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JimKearns
Contributor
Contributor
‎07-11-2007 11:46 AM

Can I convert a server that has a connected LUN?

I have a file server with a qlogic 2340 card connected to an EMC san LUN of 100Gb in size. I want to virtualize the server and I am wondering what is the best way to achieve this. ESX doesn't emulate fibercards does it? I don't think so. So I couldn't convert just the OS and later attach the existing LUN could I? I would have to convert the os into the c drive on the virtual machine and convert than LUN as another drive (e.g. the F:\ drive). Its just that the LUN is 100GB and if I could find a way not to duplicate the data and just reattach it to the server that would be great. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance for your input.

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4 Replies
admin
Immortal
Immortal
‎07-11-2007 12:00 PM

Yes, you can create what is called a "Mapped SAN LUN" in ESX Server which maps a virtual disk to an existing LUN. This LUN will appear as another virtual disk to a VM.

So convert the physical machine (Fibre disconnected) and create a new VM and virtual disk with the C drive. Then create a second virtual disk and map it to the LUN for the F drive.

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JimKearns
Contributor
Contributor
‎07-11-2007 12:27 PM

Is that the same as a Raw LUN mapping? These have issues with vmotion do they not? I thought I read somewhere that they will not vmotion, does that sound familiar?

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admin
Immortal
Immortal
‎07-11-2007 12:46 PM

Yes, "Mapped SAN LUN" is the same as "Raw Device Mapping" or (RDM). Mapped SAN LUN is the name that appears in the VI Client when you set this up.

Having a Mapped SAN LUN/RDM does not affect VMotion so long as the LUN is visible to the hosts you intend to move the VM around using VMotion.

JimKearns
Contributor
Contributor
‎07-11-2007 12:47 PM

Thank you for your time and information.

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