Error: Cannot download VIB spidev-esxio during VCF 9 "Create Transport Node Collections" task

Products

• VMware NSX
• VMware Cloud Foundation

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms

During a VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.0.x deployment or Workload Domain import, the workflow fails during the Create Transport Node Collections subtask.

The following error is observed in the SDDC Manager UI or NSX Manager logs: 

A general system error occurred: Cannot download VIB /tmp/offlineBundle/vib20/spidev-esxio/VMW_bootbank_spidev-esxio_0.1-1vmw.803.0.0.24022510.vib. This might be because of network issues or specified VIB does NOT exist.

Note: The installer incorrectly requests an ESXi 8.0.3 VIB even when the environment is built using ESXi 9.0.x (e.g., Dell custom ISOs).

Environment

• VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0.x
• VMware NSX 4.x / 9.x
• vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM)
• ESXi 9.0.x (including OEM-customized images)

Cause

This issue occurs due to two primary factors:

1. Metadata Inconsistency: The vLCM Image Library in vCenter incorrectly references legacy ESXi 8.0.3 base image components for the cluster, causing the NSX deployment to search for incompatible VIBs.
2. Firewall Blockage: The ESXi host firewall may block the mandatory Management Plane handshake with the NSX Manager on TCP port 1234, preventing the download and realization task from completing.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, you must verify host connectivity and correct the vLCM Image Specification.

Step 1: Enable NSX Firewall Ruleset Ensure the ESXi host can communicate with the NSX Manager on port 1234.

1. Log in to the ESXi host via SSH.
2. Run the following command to enable the required ruleset: esxcli network firewall ruleset set --enabled true --ruleset-id=nsx-proxy
3. Verify connectivity to the NSX Manager VIP: nc -zv <NSX-Manager-IP> 1234

Step 2: Correct the vLCM Image Metadata

1. In the vSphere Client, navigate to Lifecycle Manager > Import Updates.
2. Upload the correct ESXi 9.x depot ZIP file matching your installed version (e.g., Dell customized ESXi 9.0.2 depot).
3. In the Image Library tab, ensure a new image is created using the 9.x version.
4. Navigate to the affected Cluster > Updates > Image and click Edit.
5. Select the correct 9.x ESXi image and click Save/Assign.

Step 3: Restart the VCF Task

1. Return to the SDDC Manager / VCF Operations console.
2. Navigate to Tasks, locate the failed task, and click Restart.

Additional Information

• For further assistance, see Contact Support.
• Refer to the VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 Release Notes for compatibility details.