I sent this from my un-subscribed work address so if we get two copies apologies.
I have been banging my head against the traditional problem with the simulator and not being able to see the network.
Its interesting to discover that esx has an option (Security) under each network "vswitch". The security tab has a policy exceptions area. There is an option for Promiscuous mode, the simulator doesn't talk to the network by default, you need to allow promiscuous mode access to the virtual switch.
Once you know the option is there in esx its obvious how it should be set I just didn't know it existed. I haven't seen this recorded as a solution to the problem yet and thought people may be interested.
james