Configure USB-Arbitrator

[Snify]

I have successfully created a USB-Datastore which is connected to my ESXi Host.

The Datastore is used to run and/or save snapshots from all my VMs.

My Host has exactly 3 USB-Ports which one of them is the USB-Datastore.

Disabling the usbarbitrator (on startup) lets me use my VMFS Datastore, however USB-Passthrough doesn't work at all now for my Virtual Machines.

How can I disable/configure the usbarbitrator, so the host boots up with my USB-Datastore, yet all other USB-Ports are still available for Passthrough?

Any help is appreciated, thank you 😃

[Snify · Accepted solution]

Since there is no answer to this, I have a workaround for this exact situation:

1) Install ESXi to your desired USB, that you want to use as a datastore

2) Boot ESXi from the USB

3) Follow this tutorial: https://darkglade.com/2019/07/05/building-a-datastore-on-your-esxi-boot-usb/

4) Enjoy your USB-Datastore and your USB-Passthrough for ESXi 😃

Downside:

If you need it or not, it leaves the USB left with an installed ESXi (~ 4GB) and some other necessary partitions.

However if you install ESXi to a USB and boot from it, ESXi loads itself into memory and leaves the USB "free" for you to use.

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