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What is the configuration of the controller, many novices are not very clear about this, in order to help you solve this problem, the following editor will explain for you in detail, people with this need can come to learn, I hope you can gain something.

As VMware's Super Convergence Architecture Software (HCIS), vSAN is deployed on standard X86 servers, providing users with flexibility in choosing server brands and models, and is not bound by hardware vendors. For the consideration of the stability, performance and data security of vSAN, vSAN has strict compatibility requirements for the server's I Controller (or RAID controller), SSD, HDD, firmware and microcode.

At present, more and more servers are using DELL PowerEdge R730/R730xd in the vSAN environment, at the same time, these are probably the most criticized models. However, from a dialectical point of view, it also shows that vSAN, that is, the installed capacity of these servers is relatively large. In fact, it is also a normal phenomenon that a large number of users lead to relatively many problems. A small installed HCI or server does not mean that there is no problem. For users, if the potential problems are not fully exposed, the potential risks may be greater.

Of course, some customers may also say that they did not comply with the compatibility list when they were deployed before, and there is no problem with it. How can something go wrong after a period of time? This may be because the previous small amount of data, or running time is not long enough, did not lead to software driver and firmware instability. It is also possible that the application that just started is not important and does not notice the problem.

From the perspective of user feedback, it is generally divided into two situations:

1. Some components are not in the compatibility list

Although the hardware used is in the compatibility list of vSAN, the version of ESXi and the version of driver and firmware used are not in the compatibility list. The compatibility list of vSAN can be found at:

Http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?deviceCategory=vsan

For example, the following figure shows that the ESXi version corresponds to a different I Controller O Controller mode, and its Device Driver and Firmware Version may also be different.

2. The use mode of I _ Controller is incorrect

Here is a list of common deployment vSAN Ready Node models: the configuration mode of Controller O Controller in DELL PowerEdge R730/R730xd. Other Ready Node configurations should be configured in accordance with the requirements of the vSAN compatibility list.

DELL PowerEdge R730/R730xd

This server usually comes with a factory-configured DELL H730 Mini, with a maximum hard disk slot of 24 2.5 "LFF bays or 12 3.5" LFF bays. Currently, the R730 only supports the insertion of 1 Imax O Controller,R730xd and supports the insertion of 2 Igamard O Controller.

The actual deployment of current users usually has the following design methods (note that some of the following 6 Solution are incorrect, incorrect, incorrect posture):

Let's first visit http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?deviceCategory=vsanio to take a look at the mode supported by Imax O Controller:

Solution 1

This approach looks perfect. ESXi uses RAID 1 for redundancy, and vSAN disks use the Pass-Through mode recommended by vSAN, but I'm sorry that Solution 1 is not officially supported.

It is found in the vSAN compatibility list that the Controller only supports Pass-Through mode in all-flash (All Flash) and Hybrid (mixed mode). As you know, the vSAN_6.0 Design and Optimization Guide makes it clear: do not mix different controller modes for vSAN and non-vSAN disks.

Related KB description: "Best practices for using VSAN and non-VSAN disks with the same storage controller"

Https://kb.vmware.com/kb/2135390

Solution 2

When configuring, users or integrators have seen or heard others say that do not mix different controller modes for vSAN and non-vSAN disks, and also intend to implement RAID1 redundancy for ESXi, using the mode of configuring RAID for ESXi O Controller. This mode is not supported. First of all, there is no information about supporting RAID in the compatibility list (see the Feature of the compatibility list, only Pass-Through is listed). Second, the best practice of vSAN is to strongly recommend the Pass-Through (that is, through) approach. Pass-through mode is better than RAID mode for monitoring and operation and maintenance in the later stage of vSAN.

Solution 3

ESXi is installed through the addition of an I Controller, and the Cache and capacity disk of the vSAN are connected by Pass-Through, which is officially supported by VMware, but it should be noted that the R730 cannot insert two I Controller O Controller, and this solution can only be used on a model that supports two I Controller O Controller.

Note: please contact DELL to confirm the specific connection, configuration, restrictions and other information of the R730xd configuration 2 pieces of the Controller.

Solution 4

ESXi is installed with double SD cards, and the Cache and capacity disk of vSAN are connected by Pass-Through, which is recommended by DELL. At the same time, we can also use the same recommended configuration in DELL vSAN Ready Node. Of course, if you use a SD card to install ESXi, you need to manually specify the permanent location of LOG storage. Do not point the log output of the host to vSAN Datastore. When the host memory is greater than 512g, you can use SATADOM solution.

Three solutions for logging:

Stored in permanent storage (KB1033696)

Stored in a Syslog server (KB2003322)

Store in vRealize Log Insight server (KB2144909)

Solution description for DELL dual SD card:

Http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/pedge/en/poweredge-idsdm-whitepaper-en.pdf

DELL R730xd vSANReady Node configuration:

Solution 5

The whole I/OController is in Pass-Through mode, and a piece of HDD is selected for ESXi installation. VMware does not support configuring vSAN disks and VMFS volumes on this model of I/OController at the same time. Datastorage created after installing ESXi needs to be disabled. This approach is supported, but ESXi is a single point of storage. However, as we all know, ESXi is added to memory after running, and thanks to the high availability of vSphere clusters, the risk of this single point is not great.

Related KB: "deployment guidelines for running VMware vSAN and VMware vSphere VMFS data stores on Dell H730 controllers with lsi_mr3 drivers"

Https://kb.vmware.com/kb/2141107

Solution 6

ESXi is installed by single SD, USB disk, SATADOM and other methods, and the Cache and capacity disk of vSAN are connected by Pass-Through. Of course, if you use SD card to install ESXi, you need to manually specify the permanent location of LOG storage. Please do not direct the log output of the host to vSAN Datastore. This approach is supported, but because ESXi is a single point of storage.

Three solutions for logging:

Stored in permanent storage (KB1033696)

Stored in a Syslog server (KB2003322)

Store in vRealize Log Insight server (KB2144909)

This approach is supported, but because ESXi is a single point of storage.

Summary of six configuration modes

VMware highly recommends and supports Solution 4, if the server is R730XD, supports Solution 3; does not support Solution 1 and Solution 2

Solution 5 and Solution 6 are not recommended by VMware. Note the reason why it is not recommended is that ESXi is a single point, but it can still be used, and VMware is also supported if there is a problem.

As the industry's first native vSphere storage, vSAN seamlessly extends virtualization technology to storage, creating a super-converged solution that is easily compatible with existing tools, skill sets, software solutions, and hardware platforms. More than 7000 customers of all sizes in all industries rely on vSAN to simplify IT infrastructure and run enterprise-class workloads ranging from business-critical applications to virtual desktops.

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