Presenting ESX Datastoresto Backup Server

[samuk]

Hi,

I want to present the ESX Datastores to the Backup server, in order to do SAN to SAN backups.

We are using vSphere4.

The Windows 2003 server currently has HP MPIO software installed and is connected to the SAN by Dual Path.

I recall there are certain steps that need to be taken so that Windows does not write its signitures to the disks..

Appriciate any help..

Thanks

[AndreTheGiant]

In the Windows physical system:

cmd

diskpart

automount disable

exit

Andre

[samuk]

Thanks Andrew,

The backup server is currently connected to the SAN using a single Fibre Cable - two paths are avalible to the disks.

Is this an issue?

If not am i ok to attach the second HBA cable to provide 4 paths to the storage for faster responses? will this cause an issue with presenting the datastores to the backup server?

[AndreTheGiant]

It depends by your multipath software.

But usually a single HBA could be enough.

Andre

[idle-jam]

normally for backup server I will just do with a single HBA with no multipath software.

[samuk]

ok so will leave the backup server connected single path.

I found that when i mapped a LUN to the backup server in computer managment the same disk appeared twice. after installing the mpio software i am now seeing one..

[RaZaKKaZaR]

Hello Samuk,

Make sure to keep an eye on backup throughput with your setup.

It is generally best practice to have 2 HBAs in the Backup Server (one for disk access and one for backup device access).

If you find that you are not meeting your backup windows, you may want consider adding the second card to separate the traffic.

-Trevor