System information

Setting Up SAN Storage Devices with
ESX/ESXi 4
This section discusses many of the storage devices supported in conjunction with VMware ESX/ESXi. For each
device, it lists the major known potential issues, points to vendor-specific information (if available), and
includes information from VMware knowledge base articles.
NOTE Information related to specific storage devices is updated only with each release. New information
might already be available. Consult the most recent Storage/SAN Compatibility Guide, check with your storage
array vendor, and explore the VMware knowledge base articles.
This chapter includes the following topics:
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“Testing ESX/ESXi SAN Configurations,” on page 33
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“General Setup Considerations for Fibre Channel SAN Arrays,” on page 34
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“EMC CLARiiON Storage Systems,” on page 34
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“EMC Symmetrix Storage Systems,” on page 35
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“IBM System Storage DS4800 Storage Systems,” on page 36
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“IBM Systems Storage 8000 and IBM ESS800,” on page 38
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“HP StorageWorks Storage Systems,” on page 39
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“Hitachi Data Systems Storage,” on page 41
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“Network Appliance Storage,” on page 41
Testing ESX/ESXi SAN Configurations
ESX/ESXi supports a variety of SAN storage systems in different configurations. Generally, VMware tests ESX/
ESXi with supported storage systems for basic connectivity, HBA failover, and so on.
Not all storage devices are certified for all features and capabilities of ESX/ESXi, and vendors might have
specific positions of support with regard to ESX/ESXi.
Basic connectivity
Tests whether ESX/ESXi can recognize and operate with the storage array. This
configuration does not allow for multipathing or any type of failover.
HBA failover
The server is equipped with multiple HBAs connecting to one or more SAN
switches. The server is robust to HBA and switch failure only.
Storage port failover
The server is attached to multiple storage ports and is robust to storage port
failures and switch failures.
Boot from SAN (with ESX
only)
The ESX host boots from a LUN configured on the SAN rather than from the
server itself.
VMware, Inc. 33