Basic Best Practices: iSCSI Host Port Setup and Configuration
Tables 3 and 4 provide high-level descriptions of basic Dell-recommended best practices for iSCSI host
port configuration. For a more detailed discussion, see the Dell IP SAN Best Practices whitepaper at
http://www.dell.com/us/enterprise/p/d/campaigns/powervault-resources.aspx
Practices video at http://del.ly.PowerVaultMD.
Table 6. Basic iSCSI Host Port Best Practices
Best Practice
Each iSCSI port on a RAID controller
module should be a different subnet
When using Jumbo frames, enable
them on all network components
(NICs, network switches and storage
arrays)
Always separate Ethernet
management and iSCSI data traffic
Enable IEEE 802.3x flow control on
iSCSI networks
Avoid routing (Layer 3) iSCSI data
Disable Unicast broadcast
Enable PortFast mode
Always separate management and iSCSI
network traffic on a different vSwitch
Description
Separating subnets prevents accidental
misconfiguration. Additionally, some operating
systems (ESX and some Linux versions) require
multiple subnets for different NICs on single host
servers.
If you use Jumbo frames, a common mistake is to
enable them on only one network component.
Jumbo frames must be enabled on each
component, including NICs, network switches and
storage arrays.
Also, the MTU size of a Jumbo frame packet must
be adjusted based on the requirements of the
component. Verify MTU settings recommended by
the manufacturer on each component.
Management and data traffic on the same physical
network will result in lower performance and data
throughout. (See Recommended Management
Configuration on MD-Series Storage Arrays.)
Always enable IEEE flow control (sending and
receiving) on iSCSI initiators and any network
switch that carries iSCSI traffic.
Avoiding the use of a router for iSCSI data reduces
the number of hops, improves throughput and
lessens complexity of the configuration.
If using network switches, always disable Storm
control on switch switch ports that are connected
to the iSCSI initiator(s) or targets.
Always enable PortFast mode for the spanning
tree protocol (STP) on all network switch ports
connected to iSCSI initiator(s) or targets.
Dell strongly recommends that you separate your
management network from your iSCSI traffic
network. Each should be on different virtual
and the iSCSI Best
19
Seite drucken