Using Jumbo Frames with iSCSI

ESXi supports the use of Jumbo Frames with iSCSI.

Jumbo Frames are Ethernet frames with the size that exceeds 1500 Bytes. The maximum transmission unit (MTU) parameter is typically used to measure the size of Jumbo Frames. ESXi allows Jumbo Frames with the MTU up to 9000 Bytes.

When you use Jumbo Frames for iSCSI traffic, the following considerations apply:

• The network must support Jumbo Frames end-to-end for Jumbo Frames to be effective.
• Check with your vendors to ensure your physical NICs and iSCSI HBAs support Jumbo Frames.
• To set up and verify physical network switches for Jumbo Frames, consult your vendor documentation.

The following table explains the level of support that ESXi provides to Jumbo Frames.

Table 1. Support of Jumbo Frames

Type of iSCSI Adapters	Jumbo Frames Support
Software iSCSI	Supported
Dependent Hardware iSCSI	Supported. Check with vendor.
Independent Hardware iSCSI	Supported. Check with vendor.