Safely Removing an SDDC Manager-Deployed NSX Edge Cluster from VCF

This is the corrected follow-up to my older article about simplifying NSX Edge removal in VCF. The most important correction is that the Edge Cluster Deployment Removal Tool does not preserve everything attached to an Edge cluster. Broadcom requires added dependencies to be removed or disconnected before the cleaner runs. The procedure below is based on Broadcom KB 316110, reviewed on August 25, 2026. Always reopen the KB before a change because the attachment, checksum, prerequisites, and supported releases can change. ...

August 25, 2026 · Cosmin Trif

Safely Removing Stale NSX VIBs from an ESXi Host

This post replaces the unsafe package-removal command that appeared in my older article about removing stale NSX packages from an ESXi host. Broadcom now documents a clear distinction between removing NSX through its management workflow and cleaning up VIBs that remain afterward. Warning: Do not manually remove individual NSX VIBs with esxcli software vib remove. Broadcom identifies that method as unsupported. It can break distributed-switch state, disconnect host networking, and in some failure cases leave reimaging as the recovery path. ...

August 25, 2026 · Cosmin Trif

Setting User SSH Keys in NSX

In VMware NSX, configuring SSH keys for users with specific labels and types provides a tailored access control approach that enhances both security and management capabilities. This blog walks through the process of setting user-specific SSH keys in NSX, using customized labels and types for better organization and identification. Before You Begin Overview SSH keys are crucial for secure authentication in NSX environments, allowing administrators to manage access without exposing systems to the risks of password-based logins. By setting SSH keys with specific labels and types, you can streamline user access management and improve security configurations. ...

January 28, 2025 · Cosmin Trif

Setting User SSH Keys in NSX: A Guide for Custom Labels and Types

In VMware NSX, configuring SSH keys for users with specific labels and types provides a tailored access control approach that enhances both security and management capabilities. This blog walks through the process of setting user-specific SSH keys in NSX, using customized labels and types for better organization and identification. It builds on my earlier guide on setting user SSH keys in NSX. Overview and Prerequisites Overview SSH keys are crucial for secure authentication in NSX environments, allowing administrators to manage access without exposing systems to the risks of password-based logins. By setting SSH keys with specific labels and types, you can streamline user access management and improve security configurations. ...

May 1, 2024 · Cosmin Trif
NSX CLI enabling SSH service on the appliance.

How to Enable SSH on the NSX appliance

Enabling SSH on NSX appliances via the CLI (Command Line Interface) is an essential skill for VMware administrators, providing a more direct and scriptable approach to managing and configuring the NSX environment. Here’s how to enable SSH on NSX from the CLI, allowing for secure, remote administration of your virtual network infrastructure. Pre-Requisites Ensure you have local or console access to the NSX appliance (NSX Manager, NSX Edge, or Controller) for initial setup. Administrative credentials will be required to execute the following commands. The instructions have been tested on NSX 4.1.2.3 ...

April 6, 2024 · Cosmin Trif
Expired certificate warning, options to import or generate new.

Replacing the idps reporting Corfu certificate in NSX

In this blog we will go over replacing the idps reporting Corfu certificate in NSX Corfu certificate in NSX. In this example I will be using the UI to generate the self signed certificate and then an API call to replace the certificate. Identifying the Expired Certificate In my case the cluster manager Corfu certificate has already expired Generating a New Self-Signed Certificate In the top menu bar I went to Generate -> Generate Self Signed Certificate ...

July 7, 2023 · Cosmin Trif
Expired certificate details for NSX cluster manager Corfu client.

Replacing the cluster manager Corfu certificate in NSX

In this blog we will go over replacing the cluster manager Corfu certificate in NSX. In this example I will be using the UI to generate the self signed certificate and then an API call to replace the certificate. In my case the cluster manager Corfu certificate has already expired Generating a Self Signed Certificate In the top menu bar I went to Generate -> Generate Self Signed Certificate ...

July 7, 2023 · Cosmin Trif
Expired Monitoring Corfu certificate with details and error.

Replacing the Monitoring Corfu certificate in NSX

In this blog we will go over replacing the Corfu certificate in NSX. In this example I will be using the UI to generate the self signed certificate and then an API call to replace the certificate. In my case the Monitoring Corfu certificate has already expired Generating a Self-Signed Certificate In the top menu bar I went to Generate -> Generate Self Signed Certificate ...

July 7, 2023 · Cosmin Trif
Expired certificate alert shown for CSM Corfu client certificate.

Replacing the CSM Corfu certificate in NSX

In this blog we will go over replacing the Corfu certificate in NSX. In this example I will be using the UI to generate the self signed certificate and then an API call to replace the certificate. I covered the same procedure for the MP Corfu certificate and the CCP Corfu certificate in separate posts. The Expired CSM Corfu Certificate In my case the CSM Corfu certificate has already expired ...

July 7, 2023 · Cosmin Trif
Expired GM Corfu certificate details with expiration date.

Replacing the GM Corfu certificate in NSX

This walkthrough covers a targeted replacement of a node-scoped Global Manager (GM) Corfu certificate. The screenshots were captured on NSX 4.1.0.2; the exact UI differs in later releases. Version and safety note: On NSX 4.2.x and VCF NSX 9.x, Broadcom prefers the built-in NSX Manager certificate-replacement UI. For a broader self-signed-certificate assessment or recovery, use the current Certificate Analyzer, Results and Recovery (CARR) procedure. CARR requires a dry run before remediation. Use the API below only when a targeted GM Corfu binding is appropriate for the installed release. ...

July 7, 2023 · Cosmin Trif