This topic provides a checklist of special setup requirements for different storage systems and ESXi hosts.

Table 1. iSCSI SAN Configuration Requirements

Component

Comments

All storage systems

Write cache must be disabled if not battery backed.

Topology

No single failure should cause HBA and SP failover, especially with active-passive storage arrays.

EMC Symmetrix

Enable the SPC2 and SC3 settings. Contact EMC for the latest settings.

EMC Clariion

Set the EMC Clariion failover mode to 1 or 4. Contact EMC for details.

HP MSA

No specific requirements

HP EVA

For EVA3000/5000 firmware 4.001 and later, and EVA4000/6000/8000 firmware 5.031 and later, set the host type to VMware.

Otherwise, set the host mode type to Custom. The value is:

  • EVA3000/5000 firmware 3.x: 000000002200282E

  • EVA4000/6000/8000: 000000202200083E

NetApp

If any of your iSCSI initiators are a part of an initiator group (igroup), disable ALUA on the NetApp array.

Dell EqualLogic

Make sure ARP Redirect is enabled on independent hardware iSCSI adapters.

HP StorageWorks (formerly LeftHand)

Make sure ARP Redirect is enabled on independent hardware iSCSI adapters.

ESXi Configuration

Set the following Advanced Settings for the ESXi host: Disk.UseLunReset to 1.

A multipathing policy of Most Recently Used must be set for all LUNs hosting clustered disks for active-passive arrays. A multipathing policy of Most Recently Used or Fixed may be set for LUNs on active-active arrays.

Allow ARP redirection if the storage system supports transparent failover.