VMware ESX 4.1, ESXi 4.1, vCenter Server 4.1 iSCSI SAN Configuration Guide

About this manual

The iSCSI SAN Configuration Guide provides background concepts, installation requirements, and detailed steps for integrating VMware ESX, ESXi, and vCenter Server 4.1 with iSCSI storage area networks. It covers virtualization basics, SAN architecture, VMFS data stores, LUN sizing, and virtual machine access.

The document also describes multipathing, failover, network authentication, and both software and hardware iSCSI adapters. Additional sections cover iSCSI boot, diagnostics, performance optimization, and management of SAN storage within ESX/ESXi environments. This manual is written in Chinese.

What's inside

• Understanding Virtualization
• iSCSI SAN Concepts
• Using ESX/ESXi with SAN Overview
• VMFS Data Store
• LUN Size and Number
• Virtual Machine Access to SAN Data
• Multipathing and Failover
• Configuring iSCSI Initiators and Adapters
• Network Configuration and Authentication
• iSCSI Boot from SAN

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What is the default iSCSI name format for ESX/ESXi?

ESX/ESXi generates a unique iSCSI name, for example iqn.1998-01.com.vmware:iscsitestox-68158ef2.

Can iSCSI be used without dedicated hardware?

Yes, the software iSCSI adapter allows use of iSCSI without purchasing dedicated hardware.