Incompatibility between Tanzu Kubernetes Grid Integrated (TKGi) and VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.1 / NSX 9.1
Article ID: 446224
Updated On:
Products
Issue/Introduction
Tanzu Kubernetes Grid Integrated Edition (TKGi) 1.2x is entirely incompatible with VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.1 and NSX 9.1. The Broadcom Product Interoperability Matrix shows an total absence of support between these product versions. Furthermore, the required container networking component, NSX Container Plugin (NCP) 9.1, explicitly drops all support for the TKGi platform, making co-existence or integration impossible.
Environment
- VMware Tanzu Kubernetes Grid Integrated Edition (TKGi) 1.2x
- VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.1
- VMware NSX 9.1
- VMware NSX Container Plugin (NCP) 9.1
Cause
Support for Tanzu Kubernetes Grid Integrated (TKGi) is completely removed in NSX Container Plugin (NCP) 9.x. This architectural incompatibility stems from the removal of the legacy NSX Management Plane API in NSX 9.x. Because TKGi relies strictly on this API for automated lifecycle management and dynamic network provisioning, the two platforms cannot function together. (Note: Official End of Support (EOS) for TKGi takes effect in October 2027).
Resolution
Do not plan or attempt an upgrade of the underlying infrastructure to VCF 9.1 or NSX 9.1 if maintaining the existing TKGi environment is required.
To adopt the VCF 9.1 and NSX 9.1 architecture, migrate workloads to a supported container platform, such as VMware Kubernetes Service (VKS), prior to upgrading the infrastructure. Follow this high-level strategy:
Maintain the current, compatible VCF / NSX infrastructure to keep the TKGi environment operational.
Provision a separate, modern container infrastructure using VMware Kubernetes Service (VKS).
Migrate containerized applications and data from TKGi to the new VKS clusters using industry-standard tools (such as Velero).
Decommission the TKGi environment and proceed with the VCF 9.1 / NSX 9.1 infrastructure upgrade only after all workloads successfully migrate.
Direct, in-place conversion or upgrade from TKGi to VKS is unavailable.
Additional Information
Review the VMware NSX Container Plugin 9.1 Release Notes for official documentation regarding the removal of TKGi support. Always consult the Broadcom Product Interoperability Matrix to verify version compatibility before architecting environment upgrades.
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