large disks for datasets and other files

[merititops]

Hi,

I've been asked to provide a large amount of storage through our VM cluster. I've been asked for between 100 and 200 terabytes and I was wondering if there's a way VSphere can cope with this? From what I've read, you can't make a datastore larger than 64TB (32 x 2TB LUNs), and you can't make a vmdisk larger than 2TB.

Is there a way around these limits? Does raw disk mapping allow large LUNs? Does anyone know when the 2TB limit on LUNs and vmdisks will change?

Thanks!

[azn2kew]

You're correct, it only allow maximum of 32 extents of 2TB each equal to 64TB max and it applies the same to RDM & VMFS. I don't see any option to allow 100 & 200TB data to virtualization but to use multiple datastores and sets of extents. What types of applications or systems you're trying to deploy that requires 200TB?

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Regards,

Stefan Nguyen

VMware vExpert 2009

iGeek Systems Inc.

VMware, Citrix, Microsoft Consultant

[AndreTheGiant · Accepted solution]

If your storage is iSCSI you can use a software initiator inside the VM and use GPT disks greater that 2 TB.

If your storage is FC you have to use VMDirectPath and a dedicated HBA or try to use NPIV (but I'm not sure that NPIV can use larger disks).

Andre