Configuring a VMWARE server for software ISCSI

iscsivmware-esx

I have an IBM x3650 with the following components:

  • 6 Gb NICs (all connected to an Extreme Networks x450 switch that also houses the ISCSI vlan and the SAN ISCSI connections)

I need to configure it properly for software ISCSI to connect to a LUN on a SAN.

Currently I have it setup as follows AND IT DOES connect and see the LUN:

  • 1 NIC – vSwitch0 / vswif0
  • 2 NICs – vSwitch1 / vswif1/vmkernel

My question really is:

A) What exactly should I do with all 6 nics to utilize them properly for redundancy and load balancing?
B) Can I gain throughput (teaming) on vmkernel for the ISCSI operations?

I'm going to be adding a 2nd identical server once I have the right configuration on this one to the same LUNs so that I can do vmotion etc.

Any guidance is appreciated. Ask questions if you need clarification. A few screenshots are attached as well

VERSION is 3.5.0, 158874

enter image description here

Best Answer

This is the ideal config for 6 nics assuming you will add addtinal servers and utilize HA, DRS and vMotions.

Nic1 Service Console in main vlan100, main subnet

Nic2 Vmotion in main vlan100 Separate subnet

Nic3 and Nic4 both trunk ports for VMs to use

Nic5 and Nic6 - iSCSI Nics – in iscsi vlan, 2 separate subnets (assuming your SAN/NAS as 2, dual port controllers.

Be advised it is NOT recommended that you use teaming with your iSCSI nics. They should also be separate from your other services, I.E. vMotion, SC, Trunks etc. Using teaming will cause a delay in the event of a failure. It can also slow down the systems as your storage switches between controllers. I can explain in more detail if needed.

The vNIics however should use team. The nics in that team, Nic3 and Nic4, should be trunk ports on your switch.

Related Topic