Multi-Path I/O - Dell EqualLogic PS6100 series Configuration Manual

Figure 22 Redundant NIC Connections from Server to SAN using two installed PCI-E NICs
7.3.2

Multi-path I/O

There are generally two types of multi-path access methods for communicating from a host to an
external device. For general networking communications, the preferred method of redundant
connections is the teaming of multiple NICs into a single, virtual network connection entity. For
storage, the preferred method of redundant connection is the use of Multi-Path IO (MPIO). Though
some storage solution can and do support either method for iSCSI connectivity, EqualLogic requires
the use of MPIO to enable multiple NIC/HBA connections to be utilized for access to an EqualLogic
SAN.
EqualLogic MPIO Requirements
The following host port requirements must be met to use MPIO with EqualLogic SANs:
•
At least two (2) Ethernet ports are required on each host.
•
The host operating system must have a supported MPIO driver or service available.
•
The ports used for MPIO cannot be "teamed" to other ports.
•
The ports must be the same speed
•
The ports must be assigned IP addresses on the same subnet
EqualLogic MPIO General Recommendations
Follow this general set of guidelines for configuring MPIO on a host:
•
Configure volume access controls to use standard iSCSI IQN names (See Section 5.2.1 for
details). For a more secure configuration you can use the IQN name plus the CHAP security ID.
•
On each array enable at least two(2) ports for host connectivity.
•
Install the Dell provided MPIO extension features if available for the host operating system.
•
For Microsoft Windows, install the Device Specific Module (DSM) found in the Host Integration
Toolkit for Windows.
•
For VMware vSphere 4.1, install the EqualLogic Multipathing Extension Module.
March 2013 Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v14.1 7-70