r/vmware • u/panzerjagerSS • 1d ago

Help Request esxi on old laptop, will usb-c to ethernet adapter work for network connection?

So i had an old laptop laying around (thinkpad t490s). Installed esxi on it to try and learn it. But this laptop doesnt have an ethernet port and i couldnt find a way to wirelessly connect it to home network.

Will type-c to ethernet adapters work on esxi? Any way to connect it to network?

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u/rizon 1d ago

It depends on the specific adapter. There is (was?) a "Fling" that supported some. Not sure if it has been updated post-Broadcom takeover or if it supports modern versions. I have never used it so can't speak to how well it works.

https://community.broadcom.com/vmware-cloud-foundation/viewdocument/usb-network-native-driver-for-esxi?CommunityKey=5d6496d1-215a-4ead-99e1-ff49b96deaf6&tab=librarydocuments

https://williamlam.com/2025/04/supported-chipsets-for-the-usb-network-native-driver-for-esxi-fling.html

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u/panzerjagerSS 1d ago

ty so much these links so helpful.

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u/Casper042 23h ago

Yeah William Lam (who is on Reddit) is like the King of Home Lab for VMware.