The document outlines troubleshooting steps for resolving an 'operation timed out' error during HA configuration in vCenter Server. The issue arises when jumbo frames are enabled but the network is misconfigured, preventing proper communication between hosts. To fix it, ensure the MTU value is set to 9000 for the management network across all hosts in the cluster.

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"Operation Timed out" error while configuring HA in vCenter Server

2. Symptoms
Configuring HA fails
Completes on the HA master, but fails on all HA slaves
You see the error:
Operation Timed out
In the /var/log/fdm.log file, you see entries similar to:
[ClusterManagerImpl::ConnectToMaster] Couldn't connect to master
N7Vmacore16TimeoutExceptionE(Operation timed out)
[ClusterManagerImpl::AddBadIP] IP <x.x.x.x> marked bad for reason Unreachable IP
[ClusterElection::ChangeState] SlaveConnecting => Startup :
SlaveConnectingStateFunc
[ClusterManagerImpl::IsBadIP] <x.x.x.x> is bad ip

3. Why it happens?
This issue occurs when Jumbo Frames is
enabled on the host Management Network
(VMkernel port used for host management) and a
network misconfiguration prevent hosts
communicating using jumbo frames. It is
supported to use jumbo frames on the
Management Network as long as the MTU values
and physical network are set correctly.

4. Resolution
To resolve this issue, ensure that the network supports jumbo frames end-to-end. This should be verified by the
local networking team.
To check the current MTU values set on the vSwitch and VMkernel network interface:
• In the vSphere Client, right-click the host in the cluster and then click the Configuration tab.
• Click Networking.
• Click Properties for Management Network on vSwitch0.
• Under the Ports tab, click vSwitch and then click Edit.
• Ensure that the MTU value is set to 9000 and not 1500 and then click OK.
• Repeat this process for the Management Network under the Ports tab, click Management Network and then
click Edit.
• Ensure that the MTU value is set to 9000 and not 1500 and then click OK.
• Click OK.
• Repeat this process for all hosts in the cluster.
• Right-click the cluster and reconfigure HA.