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VMware multipath configuration for a BladeCenter S SAS RAID module

I'm following the instructions here to configure "Proper multipath settings for VMware and the RSSM module (43W3584) - IBM BladeCenter S "

http://www-947.ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?brand=5000020&lndocid=MIGR-5081899

Whilst the instructions are pretty badly written, miss a few steps, and don't reflect the latest vSphere Client, I've managed to follow them and configure the LUN Policy to Fixed (VMware) and set preferred paths for each LUN.

However, I'd like some advice on whether these setting are still relevant for ESXi 4.1, and whether changing the LUN policy from "Most Recently Used (VMware)" to "Fixed (VMware)" is indeed the best / recommended configuration for a BladeCenter S.

Thanks.

Kevin
vmware-manage-paths-fixed.png

gheist

You can set to "fixed" at the times you need to change particular cable, otherwise either of others is fine.
Probably re-using last path was of value for old FC or faraway iSCSI, but normally no difference.

Kevin_Leadbeater

ASKER

The Path Selection options and Storage Array Type have both changed in ESXi 4.1 compared to 4.0.

In the Path Selection menu, i now see an extra entry (the top one)

VMW_PSP_FIXED_AP
Most Recently Used (VMware)
Round Robin (VMware)
Fixed (VMware)

And the Storage Array Type is now: VMW_SATP_ALUA rather than VMW_SATP_DEFAULT_AA in ESXi 4.1.

Can anyone explain what these differences mean or imply? And (ideally) give me recommendations of what i should choose.

I see some information here, but this is all a bit alien to me...

http://www.yellow-bricks.com/2009/03/19/pluggable-storage-architecture-exploring-the-next-version-of-esxvcenter/

http://www.yellow-bricks.com/2009/09/29/whats-that-alua-exactly/

Thanks.

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gheist

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Kevin_Leadbeater

ASKER

I'd still would like to see IBM response to this question, but it seems they are still unwilling to provide support for ESXi 4.1 on a BladeCenter S.

gheist

They support:
IBM vCenter Management Plug-in is a VMware vCenter plug-in that provides integrated management of IBM storage subsystems within vCenter

On your small scale installation you should rely on vmware support.