Dell ESX Server 3.x Technical Report with EqualLogic PS Series

About this manual

This document is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) technical report that provides guidance for implementing VMware ESX Server 3.x (including 3.5 Update 2) with Dell EqualLogic PS Series storage arrays. It covers prerequisites, iSCSI software initiator configuration, CHAP authentication, jumbo‑frame support, VMotion issues, and Qlogic HBA integration.

The report also includes sections on Microsoft Clustering Service compatibility, firmware and software version tables, and Dell technical support contact information. It is intended for system administrators and engineers who need to troubleshoot or configure VMware environments with EqualLogic storage.

What's inside

• Prerequisites
• ESX Server iSCSI Software Initiator
• CHAP Issues
• Jumbo Frames Support
• VMotion Issues
• Qlogic iSCSI HBA Configuration
• Microsoft Clustering Service
• Technical Support and Customer Service

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

Why can’t iSCSI volumes be seen after upgrading to ESX v3.5?

Port 3260 may be blocked by the ESX firewall, preventing the software initiator from accessing the volumes.

Does ESX v3.x support Jumbo Frames?

Jumbo Frames are not supported on VMkernel ports in ESX v3.x.

What is the maximum size for RDM volumes?

The maximum size for RDM volumes is specified in the document (exact value not quoted).

Can Microsoft Clustering Service use VMDK disks in Windows 2003 SP1?

Windows 2003 SP1 introduced a change that prevents MSCS clusters from functioning in any ESX Server version.