System information
Before You Begin
When preparing your ESX host and storage array for the boot from SAN setup, review any available
information, including specific recommendations and requirements, vendor's documentation, and so on.
Review the following information:
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The recommendations or sample setups for the type of configuration you want:
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Single or redundant paths to the boot LUN.
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FC switch fabric.
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Any specific recommendations that apply to the type of storage array you have.
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Restrictions and requirements, including:
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Boot-from-SAN restrictions.
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The vendor's recommendation for the storage array to be used for booting from a SAN.
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The vendor's recommendation for the server booting from a SAN.
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Find the WWN for the boot path HBA by using one of the following methods:
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Go into the FC HBA BIOS upon boot.
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Find the WWN on the physical card. It is similar to a MAC address.
LUN Masking in Boot from SAN Mode
Proper LUN masking is critical in boot from SAN mode.
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Each server can see only its own boot LUN, not the boot LUNs of other servers.
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Multiple servers can share a diagnostic partition. You can use LUN masking to achieve this.
For information on how to mask paths to specific LUNs on your host, see “Mask Paths,” on page 83.
Prepare the SAN
This section lists the steps for preparing the SAN storage array for boot from SAN.
Procedure
1 Connect the FC and Ethernet cables, referring to any cabling guide that applies to your setup.
Check the FC switch wiring, if there is any.
2 Configure the storage array.
a From the SAN storage array, make the ESX host visible to the SAN. (This is often referred to as creating
an object.)
b From the SAN storage array, set up the ESX host to have the WWPNs of the host’s FC adapters as
port names or node names.
c Create LUNs.
d Assign LUNs.
e Record the IP addresses of the FC switches and storage arrays.
f Record the WWPN for each SP and host adapter involved.
CAUTION If you use scripted installation to install ESX in boot from SAN mode, you need to take special
steps to avoid unintended data loss.
Chapter 5 Using Boot from SAN with ESX Systems
VMware, Inc. 45