attach and iSCSI network storage device to VMware ESX Server

First, I would check:
- does your NIC adapters on both, iSCSI Target and ESX host, have speed set manually to 100Mbps or 1Gbps Full-Duplex? If not, set it to one of these values - don't let them stay in Auto speed determination
- try your iSCSI storage Target with Windows XP or server directly, just to be 100% sure that your iSCSI storage works.

Then you may login to your ESX via SSH to console, and do some diagnostics:

   vmkping [your iSCSI Target IP]     //test, if VM Kernel has connectivty to iSCSI target

   service mgmt-vmware restart    //this should be self-explanatory

   esxcfg-swiscsi -q    //To see if iSCSI initiator is enabled on ESX host; should output something like "Software iSCSI initiator is running"

   esxcfg-swiscsi -s    //Start iSCSI initiator service


Report back with results.

Please check whether there is a service console and VMKernel Port Group configured on the vSwitch which is being used for iSCSI Communication since you are using a Software iSCSI initiator.

Also check whether Port 3260 is open in the firewall.

Also update which version of ESX are you using ? ESX 3.5 or ESXi 3.5 ?

Labsy:
I have it set to 1GB ps full-duplex. I can access the storage device just fine from windows xp.
I am able to vmkping the device and esxcfg-swiscsi -q  reports the iSCSI initiator is running

kumarnirmal:
The vSwitch in question does not have a Service Console configured.
It does have a VMKernel configured

Are you using HBA cards to connect to your Network Storage Device?  Is this SAN?

its an HP MSA2012i using iSCSI over ethernet

A Service Console Port Group is only required if you are using the Software iSCSI Initiator.
You have indicated earlier that you are using a Software based iSCSI adapter

in the add network wizard it shows that the VMKernel handles iSCSI traffic

ComputerTechie: (http://www.petri.co.il/connect-vmware-esx-server-iscsi-san-openfiler.htm)
I have followed the instructions in the link you provided. it is a very good link, but when I hit rescan for the iSCSI software adapter nothing happens. it does the scan but no results are return?

any ideas on why this may be?

kumarnirmal:

you are correct. I do need the service console attached to this network addapter as well. however I have attached it and am still not able to see any drives

Have you mapped the volume to the ESX host?

From the SMU on the MSA2012i, select Manage > Volume Management > Volume Mapping > Map Hosts To Volume. Is the host listed there in the dropdown list? It should appear something like  iqn.1998-01.com.vmware.myserver - no capitals.

These instruction where very helpfull. they were exactly what I needed once I figured out I was using the wrong IP address. .30 instead of .130.

Thanks