Using Raw Device Mapping (RDM)
An RDM provides several benefits and should be used when connecting to raw storage devices.
Using RDMs, you can:
- Use vMotion to migrate virtual machines using raw LUNs.
- Add raw LUNs to virtual machines using the vSphere Web Client.
- Use file system features such as distributed file locking, permissions, and naming.
- Direct communication between VM and disk.
For more information about RDM, see the VMware Docs: Raw Device Mapping guide.
Configure Unity
For the storage connectivity examples in Chapter 6 and Chapter 7, a Dell EMC Unity 500F storage array is used. Below are the steps of how to configure and setup Unity.
- Enter the management IP address of the Unity into a web browser.
- Provide username and password.
- Under the System tab, click System View and select Enclosures. From the drop-down menu, select DPE. Verify ports are connected, up, and in a healthy state.
- Under the Storage tab, click Pools. Click the plus (+) sign at the top left corner to create a Pool. Assign pool name, select a drive, select storage capacity and click Finish.
- Under the Access tab click Hosts. Click the plus (+) sign at the top left corner. From the drop-down menu select the host option.
- Assign an appropriate host name, host description (optional) and select the Operating Systemfor the host.
- Select the Initiator from the top window, if it was discovered automatically. Otherwise add the Initiator information manually by clicking the plus (+) sign button.
- In the WWN tab, provide a CNA Virtual WWN, then the CNA Virtual WWPN, separating them with a colon.Note: To find the CNA WWN information, go to OME-M and click Devices, select Compute, and then click on the desired server sled. From the Hardware tab, select Network Devices. Expand NIC/CNA to find the port information along with NIC/CNA “WWN” information. It will look similar what is shown in this example.
- Double-click the host. Assign a Host server management IP.
- Create LUNs (Logical Unit Numbers) with a desire disk size as per specific environment.
- The initiator path is discovered automatically.