vsphere-esxi-vcenter-server-55-storage-guide

vSphere StorageEnabling Virtual SANTo use Virtual SAN, you must create a host cluster and enable Virtual SAN on the cluster.A Virtual SAN cluster can include hosts with storage disks and hosts without storage disks. Follow theseguidelines when you create a Virtual SAN cluster.• A Virtual SAN cluster must include the minimum of three ESXi hosts.• For the Virtual SAN cluster to tolerate host and disk failures, at least three hosts that join the VirtualSAN cluster must have storage disks.• Only ESXi 5.5 hosts can join the Virtual SAN cluster.• To be able to access the Virtual SAN datastore, an ESXi host must be a member of the Virtual SANcluster.After you enable Virtual SAN, the Virtual SAN storage provider is automatically registered withvCenter Server and the Virtual SAN datastore is created. For information about storage providers, seeChapter 26, “Using Storage Providers,” on page 253.Create a Virtual SAN ClusterYou can enable Virtual SAN when you create a cluster.Procedure1 Right-click a datacenter in the vSphere Web Client and select New Cluster.2 Type a name for the cluster in the Name text box.This name appears in the vSphere Web Client navigator.3 Select the Virtual SAN Turn ON check box.4 Select the mode for storage disks to be claimed and click OK.OptionAutomaticManualDescriptionClaims all empty disks on the included hosts for Virtual SAN. Virtual SANin automatic mode claims only local disks on the ESXi hosts in the cluster.You can add any remote non-shared disks manually.Requires manual claiming of the disks on the included hosts. New disks onthe host are not added to Virtual SAN. With the manual mode, twomethods of organizing disks into disk groups exist, semi-automatic andmanual.NOTE When you use this mode, a Virtual SAN datastore is created, but itsinitial size is 0 bytes. The datastore remains unusable until you manuallyclaim disks.5 Add hosts to the Virtual SAN cluster.Virtual SAN clusters can include hosts with disks and hosts without disks.The cluster appears in the inventory.What to do nextVerify that the Virtual SAN datastore has been created. See “View Virtual SAN Datastore,” on page 182.Verify that the Virtual SAN storage provider is registered. See “View Virtual SAN Storage Providers,” onpage 189.If you use manual mode for Virtual SAN, claim disks or create disk groups. See “Managing Disk Groups,”on page 183.180 VMware, Inc.