Devices from an ALUA capable storage array claimed by VMW_SATP_DEFAULT_AA

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Devices which are presented to ESXI hosts from an ALUA capable storage array are claimed by VMW_SATP_DEFAULT_AA plugin instead of VMW_SATP_ALUA.

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 7.0.x
VMware vSphere ESXi 8.0.x

Cause

The ESXI determines the appropriate SATP plugin to utilize to access devices presented from a storage array based on the configured device parameters presented by the array.  The VMW_SATP_DEFAULT_AA plugin will be selected over VMW_SATP_ALUA if the the correct ALUA configuration is not set for these devices.  

Resolution

Check the parameters configured for the presented devices are correct for ALUA devices as per your storage vendor documentation.

In particular, ensure that parameter tpgs_on is configured (and not tpgs_off).