Using Layer 3 Routed Connections to Access NFS Storage

When you use Layer 3 (L3) routed connections to access NFS storage, consider certain requirements and restrictions.

Ensure that your environment meets the following requirements:

• Use Cisco's Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) in IP Router. If you are using a non-Cisco router, use Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) instead.
• To prioritize NFS L3 traffic on networks with limited bandwidths, or on networks that experience congestion, use Quality of Service (QoS). See your router documentation for details.
• Follow Routed NFS L3 recommendations offered by storage vendor. Contact your storage vendor for details.
• Disable Network I/O Resource Management (NetIORM).
• If you are planning to use systems with top-of-rack switches or switch-dependent I/O device partitioning, contact your system vendor for compatibility and support.

In an L3 environment, the following restrictions apply:

• The environment does not support VMware Site Recovery Manager.
• The environment supports only the NFS protocol. Do not use other storage protocols such as FCoE over the same physical network.
• The NFS traffic in this environment does not support IPv6.
• The NFS traffic in this environment can be routed only over a LAN. Other environments such as WAN are not supported.