UNSOLVED
P
p3pp3rjack
6 Posts
0
22358
September 26th, 2010 10:00
MD3220i configuration question.
Can someone please clarify terms used in the MD3200i guide in relation to vmware ESXi? I know iSCS generally involves the following:
Physical Disks ==> RAID set ==> Virtual Disks or volumes ==> LUN ==> Mapping a iSCSI target ==> Tell the target about the iSCSI initiator (host)
Each iSCSI storage appliance vendor gives different names to each step. I can follow the MD3220i guide up to the LUN part but lost beyond that. I guess "Mapping" is where (virtual disk ->LUN->target) is done.
Am I right in saying that I must have my two ESXi hosts running with the software iSCSI initiator configured before I can configure either host or host group or targets?
What's a "storage partition"? Is this similar to "target"? It seems I can only have 32. So if I have a hostgroup or host, I can only use it 32 times? Do I need this for iscsi? When I go to manually create a host, the first dialog box asks if I need "storage partition". So I am assuming the "storage partition" is the "iSCSI target".
Can a Dell rep remote connect to our unit and help me with configuring just one LUN to one iSCSi initiator? Is it part of the purchase?
I have other questions but if I can get answers on the above, I think I will be able to figure out the rest myself. Thanks
Physical Disks ==> RAID set ==> Virtual Disks or volumes ==> LUN ==> Mapping a iSCSI target ==> Tell the target about the iSCSI initiator (host)
Each iSCSI storage appliance vendor gives different names to each step. I can follow the MD3220i guide up to the LUN part but lost beyond that. I guess "Mapping" is where (virtual disk ->LUN->target) is done.
Am I right in saying that I must have my two ESXi hosts running with the software iSCSI initiator configured before I can configure either host or host group or targets?
What's a "storage partition"? Is this similar to "target"? It seems I can only have 32. So if I have a hostgroup or host, I can only use it 32 times? Do I need this for iscsi? When I go to manually create a host, the first dialog box asks if I need "storage partition". So I am assuming the "storage partition" is the "iSCSI target".
Can a Dell rep remote connect to our unit and help me with configuring just one LUN to one iSCSi initiator? Is it part of the purchase?
I have other questions but if I can get answers on the above, I think I will be able to figure out the rest myself. Thanks
- Storage partitions are usually a data center requirement where multiple company's storage is hosted on the same san. Most of us generally only use one storage partition servicing one company.
There is probably a better explanation than I just gave. p3pp3rjack
6 Posts
435
0
Posted September 28th, 2010 10:00
Thanks I kind of figured it out by the trial and error the sequence of configurations needed to get both ESXi and MD3220i talk each other. The docs weren't clear, even the best practice guide. Since I was coming from openfiler iSCSI, I didn't realize MD has to see the initiator before it can map a target to a LUN.
But still I am not sure about the "Storage Partition" and the limit 32. What's the "Storage Partition"? I don't think it refers to "virtual disks". User guide defines it as "collection of LUNs". It's also a premium feature. So I doubt I need to worry about.
Thanks for your response.
JOHNADCO
2 Intern
•
847 Posts
435
0
Posted September 27th, 2010 08:00
Your luns are assigned when you make virtual disks.
To get esx talking to it?
Generally before you go add a host on the san? On the ESX box using the GUI you go:
Configuration
Netorking
Add a VMKernal with an IP address in the subnet of your iSCSI port on your san.
If the network is up and running then goto
Storage adapter and choose your iSCSI adapter.
Then properties and put the ip address of the iSCSI port on your san under the Dynamic Discovery tab.
Once this is done you should see it enabled under general tab by clicking configure.
Now go back to your san and add the host. The host name should now show the iSCSI initator for adding. Usually you can assign it to a host group right there.
Now add some Virtual disks mapped to the host and/or host group.
Then scan the HBA's and viola, your storage should start showing up under add storage in ESX.