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

Chapter 11 Configuring iSCSI Adapters and StorageNetwork Configuration and AuthenticationBefore your ESXi host can discover iSCSI storage, the iSCSI initiators must be configured and authenticationmight have to be set up.• For software iSCSI and dependent hardware iSCSI, networking for the VMkernel must be configured.You can verify the network configuration by using the vmkping utility.CAUTION Make sure that the physical network adapters you use for software or dependent hardwareiSCSI are on the same subnet as your iSCSI target. Otherwise, your host cannot establish sessions fromthis network adapter to the target.• For independent hardware iSCSI, network parameters, such as IP address, subnet mask, and defaultgateway must be configured on the HBA.• Check and change the default initiator name if necessary.• The dynamic discovery address or static discovery address and target name of the storage system mustbe set. For software iSCSI and dependent hardware iSCSI, the address should be pingable usingvmkping.• For CHAP authentication, enable it on the initiator and the storage system side. After authentication isenabled, it applies for all of the targets that are not yet discovered, but does not apply to targets that arealready discovered. After the discovery address is set, the new targets discovered are exposed and canbe used at that point.For details on how to use the vmkping command, search the VMware Knowledge Base.Setting Up Independent Hardware iSCSI AdaptersAn independent hardware iSCSI adapter is a specialized third-party adapter capable of accessing iSCSIstorage over TCP/IP. This iSCSI adapter handles all iSCSI and network processing and management foryour ESXi system.The setup and configuration process for the independent hardware iSCSI adapters involves these steps:1 Check whether the adapter needs to be licensed.See your vendor documentation.2 Install the adapter.For installation information and information on firmware updates, see vendor documentation.3 Verity that the adapter is installed correctly.See “View Independent Hardware iSCSI Adapters in the vSphere Web Client,” on page 78.4 Configure discovery information.See “Configuring Discovery Addresses for iSCSI Adapters,” on page 90.5 (Optional) Configure CHAP parameters.See “Configuring CHAP Parameters for iSCSI Adapters,” on page 92.6 (Optional) Enable Jumbo Frames.See “Using Jumbo Frames with iSCSI,” on page 89.VMware, Inc. 77