Windows 2012 virtual machines using E1000/E1000e driver experience loss of network connectivity

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Source: https://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2109922

Virtual machine loses network connectivity intermittently
In the Windows Event Viewer (Expand Windows Logs and select System), you see entries similar to:

Intel(R) 82574L Gigabit Network Connection Network link is disconnected

or

Intel(R) 82574L Gigabit Network Connection Network link has been established at 1Gbps full duplex
This issue would occur in these environments:
The virtual machine is Windows2012 or Windows 2012 R2
The virtual machine is using E1000 or E1000E driver

Cause

This issue occurs due to the driver bundled with Microsoft Windows 2012.
Resolution
VMware is investigating this issue with the partners.

Currently, there is no resolution

To work around this issue, use VMXNET3 instead of E1000 or E1000e driver.

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