6.5.1

Table Of Contents
File System Operations Makes it possible to use file system utilities to work with a mapped volume,
using the mapping file as a proxy. Most operations that are valid for an
ordinary file can be applied to the mapping file and are redirected to
operate on the mapped device.
Snapshots Makes it possible to use virtual machine snapshots on a mapped volume.
Snapshots are not available when the RDM is used in physical compatibility
mode.
vMotion Lets you migrate a virtual machine with vMotion. The mapping file acts as a
proxy to allow vCenter Server to migrate the virtual machine by using the
same mechanism that exists for migrating virtual disk files.
Figure 192. vMotion of a Virtual Machine Using Raw Device
Mapping
VMFS volume
mapping file
address
resolution
mapped device
Host 2Host 1
VM2VM1
VMotion
vSphere Storage
VMware, Inc. 228