NSX-T host installation fails due to management traffic routing over the vMotion VMkernel interface.

Products

• VMware NSX

Issue/Introduction

• The deployment of NSX-T in an ESXi host fails during the configuration phase.
• The host transport node is unable to establish communication with the NSX Manager appliance.

Environment

VMware NSX

Cause

• The vCenter server incorrectly associates the NSX Manager IP with the host's vMotion VMkernel port rather than the Management VMkernel port.
• This interface misconfiguration routes NSX management traffic over the vMotion network and drops the connection to the management plane.

Resolution

• Correct the VMkernel network configuration on the affected ESXi host to avert installation failures.
• Navigate to the host network settings within vCenter and select the VMkernel adapters.
• Edit the vMotion VMkernel adapter and deselect the management service checkbox.
• Retry the NSX-T installation once the management traffic is correctly routing through the dedicated management interface.

Additional Information

Ensure host networking prerequisites are met as per the deployment requirements documented in the standard runbook.