Configuring the EqualLogic Multipathing Extension Module
Jul 25, 2011 Blogs
The EqualLogic Multipathing Extension Module for VMware vSphere is a Path Selection Plugin (PSP) in the VMware Pluggable Storage Architecture (PSA). It also includes a connection manager (EHCM) to manage iSCSI sessions to the EqualLogic array.
The EqualLogic Multipathing Extension Module for VMware® vSphere enhances the native multipathing capabilities of VMware vSphere 4.1 when used with an EqualLogic PS Series SAN.
- Automatic connection management
- Automatic load balancing across multiple active paths
- Increased bandwidth
- Reduced network latency
So, it provides a more knowledgable way (because it communicates with the array and knows about the tiered volumes) to do load balancing, which improves I/O performance. This means that (by using the EHCM in a CIM provider), the PSP routes I/O to the most optimal path. Read the rest of this entry »
Dell Management Plug-In for VMware vCenter (Pt. 2)
Jul 6, 2011 Blogs
In part two of this three-part series, I’m going to dive deeper into the main components of the DMPVV, which are the various profiles and templates. Also, I’m going to show you an example on how to manage an individual server by updating the firmware.
Off-host back-ups with EqualLogic
Jul 6, 2011 Blogs
A while back, I investigated how to optimize backups in an EqualLogic storage environment. I wanted to make use of all the (EqualLogic) features available to me.
I created a list of ‘must haves’ for this design:
- Zero-cost, zero-impact on production environment while creating backups
- Maintain data consistency and integrity
- Be able to replicate backups to a secondary location (prevent using tapes as a off-site backup and archival tool)
- Separation of back-up creation and processing: production environment should have a very short back-up time frame, all the processing and logic happens ‘behind the curtains’
- Keep the backup server ‘light’ by using the SAN as a backup-to-disk target.
Dell Management Plug-In for VMware vCenter (Pt. 1)
Jul 4, 2011 Blogs
In this three-part series I’m going to dive into the Dell Management Plug-In for VMware vCenter. In the last couple of months, I have used the Dell Management Plug-In for VMware vCenter (DMPVV) in a PoC/pilot environment. I wanted to share my experiences with you.
Today, we’re starting with an introduction to the tool and how to install/configure the appliance. Along the way, I will show how I use this tool to manage my physical environment.
Introduction
First off, what is the DMPVV?
The Dell Management Plug-in for VMware vCenter is designed to streamline the management processes in your datacenter environment by allowing you to use VMware vCenter to manage your entire infrastructure- both physical and virtual. From firmware updates to bare metal deployment, the Dell Management Plug-In for VMware vCenter will expand and enrich your datacenter management experience with Dell PowerEdge servers.
So, this tool provides a way to monitor, manage and provision physical servers from within vCenter, integrating it not only by using the same interface (the vSphere Client), but also extracting information from vCenter and correlating it with information from the iDRAC and Lifecycle controllers. Because of this integration, you can update a new host with current BIOS and other firmware versions, configure hardware components (like the BIOS and iDRAC) and install a hypervisor. Last but not least, you can clone configuration from one server to another (using, among other technologies, VMware’s Host Profiles). Once installed and configured, you can get an overview from each server, displaying stuff like asset and warranty information, health status and much more.
One of the coolest features I want to highlight is the PXE-less provisioning of the hypervisor to a physical server. This uses a combination of the Lifecycle Controller and iDRAC to deploy an installation ISO to the server. And since it is really tightly integrated with the VMware stack, the host is added to vCenter and configured using Host Profiles automatically, resulting in a true zero-touch deployment of a server. How cool!
Recently, Dell released version 1.0.1.72, which includes a trial version. See what’s new here, or discuss about the DMPVV here. Real release notes are found in the documentation section. Any questions might be answered in the FAQ.
Odd numbers matter (or how I got vExpert 2011)
Jul 3, 2011 Blogs
I just received an e-mail from VMware informing me I made vExpert 2011! This is a great surprise, as I did not expect to make the cut this year. Having missed the boat in 2010, I feel esspecially honoured this year. I would like to thank my fellow bloggers, VMware employees and the VMware community at large for giving me the opportunity to share and contribute.
Of course, special thanks go out to John Troyer and his social media team for recognizing my effort this year.
