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

vSphere Storage• Coredump is not supported on any software FCoE LUNs, including the boot LUN.• Multipathing is not supported at pre-boot.• Boot LUN cannot be shared with other hosts even on shared storage.Best Practices for Software FCoE BootVMware recommends several best practices when you boot your system from a software FCoE LUN.• Make sure that the host has access to the entire boot LUN. The boot LUN cannot be shared with otherhosts even on shared storage.• If you use Intel 10 Gigabit Ethernet Controller (Niantec) with a Cisco switch, configure the switch portin the following way:• Enable the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).• Turn off switchport trunk native vlan for the VLAN used for FCoE.Set Up Software FCoE BootYour ESXi host can boot from a FCoE LUN using the software FCoE adapter a network adapter.When you configure your host for a software FCoE boot, you perform a number of tasks.PrerequisitesThe network adapter has the following capabilities:• Support partial FCoE offload (software FCoE).• Contain either a FCoE Boot Firmware Table (FBFT) or a FCoE Boot Parameter Table (FBPT).For information about network adapters that support software FCoE boot, see the vSphere CompatibilityGuide.Procedure1 Configure Software FCoE Boot Parameters on page 62To support a software FCoE boot process, a network adapter on your host must have a speciallyconfigured FCoE boot firmware. When you configure the firmware, you enable the adapter for thesoftware FCoE boot and specify the boot LUN parameters.2 Install and Boot ESXi from Software FCoE LUN on page 63When you set up your system to boot from a software FCoE LUN, you install the ESXi image to thetarget LUN. You can then boot your host from that LUN.Configure Software FCoE Boot ParametersTo support a software FCoE boot process, a network adapter on your host must have a specially configuredFCoE boot firmware. When you configure the firmware, you enable the adapter for the software FCoE bootand specify the boot LUN parameters.ProcedureuIn the option ROM of the network adapter, specify software FCoE boot parameters.These parameters include boot target, boot LUN, VLAN ID, and so on.Because configuring the network adapter is vendor specific, review your vendor documentation forinstructions.62 VMware, Inc.