.x, 7.x and 6.x customization guides.

Gio V · Answer

@DELL-Charles R​ matching firmwares and drivers version is exactly my goal but in the documentation provided by Dell the N customized iso is missing as per the documentation disclaimer itself ('Dell releases new and refreshed catalogs for customized VMware ESXi images on a quarterly basis. Up to N-1 of the Dell customized VMware ESXi ISO image has refreshed catalogs.'), so the problem still exists: how to match firmwares version for the N customized iso image? Thanks

Gio V · Answer

@Dell-Martin S​ thanks for your confirmation. Long story short: if I want to be sure to hit a perfect match and not going crazy with compatibility matrix/support site advices/etc..., then I have to go with N-1 customized iso (for drivers) and its base catalog (for firmware), haven't I? Thanks again

Gio V · Answer

@DELL-Charles R​ The problem now is that only the N version is downloadable from Broadcom Support site, es: VMware-VMvisor-Installer-7.0.0.update03-23794027.x86_64-Dell_Customized-A24.iso for ESXi 7.0 U3

Gio V · Answer

Nevermind, I found it in Dell Support Site. Thanks everybody for your support!

Billy_A · Answer

I ran into the same issue on my end. I ended up downloading the latest custom ISO from the Broadcom support site, then handled all the firmware updates separately using the Lifecycle Controller. So far, everything seems to be working smoothly — no compatibility issues yet. It’s not the most seamless process, but it gets the job done.

Dell Repository Manager

ESXi Catalog and Last custom image

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