iSCSI Storage - VMNIC configuration

[Eire09]

Hi,

I installed & configured an ESXi 4.0 host. I'm now configuring the vSwitch for iSCSI storage.

Can anyone tell me what is the best practice for NIC configuration for both performance & redundancy?

I created a vSwitch for iSCSI with two VMNIC's. Under the NIC teaming I configured both NIC's as Active Adapters. Is ths best practice or should one of the VMNIC's be moved down to either Standby Adapters or Unused Adapters?

I look forward to your replies.

Regards,

Peter

[Maximenu]

Hello Eire

I don´t know your iSCSI SAN but here you have the best practice for iSCSI.

http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vmfs-best-practices-wp.pdf

http://www.google.es/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCcQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunities.vmware.com%...

Javier

[Eire09]

Thank you Javier.

My iSCSI SAN is HP Lefthand P4500

[idle-jam]

multipathing for iSCSI is a bit different and you will need to follow the below guide to set it up. http://www.yellow-bricks.com/2009/03/18/iscsi-multipathing-with-esxcliexploring-the-next-version-of-...

[idle-jam]

also the latest version of Lefthand supports storage io control. you  also need to ensure that the vsphere edition supports that. with that it  will greatly improve the speed/performance of the SAN storage. http://vpivot.com/2010/05/04/storage-io-control/

[Eire09]

Thanks guys.

In the iSCSI best practice document for vSwitch1 it has two physical adapters. Should the NIc's be setup as follows:

A. Active & Active

B. Active & Standby

C. Active & Unused

Thanks in advance

[Eire09]

Hi Javier,

I cannot open that second link. Can you send it again please?

[Maximenu]

Hi again Eire...the second link download a .doc document.

I attach you on this reply 

[depping]

I personally like the Active/Unused with multiple VMkernel's solution as it is crystal clear how the traffic flows!

Duncan (VCDX)

Available now on Amazon: vSphere 4.1 HA and DRS technical deepdive