gopher_49
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Dell MD3200i duplex mode
I want to utilize the duplex mode.. I want the ability for a controller for fail and the other one become owner automatically.. And.. I want the ability to load balance across both controller for better I/O and throughput. Isn't this the function of duplex mode? I found the guide here http://static3.menstream.pl/dell/Upgrade_Duplex.pdf . The guide seems straight forward, however, when connecting each iSCSI host/controller module to ESXi will I have to use multipathing?
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yes, connect them up, wire them up correctly, and configure as above.
The recommended mode of operation for a MD3200 is duplex mode.
The recommended mode of operation for a MD3200 is duplex mode.
ASKER
So.. Follow your guides and in addition to that enable duplex via the CLI?
ASKER
Andrew,
The guide here: https://i.dell.com/sites/content/shared-content/data-sheets/en/Documents/PowerVault_MD_iSCSI_Deployment_Guide_for_VMware_ESX50_Server_Software.pdf is slightly different than yours.. You have a dedicated VMKernel for each iSCSI host controller port. Each in a different subnet and VLAN. I also have each on dedicated switches.. I enabled multi path via round robin, however, the md3200i storage manager only has one target connected to it.. But VMWare shows two available. One being used.. And.. I only have one controller showing to be active in VMWare. I already enabled duplex via the CLI on the md3200i. What am I missing? I assume I should have two sessions on the md3200i and VMWare showing two active sessions versus right now one is in standby.
The guide here: https://i.dell.com/sites/content/shared-content/data-sheets/en/Documents/PowerVault_MD_iSCSI_Deployment_Guide_for_VMware_ESX50_Server_Software.pdf is slightly different than yours.. You have a dedicated VMKernel for each iSCSI host controller port. Each in a different subnet and VLAN. I also have each on dedicated switches.. I enabled multi path via round robin, however, the md3200i storage manager only has one target connected to it.. But VMWare shows two available. One being used.. And.. I only have one controller showing to be active in VMWare. I already enabled duplex via the CLI on the md3200i. What am I missing? I assume I should have two sessions on the md3200i and VMWare showing two active sessions versus right now one is in standby.
ASKER
okay.. I changed it to VMWare Fixed and now I have two targets Active.. I think I have it correct.. What do I need to review to assure?
pull out cables from network interfaces!
turn off switches
you should still have datastores if all is working and multipathed with no failures!
turn off switches
you should still have datastores if all is working and multipathed with no failures!
ASKER
There is a step on page 4 in the guide located below. I changed the ownership from controller 0 to controller 1. Is it supposed to toggle the owner or make them both the owner? I'll test right now via unplugging for I don't have any live VMs on it.. Brb.
http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/common/powervault-md3200_user%27s%20guide3_en-us.pdf
http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/common/powervault-md3200_user%27s%20guide3_en-us.pdf
ASKER
It worked... The preferred controller was 1 and it went to 0. When I plugged the cable in it went back to 1 . The folders on the datastore where present the entire time. How do I know if it's load balancing?
It's best if you've got live VMs, because if it's not correct it will fail.
paths should be Active (I/O) and multiple paths, you can also look at performance and networking.
but with nothing, you'll not see much traffic.
paths should be Active (I/O) and multiple paths, you can also look at performance and networking.
but with nothing, you'll not see much traffic.
ASKER
My used the configs found in the links below.. They are almost the same except you for each iSCSI host controller port you have a dedicated VMkernel/switch port group.. And.. A single NIC in each.. Since you have one from controller 0 and another from controller 1 there is no need to have 2 x NICs in the same VMKernel / vswitch port group unless you need dual redundancy.. It's already redundant.. I also used VMware fixed iSCSI paths.. That made both controller active.. I also enabled duplex mode.
The guide here: https://i.dell.com/sites/content/shared-content/data-sheets/en/Documents/PowerVault_MD_iSCSI_Deployment_Guide_for_VMware_ESX50_Server_Software.pdf is slightly different than yours.. You have a dedicated VMKernel for each iSCSI host controller port. Each in a different subnet and VLAN. I also have each on dedicated switches.. I enabled multi path via round robin, however, the md3200i storage manager only has one target connected to it.. But VMWare shows two available. One being used.. And.. I only have one controller showing to be active in VMWare. I already enabled duplex via the CLI on the md3200i. What am I missing? I assume I should have two sessions on the md3200i and VMWare showing two active sessions versus right now one is in standby.
The guide here: https://i.dell.com/sites/content/shared-content/data-sheets/en/Documents/PowerVault_MD_iSCSI_Deployment_Guide_for_VMware_ESX50_Server_Software.pdf is slightly different than yours.. You have a dedicated VMKernel for each iSCSI host controller port. Each in a different subnet and VLAN. I also have each on dedicated switches.. I enabled multi path via round robin, however, the md3200i storage manager only has one target connected to it.. But VMWare shows two available. One being used.. And.. I only have one controller showing to be active in VMWare. I already enabled duplex via the CLI on the md3200i. What am I missing? I assume I should have two sessions on the md3200i and VMWare showing two active sessions versus right now one is in standby.
Yes, those links and articles are OLD, and how we used to setup iSCSI multipath. My EE Article shows best practice.
But what ever works for you.
But what ever works for you.
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