Unable to assign External IP from vSphere Client

Products

• VMware NSX
• VMware Cloud Foundation

Issue/Introduction

When attempting to assign an External IP via [VM] > ACTIONS > Assign External IP, the following error is displayed:

This operation is available only for VMs connected to a private subnet (Private - VPC or Private - Transit Gateway) under "Virtual Private Clouds".

Environment

NSX 9.0
VCF 9.0

Cause

The target virtual machine is not connected to a Private Subnet within a VPC that belongs to the Default Project. Note that VPCs displayed under "Virtual Private Clouds" in the vSphere Client Network tab belong to the Default Project.

If the target virtual machine is connected to a Private Subnet within a VPC under the Default Project but already has an External IP assigned, the following additional message is displayed:

which are not already assigned with an External IP. To view an existing external IP assignment, go to <vpc> > External IPs.

Resolution

Please verify the type of Subnet the target virtual machine is connected to and check whether an External IP has already been assigned.