Implementing a Unified Storage Virtualization Solution with Dell EqualLogic and VMware vSphere
Overview of Dell EqualLogic and VMware vSphere Integration
When seeking to integrate Dell EqualLogic SANs with VMware vSphere to create a robust storage virtualization layer, IT professionals must consider the capabilities and limitations of both technologies. A storage virtualization solution that consolidates multiple physical SANs into a unified logical pool can enhance redundancy, manage data more efficiently, and simplify storage management tasks. The goal is to create a virtual layer that operates above the physical SANs to offer flexible and resilient storage services such as LUNs, iSCSI endpoints, NFS, and CIFS shares.
Storage Virtualization Strategy
To achieve seamless storage virtualization with Dell EqualLogic and VMware vSphere, consider implementing the following strategy:
1. Evaluate VMware Virtual Volumes (vVols)
VMware’s Virtual Volumes (vVols) are designed to enable more granular control over storage resources, aligning storage capabilities with application requirements. While vVols are a promising option for storage virtualization, they primarily focus on enhancing VM-level storage operations rather than serving as a traditional SAN replacement. The challenge lies in connecting vVols directly to physical hosts via iSCSI, as vVols are architected for virtual environments.
2. Leverage VMware vSAN
Consider deploying VMware vSAN, which aggregates local storage devices into a distributed shared data store. vSAN is integrated with vSphere and offers a native storage solution that simplifies provisioning and management. It provides data redundancy and leverages resources from the VMware infrastructure, making it a potential candidate for your storage virtualization needs.
3. Explore Dell EqualLogic Group Manager
Dell EqualLogic arrays can be managed via the EqualLogic Group Manager, which offers iSCSI connectivity, snapshots, and replication features. Utilize these capabilities for data redundancy and to manage LUNs efficiently. Integrating EqualLogic management with vSphere can improve operational workflows and storage provisioning.
Enhancing Redundancy and Manageability
To achieve redundancy and resilience, ensure to configure the system for data replication and snapshots utilizing the best-fit practices for your environment:
- Data Replication: Implement equal-level replication across your SAN arrays to ensure data is copied across devices, providing failover capabilities.
- Snapshots: Use EqualLogic’s snapshot features to create point-in-time copies of your data. These snapshots can be invaluable for quick recovery from data loss scenarios.
Recommended Actions
To implement a unified storage solution using Dell EqualLogic and VMware infrastructure, you may consider:
- Integrating vSAN for a hyper-converged approach that natively complements your VMware stack.
- Configuring EqualLogic Group Manager for seamless SAN management and enhanced data services.
- Regularly reviewing and updating your storage configuration based on guidance from Dell and VMware official documentation. Refer to the Dell Support site for the latest firmware updates and technical advisories.
By thoughtfully orchestrating these technologies and approaches, IT professionals can cultivate a resilient and efficient storage environment that thrives within the constraints of existing infrastructure.
