What to Do When VMware NSX-T Tags Go Missing ?

In some cases, VMware NSX-T tags can go missing, either due to configuration issues, data synchronisation problems, or during upgrades. Tags in NSX-T are essential for grouping and applying policies across various network objects like segments, virtual machines, and security groups.

If tags disappear, it can lead to inconsistencies in network policies and security configuration.

  1. Check the nsx-manager logs for any potential errors that could relate to tag assignments or changes:

                   tail -f /var/log/nsx-manager/nsx-manager.log

  1. Restore from Backup: If you have a recent backup of your NSX-T configuration, you can restore the tags from the backup. Ensure to follow the appropriate backup restoration steps based on your NSX-T version.
  2. Recreate the Missing Tags: If the tags have been lost and cannot be recovered, you’ll need to manually recreate them.
      • Go to the NSX Manager > Objects > Tags.
      • Click Add Tag to define the key, value, and scope.
      • Assign the newly created tags to your network's appropriate objects (VMs, segments, security groups).
  3. Review Tagging Policies and Automation: Review whether any automation tools, such as vRealize Automation or NSX-T policies, might interfere with the tags. Ensure that these systems aren't inadvertently removing or overwriting your tags.
  4. Audit and Reapply Policies: After recovering or recreating the tags, reapply security policies and network segmentation to ensure all objects are properly tagged and secured.

Preventive Measures:

  1. Backup Configuration Regularly: Regular backups of NSX-T configurations, including tags and policies, will help prevent data loss and facilitate recovery if tags disappear.
  2. Monitor the Environment: Enable audit logging to track changes to tags and configurations. This can help identify the root cause of the issue. (**Please engage your VMware Support**)
  3. Test Updates and Upgrades: Always test NSX-T updates and upgrades in a staging environment to avoid potential tag or configuration issues.
  4. NSX-T High Availability (HA): Ensure that the NSX-T Manager and NSX-T Controller are configured in HA mode to prevent single points of failure, which could impact tag persistence.

Conclusion:

Missing tags in VMware NSX-T can be caused by various factors, such as configuration issues, upgrades, or database problems. You can ensure that your environment remains consistent by verifying the configuration, restoring from backups, and manually recreating tags if needed. Regular backups, monitoring, and proper testing are key to preventing tag-related issues in the future.

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