VMware Migration Question/Advice
I have a question for everyone. I'm somewhat stuck and don't know how to proceed. We have 2 blade server (I'll refer to new and old) and 2 SAN (I'll refer to new and old). My goal is to migrate from the old blade/old SAN to the new blade/new SAN both the host as well as datastore. They are both sitting on same VLAN but different subnet.
New Blade is connected to the new SAN using Fibre Channel
Old Blade is connected to the old SAN using iSCSI and does not support any Fibre Channel.
What would be most effective way to proceed? Sorry if I missed on some information.
New Blade is connected to the new SAN using Fibre Channel
Old Blade is connected to the old SAN using iSCSI and does not support any Fibre Channel.
What would be most effective way to proceed? Sorry if I missed on some information.
vmware standalone converter. Install it on the virtual machine and and convert it setting the destination to the new setup. Once it is converted power on and test if the vm is working correctly.
A few options:-
HOW TO: "Live Migrate" VMware Virtual Machines between ESX/ESXi hosts and/or datastores for FREE without licenses for vMotion or Storage vMotion
or complete a V2V, see my other Articles
HOW TO: Synchronize changes when completing a P2V or V2V with VMware vCenter Converter Standalone 5.1
HOW TO: P2V, V2V for FREE - VMware vCenter Converter Standalone 5.1
Are the VMs on shared storage?
HOW TO: "Live Migrate" VMware Virtual Machines between ESX/ESXi hosts and/or datastores for FREE without licenses for vMotion or Storage vMotion
or complete a V2V, see my other Articles
HOW TO: Synchronize changes when completing a P2V or V2V with VMware vCenter Converter Standalone 5.1
HOW TO: P2V, V2V for FREE - VMware vCenter Converter Standalone 5.1
Are the VMs on shared storage?
ASKER
Yes the VMs on shared storage (old SAN / iSCSI)
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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ASKER
Yes I have vCenter server. However vCenter can't see the new SAN storage.
vCenter does not have to, the hosts do!
can both old and new hosts connect to old and new SANs?
can both old and new hosts connect to old and new SANs?
ASKER
That's what I meant under configuration (storage). I think that's because I don't have any physical cables running between them.
V2V is your answer.
If you can get the NEW host to see the iSCSI LUN, which should be easily accomplished if the new host has access to the same IP network, then you should be able to transfer them easily. Are you keeping the same VirtualCenter server? If so, and you can register both hosts (ie: have the licensing to do so) and can put both hosts in the same cluster (hardware compatible) then you might even be able to live migrate them from old host to new host while running on the iSCSI, and then sVMotion them from iSCSI to FC once they're on the host that sees both LUNs.
If you can't get them both on the same VC at the same time, at least once you get the new host to see the iSCSI, you should be able to shut down the virtual on the old host, browse the iSCSI datastore and right-click on the .VMX file to import it directly into the VC for the new host, and bring it right back up, then move it live to the FC storage... Very minimal downtime and no physical hardware compatibility issues to deal with.
If you can't get them both on the same VC at the same time, at least once you get the new host to see the iSCSI, you should be able to shut down the virtual on the old host, browse the iSCSI datastore and right-click on the .VMX file to import it directly into the VC for the new host, and bring it right back up, then move it live to the FC storage... Very minimal downtime and no physical hardware compatibility issues to deal with.
ASKER
Thanks everyone. I was able to get my host to see both my old and new SAN and I'll go from there.