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

Chapter 11 Configuring iSCSI Adapters and StorageConfiguring Software iSCSI AdapterWith the software-based iSCSI implementation, you can use standard NICs to connect your host to a remoteiSCSI target on the IP network. The software iSCSI adapter that is built into ESXi facilitates this connectionby communicating with the physical NICs through the network stack.Before you can use the software iSCSI adapter, you must set up networking, activate the adapter, andconfigure parameters such as discovery addresses and CHAP.NOTE Designate a separate network adapter for iSCSI. Do not use iSCSI on 100Mbps or slower adapters.The software iSCSI adapter configuration workflow includes these steps:1 Activate the software iSCSI adapter.See “Activate the Software iSCSI Adapter in the vSphere Web Client,” on page 81.2 Configure networking for iSCSI.See “Setting Up iSCSI Network,” on page 83.Configuring the network involves creating a VMkernel interface for each physical network adapter thatyou use for iSCSI and associating all interfaces with the software iSCSI adapter.3 (Optional) Enable Jumbo Frames.See “Using Jumbo Frames with iSCSI,” on page 89.4 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.Activate the Software iSCSI Adapter in the vSphere Web ClientYou must activate your software iSCSI adapter so that your host can use it to access iSCSI storage.You can activate only one software iSCSI adapter.PrerequisitesRequired privilege: Host.Configuration.Storage Partition ConfigurationNOTE If you boot from iSCSI using the software iSCSI adapter, the adapter is enabled and the networkconfiguration is created at the first boot. If you disable the adapter, it is reenabled each time you boot thehost.Procedure1 Browse to the host in the vSphere Web Client navigator.2 Click the Manage tab, and click Storage.3 Click Storage Adapters, and click Add.4 Select Software iSCSI Adapter and confirm that you want to add the adapter.The software iSCSI adapter (vmhba#) is enabled and appears on the list of storage adapters. After enablingthe adapter, the host assigns the default iSCSI name to it. If you need to change the default name, followiSCSI naming conventions.VMware, Inc. 81