vSAN OSA Objects Inaccessible After Host Failure Due to Outdated Microsemi HPE Controller Firmware

Products

• VMware vSAN

Issue/Introduction

All virtual machines within a 6-node vSAN Original Storage Architecture (OSA) cluster became inaccessible following a single ESXi host failure. Even after powering all ESXi hosts back on, the vSAN objects remained in an inaccessible state across the cluster. The issue involves the Microsemi HPE E208i-a SR Gen10 controller running the smartpqi driver.

Environment

VMware vSAN OSA 8.0U3 Microsemi HPE E208i-a SR Gen10 Controller (VID: 9005, DID: 028f, SVID: 103c, SDID: 0654) smartpqi driver version 80.4880.0.109-1OEM.800.1.0.20613240

Cause

The issue is caused by outdated firmware on the Microsemi HPE E208i-a SR Gen10 storage controller. The controller firmware was running version 5.32, which is incompatible with the installed smartpqi driver version 80.4880.0.109-1OEM.800.1.0.20613240. This mismatch prevents the controller from functioning correctly and causes vSAN objects to become inaccessible.

Resolution

RESOLUTION

1. Identify the current driver and firmware versions for the Microsemi HPE E208i-a SR Gen10 storage controller.

2. Consult the Broadcom VMware Compatibility Guide to verify the minimum required firmware version for the installed smartpqi driver.

3. Update the storage controller firmware to match the driver version requirements. For the smartpqi driver version 80.4880.0.109-1OEM.800.1.0.20613240, the firmware must be updated to a minimum of version 6.52.

4. Reboot the affected ESXi hosts to apply the firmware update and restore accessibility to the vSAN objects.

Additional Information

VMware Compatibility Guide - HPE Smart Array E208i-a SR Gen10 Controller