Integrating Dell EqualLogic with VMware vSphere 5 involves strategic upgrades to ensure compatibility and enhanced functionality. Below is a detailed technical guide for IT professionals tasked with overseeing these upgrades, highlighting key components such as firmware updates, multipath configurations, and tool integration.
Firmware Upgrade Considerations
For compatibility with vSphere 5, it’s crucial that your Dell EqualLogic array is running a supported firmware version. The minimum recommended firmware for ESXi 5 compatibility is version 4.3; however, upgrading to the 5.x series is advisable to leverage VMware APIs, specifically VAAI (vSphere API for Array Integration) and VASA (vStorage APIs for Storage Awareness). This upgrade ensures that advanced storage features are fully supported and optimal performance is achieved across vSphere 4.1 and 5 implementations.
Multipath Configuration
When upgrading, ensure the Dell Multipathing Extension Module (MEM) is compatible with ESXi 5. The initial 1.0.x MEM versions are not supported, so it’s necessary to disable these before commencing the upgrade process. Dell’s MEM Version 1.1, which is compatible with ESXi 5, should be installed post-upgrade. For multipath policies, although Dell documentation suggests a round-robin configuration, empirical evidence from user experiences indicates that a fixed policy might be more reliable, particularly when dealing with firmware 5.0.x, as it has shown to mitigate potential performance issues. Implementing a diverse volume configuration with distinct paths can enhance path redundancy and system resilience.
Dell Host Integration Tools and VASA
To facilitate seamless integration with vCenter Server and enable VASA capabilities, update to the latest version of Dell Host Integration Tools (HIT) for VMware. Version 3.1.1 of HIT provides robust integration, offering management capabilities for EqualLogic volumes, storage snapshots, and replicas directly through the vCenter interface. This not only simplifies storage management but also aligns with VMware’s initiative for deeper storage insights and automation.
SAN Headquarters Update
To monitor the upgraded EqualLogic group effectively, ensure that Dell SAN Headquarters (SAN HQ) is updated to the latest version, 2.2.0. This provides enhanced monitoring capabilities and the addition of a capacity estimator, which can be invaluable for proactive storage management and planning.
Keeping these considerations in mind will not only facilitate a smooth upgrade path to vSphere 5 but also ensure that the Dell EqualLogic storage environment operates efficiently and remains aligned with best practices for enterprise storage management. For more detailed information, consult the official Dell EqualLogic documentation and VMware’s technical resources.
