iSCSI (internet small computer system interface) is a transport layer protocol where packets are transferred over TCP/IP Network. It transports block level data .

Prerequisites : Apart from previous seven labs, Server needs to be configured with iSCSI role and feature, Create iSCSI target folder on server for both the ESXi’s (Refer to pre-requisite blog screenshots)

In this lab, We configure the iSCSi adapter on Vstorage switch of each ESXI (172.20.11.51 and 172.20.11.52) and connect it to ISCSI Target server.

Task1:Add a VMKernal port group to a standard switch

Step1: Add host networking adapter on ESXI>configure>networking>VMKernel adapters

Step2:Select VMKernel Adapter and click next

Step3: Select the existing dedicated switch to storage. In My case VSwitch3.

Step4: Assign Name to the switch and additional settings are not required for now.

Step5: Set static IP Address 172.20.11.52 for ESXi2 and 172.20.11.51 for ESXi1 and mask with prefix length 24 . This is the set of initiators added to access list of iSCSI virtual disk(refer to pre-requisites blog)

Step6: Review and submit

Task2:Configure iSCSI Adapter and connect it to storage

Step1: Add host networking adapter on ESXI>configure>Storage>Storage adapters

Step2:Check status in properties (it should be enabled) then click edit beside general.

Step3: Verify the name to confirm the ESXi connection

Step4: In Adapterdetails pan >Network port binding tab>add>IPStorage(Network VMKernel adapter created in task 1)

Step5:Click Targets tab and provide the iSCSI server taget address 172.20.11.10 for both ESXis

Step6: Rescan the storage to establish connection (refreshing the connections)

Step7:In the devices tab a LUN is assigned and the details are :LUN NUmber: 0; Capacity:66.36GB,Operational State: Attached, Hardware Acceleration Notsupported

Since both are connected to same Storage folder of server LUN details remain same for both ESXi hosts.

TroubleShooting: The LUN is created only if the network adapter is assigned an IP address which is allowed to access the server target . It is direct lab without any roadblocks if pre-requisites are verified.

Critical Thinking: This lab gives the basic idea of how storage can be connected to ESXi hosts and adapter configuration. Since the details are concise, lab looks simple and easy.In Small and medium scale businesses, they use iSCSI pools and access them in virtual environment over internet as it is fast and inexpensive compared to other methods.

References:

https://searchstorage.techtarget.com/definition/iSCSI