Dell PowerVault MD3260i Troubleshooting Manual

Also see for PowerVault MD3260i Series: Manual Installation and configuration guide Hardware and software guide Installation guide Getting started guide

Contents

Dell PowerVault MD3260i Troubleshooting Manual Manual pdf 19 page image

19Basic Best Practices: iSCSI Host Port Setup and ConfigurationTables 3 and 4 provide high-level descriptions of basic Dell-recommended best practices for iSCSI hostport configuration. For a more detailed discussion, see the Dell IP SAN Best Practices whitepaper athttp://www.dell.com/us/enterprise/p/d/campaigns/powervault-resources.aspx and the iSCSI BestPractices video at http://del.ly.PowerVaultMD.Table 6. Basic iSCSI Host Port Best PracticesBest Practice DescriptionEach iSCSI port on a RAID controllermodule should be a different subnetSeparating subnets prevents accidentalmisconfiguration. Additionally, some operatingsystems (ESX and some Linux versions) requiremultiple subnets for different NICs on single hostservers.When using Jumbo frames, enablethem on all network components(NICs, network switches and storagearrays)If you use Jumbo frames, a common mistake is toenable them on only one network component.Jumbo frames must be enabled on eachcomponent, including NICs, network switches andstorage arrays.Also, the MTU size of a Jumbo frame packet mustbe adjusted based on the requirements of thecomponent. Verify MTU settings recommended bythe manufacturer on each component.Always separate Ethernetmanagement and iSCSI data trafficManagement and data traffic on the same physicalnetwork will result in lower performance and datathroughout. (See Recommended ManagementConfiguration on MD-Series Storage Arrays.)Enable IEEE 802.3x flow control oniSCSI networksAlways enable IEEE flow control (sending andreceiving) on iSCSI initiators and any networkswitch that carries iSCSI traffic.Avoid routing (Layer 3) iSCSI data Avoiding the use of a router for iSCSI data reducesthe number of hops, improves throughput andlessens complexity of the configuration.Disable Unicast broadcast If using network switches, always disable Stormcontrol on switch switch ports that are connectedto the iSCSI initiator(s) or targets.Enable PortFast mode Always enable PortFast mode for the spanningtree protocol (STP) on all network switch portsconnected to iSCSI initiator(s) or targets.Always separate management and iSCSInetwork traffic on a different vSwitchDell strongly recommends that you separate yourmanagement network from your iSCSI trafficnetwork. Each should be on different virtual

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