Which approach is better to increase VMFS datastore ?

[TonyJK]

Hi,

Currently, there is a FC VMFS volume with size of around 500GB (Block size 2MB). There are additional free space (another LUN available).

We would like to know which approach is better ?

a) In VI Client, press Increase "VMFS Datastore" and add the unused LUN to it ? Does it mean that it will create an extent ? From memory, VMWare does not recommend this method before vSphere.

b) Create a bigger LUN in the SAN and converted it to a VMFS Volume. Then migrate the VMs on the original VMFS Volume to it via vStorage ?

Your advice is sought.

Thanks

[binoche]

a), VIC will expand the same extent first and then expand the vmfs

binoche, VMware VCP, Cisco CCNA

[TonyJK]

Hi,

In other words, the extent is expanded and not an extent is added ?

Moreover, is it necessary for the unused LUN be configured to have Block Size of 2MB (OR it is destroyed and will pick the correct Block Size) ?

Thanks again

[binoche]

let VIC do it for you, actually Block 2MB will not be changed since created

binoche, VMware VCP, Cisco CCNA

[TonyJK]

Dear Simon,

Many thanks for your advice.

We are using EMC Clariion CX3-20c FC SAN. Does it support dynamic expansion that "VMFS Online Volume Grow" ?

Thanks again

[binoche]

yes, VIC can do it online

binoche, VMware VCP, Cisco CCNA

[TonyJK]

Dear Simon,

I have tried but to my surprise, an extra extent is added instead of Volume Grow.

After a second thought, there are 4 ESX Hosts connected to the VMFS Volume (2 are running vSphere and the other 2 are still running ESX 3.5 Update 5). Would it be the reason for the Auto Grow fail ?

Thanks again

[binoche]

Hi, tony

please refer to Configuration Guide its "Increase VMFS Datastores", did you select to "Use free space to expand existing extent"? thanks

binoche, VMware VCP, Cisco CCNA