Large Windows2008 File Server

[DomFarnham]

Hi,

I am designing a file storage solution for one of our departments. I am trying to workout if there is a way I can present a single logical volume, to Windows, that is 2.5 TB and easily expandable. They would like a single network drive that connects them to the large storage area.

I know there is a hard limit of 2TB for a vmdk file but has anyone used DFS for this type of requirment? Can you share your experience with DFS and multiple vmdk files.

Fundamental requirements:

Storage space: 2.5 TB (Should be easily expanded should there be a requirement in the future)

Method of access: Network drive (preferably a single network drive).

[PduPreez]

Have a look at this discussion: http://communities.vmware.com/thread/275664

If you are using iSCSI you could present a LUN straight to a VM of whatever size the backend storage and VM OS support

another good discussion that might provide answers : http://communities.vmware.com/message/1706705

Please award points for helpful/correct answers

[DomFarnham]

Thanks PduPreez for your response.

I am using FC. Thanks for the suggestions though. I have good news, they are happy to have multiple storage areas/network drives. I will be provisioning 2 x 1.25TB vmdk files.

My next issue is going to be how am I going to replicate this large VM to our DR site (over WAN). I use vRanger 5.2 to replicate most of our VMs but I am strugling with large VMs.

I done some testing with another large 3TB file server. I found that the source VM would drop off the network for 5-10 seconds when the snapshot on the source is being removed.

I am looking at DFS replication and Backup Exec Continuous Protection Server.

Have you ever replicated large file servers? Can you suggest a solution?

[PduPreez · Accepted solution]

I have used replication Software that supports changes blocks replication.

Also have used DFS which is free and works quite well.

I guess it depends on the WAN link, do you want to burst changes with snapshot replication through the WAN pipe or trickle changes with DFS.

If you are having problems with replication these large VMs,  DFS. could be the way to go.

Monitor the WAN link to make sure it is big enough, you might need to increase or use a WAN optimization technology.

Please award points for correct/helpful answers

[DomFarnham]

Thanks for your suggestions with this one. 🙂

I am going to look into DFS.