ESXCLI nvme plugin is compatible with VMware inbox nvme driver only

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:
ESXCLI nvme plugin does not work, when non-VMware inbox nvme driver (VMware inbox nvme driver name is "nvme")  is used to claim the device.

For example:
 If Intel async nvme driver (driver name: "intel-nvme-vmd") is used to claim device, the following command returns no output:
# esxcli nvme device list

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 6.5

Cause

esxcli nvme plugin is only compatible with VMware inbox nvme driver, VMware does not guarantee with 3rd party nvme driver.

Resolution

Currently, there is no resolution.

Workaround:
To workaround this issue:

• You need to use esxcli nvme plugin, use VMware Inbox nvme driver.
• If you need to use 3rd party nvme driver, please contact the vendor for nvme device management tool on ESXi.