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

Modifying Fibre Channel Storage for6ESXiThis section discusses many of the storage devices supported in conjunction with VMware ESXi. For eachdevice, it lists the major known potential issues, points to vendor-specific information (if available), andincludes information from VMware knowledge base articles.NOTE Information related to specific storage devices is updated only with each release. New informationmight already be available. Consult the most recent Storage/SAN Compatibility, check with your storagearray vendor, and explore the VMware knowledge base articles.This chapter includes the following topics:• “Testing ESXi SAN Configurations,” on page 49• “General Setup Considerations for Fibre Channel SAN Arrays,” on page 50• “EMC CLARiiON Storage Systems in Fibre Channel SAN Configurations,” on page 50• “EMC Symmetrix Storage Systems,” on page 51• “IBM System Storage DS4800 Storage Systems,” on page 51• “IBM Systems Storage 8000 and IBM ESS800,” on page 53• “HP StorageWorks Storage Systems,” on page 53• “Hitachi Data Systems Storage,” on page 54• “Network Appliance Storage,” on page 54• “LSI-Based Storage Systems,” on page 54Testing ESXi SAN ConfigurationsESXi supports a variety of SAN storage systems in different configurations. Generally, VMware tests ESXiwith supported storage systems for basic connectivity, HBA failover, and so on.Not all storage devices are certified for all features and capabilities of ESXi, and vendors might have specificpositions of support with regard to ESXi.Basic connectivityHBA failoverStorage port failoverTests whether ESXi can recognize and operate with the storage array. Thisconfiguration does not allow for multipathing or any type of failover.The server is equipped with multiple HBAs connecting to one or more SANswitches. The server is robust to HBA and switch failure only.The server is attached to multiple storage ports and is robust to storage portfailures and switch failures.VMware, Inc. 49