Before you configure your host to boot from an iSCSI LUN, prepare and configure your storage area network.

Caution: If you use scripted installation to install ESXi when booting from a SAN, you must take special steps to avoid unintended data loss.

Procedure

  1. Connect network cables, referring to any cabling guide that applies to your setup.
  2. Ensure IP connectivity between your storage system and server.
    Verify configuration of any routers or switches on your storage network. Storage systems must be able to ping the iSCSI adapters in your hosts.
  3. Configure the storage system.
    1. Create a volume (or LUN) on the storage system for your host to boot from.
    2. Configure the storage system so that your host has access to the assigned LUN.
      This step might involve updating ACLs with the IP addresses, iSCSI names, and the CHAP authentication parameter you use on your host. On some storage systems, in addition to providing access information for the ESXi host, you must also explicitly associate the assigned LUN with the host.
    3. Ensure that the LUN is presented to the host correctly.
    4. Ensure that no other system has access to the configured LUN.
    5. Record the iSCSI name and IP addresses of the targets assigned to the host.
      You must have this information to configure your iSCSI adapters.