VMware vSphere Provider: Network Interface Fails to Connect on RHEL VMs
Problem
When you deploy a Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) virtual machine using the VMware vSphere provider for Terraform, the network interface of the deployed resource may not connect automatically. This occurs because the provider does not include a specific argument to force the interface to connect upon deployment.
Cause
This issue is caused by a minimal RHEL installation, which does not include the necessary components for the network interface to integrate correctly with the customization specifications applied by the VMware vSphere provider.
Solution
To resolve this issue, you must ensure the RHEL virtual machine template includes the necessary system components. When creating the RHEL VM template from the ISO, modify the installation settings.
- In the RHEL installer, select the Infrastructure Server base environment.
- In the add-ons for the selected environment, select Guest Agents (or "OS Agents") and System Administration Tools.
By including these components in the base image, the VMware vSphere provider can successfully customize the VM and ensure the network interface connects automatically after deployment.