Esx SAN Guide

SAN Compatibility Guide For ESX Server 2.
LastUpdated:July2,2008
Whats New
Changessincethelasteditionofthisguideinclude: AddedsupportforHP4400withEmbeddedSwitch.SeeHP,onpage 11andHP,onpage 32.
Introduction
VMwareESXServerhasbeentestedanddeployedinavarietyofSANenvironments.However,inpractice,becauseeverycustomersdevicecombination,topology,and configurationareunique,VMwarerecommendsthatVMwareprofessionalservicesbeengagedtoinstallandconfiguretheinitialESXServerinstallationinyourSAN environment. ThesupportmatrixbelowdescribesindetailthecombinationsofHBAsandstoragedevicescurrentlytestedbyVMwareanditsstoragepartners. NOTE Theuseofanexternalenclosure,orJBODconnectedtoasupportedSAS/SCSIcontrollerinasupportedserver issupported,aslongasthereisnodisksharingamongmultipleserversorSAS/SCSIcards.
Thissupportguideisalivedocumentthatwillbeupdatedfrequently.BeforedeployingESXServer,pleasecheckthelatestversionofthisdocumentonlineat: http://www.vmware.com/pdf/esx_SAN_guide.pdf Ifyouarehavingatechnicalissuewith3rdpartyHW/SWanditisnotfoundonthislist,pleaserefertoour3rdPartyHW/SWsupportpolicyathttp://www.vmware.com/ support/policies/ThirdParty.html. Thefollowingsectionsareincludedinthisguide: ThirdPartySoftwareonpage 2 ESXServer2.5.5onpage 3 ESXServer2.5.4onpage 25 ESXServer2.5.3onpage 45

VMware, Inc. 1
SAN Compatibility Guide For ESX Server 2.x
ESXServer2.5.2onpage 61 ESXServer2.5.1onpage 78 ESXServer2.5onpage 93 ESXServer2.1.2onpage 104 ESXServer2.1.1onpage 105 ESXServer2.1onpage 112 ESXServer2.0.1onpage 119 ESXServer2.0onpage 125 ESXServer1.5.2onpage 130
Third-Party Software
MostSANarrayvendorsprovidesoftwarethatcanbeusedtocloneorsnapshotSANLUNsatthearraylevel.VMwareworkscloselywithourstoragepartnersasthey certifythattheseapplicationsfunctionasexpectedinanESXServerSystemenvironment.Thefollowinglinksindicatewhichstoragevendorshavecompletedcertification oftheircloningandsnapshottingsoftwareandsupportitinconjunctionwithESXServerSystem.Pleasecontactthestoragevendorforanysupport,configuration,orbest practicesinformationthatyouneedthatisnotfoundthroughthelinksbelow. Table 1.
EMCSRDF (PowerLinkaccountis requiredtoaccessthis link.) EMCSnapViewand MirrorView HPBusinessCopy HPContinuousAccess IBMRVM NetAppSnapshot
http://powerlink.emc.com/km/live1/en_US/ Offering_Technical/Technical_Documentation/300003 507_a01_elccnt_0.pdf http://www.emc.com/interoperability/matrices/ EMCSupportMatrix.pdf http://h18006.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/ 11617_div/11617_div.html http://h18006.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/11616_na/ 11616_na.html http://www1.ibm.com/servers/storage/disk/ds4000/pdf/ interopmatrix.pdf http://www.netapp.com/tech_library/ftp/3393.pdf
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.5
ESX Server 2.5.5

ThissectionliststhesupportedSANdevicesforESXServerversion2.5.5.VMwareandourpartnersareactivelyworkingtogethertoqualifycertificationforadditional devicesasquicklyaspossible.PleasecheckbackperiodicallyforupdatesandnewlycertifiedHBAsandstoragedevicescurrentlytestedbyVMwareanditsstorage partners.ThelatestversionofthisguideisavailableontheVMwareWebsiteathttp://www.vmware.com/support/resources/.
Storage Vendor Qualifications and Support

ESXServer2.5.5issupportedbythefollowingmajorstoragevendors: Bullonpage 5 Dellonpage 6 EMConpage 7 Fujitsuonpage 8 FujitsuSiemensonpage 9 HPonpage 11 Hitachi,Ltdonpage 13 HitachiDataSystems(HDS)onpage 14 IBMonpage 15 NetApponpage 17 NEConpage 18 NihonUnisysLtd,onpage 18 PillarDataSystemsonpage 19 3PARonpage 19 Sunonpage 19 Xiotechonpage 20
Server Clustering
Storagearraysaretestedinclusteredandnonclusteredenvironments.ClusteringreferstotheuseofMicrosoftClusterServices(Windows2003Release2,ServicePack 1andServicePack2)inashareddiskconfigurationwheremultiplevirtualmachinesonmultiplephysicalserverssharestorageonanarray. ThefollowingoptionsaresupportedwithMSCSandESXServer2.5.x:
VMware, Inc.
Table 2.
ESX Version Priorto ESXServer 2.5.4patch2 ESXServer 2.5.4patch2 orlater Windows OS 2000SP4 2003RTM 2000SP4 2003RTM 2003SP11 2003R2 ESX2.5.5
1
FC HBA Speed Supported FC drivers 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G&4G Defaultunified2G&4G Qlogic:qla2200_707/qla2300_7077.07.04 Emulex:lpfcdd_7327.3.2_vmw4 Default2G Qlogic:qla2200_7xx/qla2300_7xx7.04.00 Emulex:lpfcdd_2xx2.01g Default2G
2000SP4
Requires Microsoft hotfix KB http://support.microsoft.com/kb/911030.
ESXServer2.5.5supportsthefollowingvirtualmachineclusteringconfigurationswithMicrosoftClusterServicesonWindows2003Release2,ServicePack1andService Pack2: Table 3.

Configuration Description Restrictions Twonodeclustersonly.
Virtualmachinesonthe Clusteringofvirtualmachines sameESXServersystem. whichresideonthesamephysical system.Thesevirtualmachinescan sharelocalstorageorSANbased storage. Virtualmachineson separateESXServer systems. Clusteringofvirtualmachines residingonseparatephysical systems.Thesevirtualmachines sharestoragethroughSANbased storage.
Twonodeclustersonly IfusingSANpathfailover, thisconfigurationisfully supportedonlyifthevirtual machinessharerawdisks, notvirtualdisks.Ifvirtual machinessharevirtual disks,theclusterwillfail overbeforetheSANpath failsover. Twonodeclusteronly.
Clusteringofavirtualmachineon Virtualmachine clusteredwithaphysical anESXServersystemwitha machine. physicalWindowsserver.
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.5
ESXServer2.5.5supportsthislevelofclusteringoncertainSANstoragedevicesasmarkedbelow.BeforeinstallingVMwareESXServerwithyourstoragearray,please examinethelistbelowtofindifyourarrayandconfigurationaresupported.
Storage Arrays
VMwareESXServer2.5.5supportsavarietyofstoragearraysinvariousconfigurations.ThetablesbelowstatetheVMwaresupportedstoragearraysandthesupported configurationsforeachvendor. Note: All storage products listed in this compatibility guide are supported. For further details about array firmware, storage product configurations, and best practices, please contact the storage vendor. VMwareteststhefollowingconfigurations: Basic Connectivity The ability of ESX Server to recognize and inter operate with the storage array. This configuration does not allow for multipathing or any type of failover. Multipathing The ability of ESX Server to handle multiple paths to the same storage device. HBA Failover In this configuration, the server is equipped with multiple HBAs connecting to one or more SAN switch. The server is robust to HBA and switch failure only. Storage Port Failover In this configuration, the server is attached to multiple storage ports and is robust to storage port failures. Boot from SAN In this configuration, the ESX Server machine boots from a LUN stored on the SAN rather than in the server itself.
Table 4. Bull
Microsoft Clustering support
Multipathing with storage port failover
Basic connectivity
Multipathing with HBA failover
StoreWay
FDA1500 FDA2500 FDA2800
X X X
X X X
X X X
See NOTE on page 1 for JBOD support information.
VMware, Inc.
Boot from SAN X X X
Table 5. Dell
Basic connectivity PowerVault650F AX100 AX150 CX200 CX300 CX400 CX500 CX600 CX700 CX3206 CX320c CX3406 CX340c CX3806
1 2 3 6 4,6
Boot Clustering from SAN support X1 X1 X1 X X X

3
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X
X3
3
X3
3
X2,5 X2,5 X2,5 X2,5 X2,5
SeeNOTEonpage1forJBODsupportinformation.
This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2003 RTM only, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1 for ESX2.5.4 releases prior to patch 2. Windows 2003 SP1 with Microsoft Hotfix (see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/910048) is supported only with ESX2.5.4 patch 2 or later. Supported on Fibre Channel only, not iSCSI. Only supported with 2G HBA driver. Supported with 4Gb HBAs with ESX Server 2.5.4 Upgrade Patch 4 or later.
4 5 6
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.5
Table 6. EMC
Basic connectivity EMC CLARiiON AX100 AX1505 CX200 CX300 CX400 CX500 CX600 CX700 CX310c CX3205 CX320c CX340
5 5 5
Multipathing with HBA failover X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Multipathing with storage Clustering port failover support X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X1 X1 X6,7 X6,7 X X

6,7
Boot from SAN
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X6,7
6,7
X6,7 X6,7 X6,7 X6,7 X6,7 X6,7 X6,7 X6,7 X6,7
CX320f5 CX340c5 CX340f

5
CX3805
1 2 3
This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2003 RTM only, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1 for ESX2.5.4 releases prior to patch 2. Windows 2003 SP1 with Microsoft Hotfix (see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/ 910048) is supported only with ESX2.5.4 patch 2 or later. Only supported with 2G HBA driver. Supported with 4Gb HBAs with ESX Server 2.5.4 Upgrade Patch 4 or later. MSCS Supported with 2Gb and 4Gb HBAs using Qlogic 7.07.04.1vmw and Emulex 7.3.2_vmw4 drivers. Supports Windows Server 2003 SP1 - Enterprise Edition, Windows Server 2003 SP2 - Enterprise Edition , Windows Server 2003 R2 - Enterprise Edition.
4 5 6 7
VMware, Inc.
Table 6. EMC (Continued)

Basic connectivity EMC Symmetrix 8000 Series DMX/ DMX2 DMX3
1 2 3
Multipathing with HBA failover X X X
Multipathing with storage Clustering port failover support X X X X3 X6,7 X6,7
Boot from SAN X X X
X X X
This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2003 RTM only, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1 for ESX2.5.4 releases prior to patch 2. Windows 2003 SP1 with Microsoft Hotfix (see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/ 910048) is supported only with ESX2.5.4 patch 2 or later. Only supported with 2G HBA driver. Supported with 4Gb HBAs with ESX Server 2.5.4 Upgrade Patch 4 or later. MSCS Supported with 2Gb and 4Gb HBAs using Qlogic 7.07.04.1vmw and Emulex 7.3.2_vmw4 drivers. Supports Windows Server 2003 SP1 - Enterprise Edition, Windows Server 2003 SP2 - Enterprise Edition , Windows Server 2003 R2 - Enterprise Edition.
4 5 6 7
Table 7. Fujitsu
Multipathin g with storage port failover X X X X X X
Basic connectivi ty ETERNUS30001 ETERNUS 4000 Model80 Model100 Model300 Model500 ETERNUS6000
1
Multipathin g with HBA failover X X X X X X
Clusterin g support
Boot from SAN X X X X X X
X X X X X X
Contact your Fujitsu representative for the required setting to enable support for the ETERNUS 3000.
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.5
Table 7. Fujitsu
Multipathin g with storage port failover X X X X
Basic connectivi ty ETERNUS 8000 Model700 Model900 X X
Multipathin g with HBA failover X X X X
Clusterin g support
Boot from SAN X X X X
Model1100 X Model2100 X
1
Table 8. Fujitsu Siemens

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover FibreCAT CX310c5 X CX320
5
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X
X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4
X X X
5
CX320c5 X CX320f
5
CX3405 CX340c CX380

1 2 3 4 5 5
X X
CX340f5 X
This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2003 RTM only, but not Windows 2003 SP1. One gigabite only. Only supported with 2G HBA driver. Supported with 4Gb HBAs with ESX Server 2.5.4 Upgrade Patch 4 or later.
VMware, Inc.
Table 8. Fujitsu Siemens (Continued)

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover FSCStorage Models S60 S80 AX100 CX200 CX300 CX400 CX500 CX600 CX700
1 2 3 4 5
Boot from SAN
X3 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X1 X1 X X X
1
X X X X X X
X1
1
X1
1
10
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.5
Table 9. HP
Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover HPModular SystemsArray (MSA) HPEnterprise VirtualArray (EVA)4 10005 1500 3000 4000 4400
6 5
Boot from SAN X X X X X
X X X X X X
X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X
X2 X2 X2 X8,9 X8,9
41006
6
4400with X Embedded Switch6 5000 6000 6100 8100

6 6
X X X X X
X X X X X
X X X X X
X2 X8,9 X8,9 X8,9 X8,9
X X X X X
80006
6
PleasecontactyourlocalHPaccountorservicerepresentativefordefinitiveinformationaboutsupportedHP storageproductconfigurationsincludingGuestOStypes,arrayfirmwareandbestpracticeswhenusedwith VMwareproducts..

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Limited to internal storage configurations only. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2003 RTM only, but not to Windows 2003 SP1. Contact HP for array firmware versions and matching host mode settings. Active/passive versions, FW 4.xx (MSA1000) and FW 5.xx (MSA1500). Supported with 4Gb HBAs with ESX Server 2.5.4 Upgrade Patch 4 or later. Only supported with 2G HBA driver. MSCS Supported with 2Gb and 4Gb HBAs using Qlogic 7.07.04.1vmw and Emulex 7.3.2_vmw4 drivers. Supports Windows Server 2003 SP1 - Enterprise Edition, Windows Server 2003 SP2 - Enterprise Edition , Windows Server 2003 R2 - Enterprise Edition.
VMware, Inc.
11
Table 9. HP
Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover HPStorageWorks XP48 XP128 XP512 XP1024 XP10000
1
X X X X X X
X X X X X X
X X X X X X
X3 X3 X
3
X3 X3 X3
XP120001

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Limited to internal storage configurations only. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2003 RTM only, but not to Windows 2003 SP1. Contact HP for array firmware versions and matching host mode settings. Active/passive versions, FW 4.xx (MSA1000) and FW 5.xx (MSA1500). Supported with 4Gb HBAs with ESX Server 2.5.4 Upgrade Patch 4 or later. Only supported with 2G HBA driver. MSCS Supported with 2Gb and 4Gb HBAs using Qlogic 7.07.04.1vmw and Emulex 7.3.2_vmw4 drivers. Supports Windows Server 2003 SP1 - Enterprise Edition, Windows Server 2003 SP2 - Enterprise Edition , Windows Server 2003 R2 - Enterprise Edition.
12
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.5
Table 10. Hitachi, Ltd

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover BR50 BR150 SANRISEUSP1001 SANRISEUSP6001 SANRISEUSP11001 SANRISENSC1 SANRISEH120001 SANRISEH100001 SANRISE9980V SANRISE9970V SANRISEH1024 SANRISEH128 SANRISE2000 SANRISE9500V series SANRISE9585V SANRISE9570V SANRISE9530V SANRISEAMS200 SANRISEAMS500 SANRISEAMS1000 SANRISEWMS100
1
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X
X X X X
X X X X
Limited to internal storage configurations only.
VMware, Inc.
13
Table 11. Hitachi Data Systems (HDS)

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover 9500VSeries Lightning9910 Lightning9960 Lightning9970V Lightning9980V TagmaStoreAMS200 TagmaStoreAMS500 TagmaStoreAMS1000 TagmaStoreNSC55
1
X X X X X X X X X X
1
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X
TagmaStoreUSP1001 TagmaStoreUSP1100 TagmaStoreUSP6001 TagmaStoreWMS100 Thunder9520V Thunder9530V Thunder9570V Thunder9585V

1
X X X X X X X
14
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.5
Table 12. IBM

Basic connectivity IBMDSSeries FAStT200 FAStT500 3400 4100 4200 4300 4400 4500 4700 4800 6000
5 5
Multipathing with HBA failover4 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Multipathing with storage Clustering port failover4 support X X X X X X X X X X X X X X7,8 X6 X

2
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X X X X X
X2 X2
X2 X7,8 X7,8
8000Series1 X
1 2 3
QLogic HBA support only. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. VMware certifies the connectivity between the ESX Server machine and the SAN storage device as indicated in the support matrix. In addition, IBM supports any underlying technology, such as SnapMirror or SnapVault, that replicates data between IBM filers and does not affect the behavior of the filers as seen by the servers. In addition to the multipathing options detailed in the matrix above, IBM offers filer clustering. This configuration is certified to work as well with the exception of: Linux Guest operating systems are only supported if using the vmxlsilogic SCSI emulation driver. For configuration details of changes to guest operating system support, check Whats New in ESX Server at: www.vmware.com/support/ esx25/doc/releasenotes_esx25.html. Requires ESX2.5.3 Upgrade Patch 3 or higher. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1 for ESX Server 2.5.4 releases prior to patch 2. Windows 2003 SP1 with Microsoft Hotfix (see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/910048) is supported only with ESX Server 2.5.4 patch 2 or later. MSCS Supported with 2Gb and 4Gb HBAs using Qlogic 7.07.04.1vmw and Emulex 7.3.2_vmw4 drivers. Supports Windows Server 2003 SP1 - Enterprise Edition, Windows Server 2003 SP2 - Enterprise Edition , Windows Server 2003 R2 - Enterprise Edition.
5 6
7 8
VMware, Inc.
15
Table 12. IBM

IBMSystem N37003 StorageNSeries N52003 N55003 ESS800
1 2 3 1
X X X X
X X X X
X X X X
X2 X2 X2
X X X X
QLogic HBA support only. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. VMware certifies the connectivity between the ESX Server machine and the SAN storage device as indicated in the support matrix. In addition, IBM supports any underlying technology, such as SnapMirror or SnapVault, that replicates data between IBM filers and does not affect the behavior of the filers as seen by the servers. In addition to the multipathing options detailed in the matrix above, IBM offers filer clustering. This configuration is certified to work as well with the exception of: Linux Guest operating systems are only supported if using the vmxlsilogic SCSI emulation driver. For configuration details of changes to guest operating system support, check Whats New in ESX Server at: www.vmware.com/support/ esx25/doc/releasenotes_esx25.html. Requires ESX2.5.3 Upgrade Patch 3 or higher. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1 for ESX Server 2.5.4 releases prior to patch 2. Windows 2003 SP1 with Microsoft Hotfix (see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/910048) is supported only with ESX Server 2.5.4 patch 2 or later. MSCS Supported with 2Gb and 4Gb HBAs using Qlogic 7.07.04.1vmw and Emulex 7.3.2_vmw4 drivers. Supports Windows Server 2003 SP1 - Enterprise Edition, Windows Server 2003 SP2 - Enterprise Edition , Windows Server 2003 R2 - Enterprise Edition.
5 6
7 8
16
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.5
Table 13. NetApp

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover NetAppFibreChannel FAS200 SANAttachedStorage Series System1 F800Series FAS900 Series FAS3000 Series FAS6000 Series
1 2
X X X X X
X X X X X
X X X X X
X4 X4 X
4
X4
These configurations are also supported with the NetApp NearStore R200 back end. VMware certifies the connectivity between the ESX Server machine and the SAN storage device as indicated in the support matrix. In addition, NetApp supports any underlying technology, such as SnapMirror or SnapVault, that replicates data between NetApp Storage Systems and does not affect the behavior of the storage systems as seen by the servers. In addition to the multipathing options detailed in the matrix above, NetApp offers storage system clustering. This configuration is certified to work as well with the exception of: Linux Guest operating systems are only supported if using the vmxlsilogic SCSI emulation driver. For configuration details of changes to guest operating system support, check Whats New in ESX Server at: www.vmware.com/support/esx25/doc/ releasenotes_esx25.html.
4
This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1.
VMware, Inc.
17
Table 14. NEC

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover iStorage S400 S500 S1400 S1500 S2400 S2500 S2800 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Boot from SAN X X X X X X X
Table 15. Nihon Unisys Ltd

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover SANARENA1830 SANARENA1870 SANARENA1890 SANARENA1895 SANARENA18AS SANARENA52001 SANARENA58001
1
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X
X X X X X
18
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.5
Table 16. Pillar Data Systems

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover Axiom Axiom 300 500 X X X X X X Boot from SAN X X
Table 17. 3PAR

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover InServStorageServers S200 S400 S800 X X X X X X X X X Boot from SAN X X X
Table 18. Sun

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover StorageTekFlexLine FLX380 FLX280 FLX240 FLX210 X X X X X X X X X X2 X X X X Boot from SAN X X X X X
BC84/D178 X SeeNOTEonpage1forJBODsupportinformation.
1 2
Limited to internal storage configurations only. Multiple Pathing with storage port failover Supported only on ESX Server 2.5.4 Upgrade Patch 2
VMware, Inc.
19
Table 18. Sun

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover StorageTek 3510 3511 6540 69201 9910 9960 9970 9980 9985
1
Boot from SAN X X
X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X
2
X X X X X X X X
99901
1 2
Table 19. Xiotech

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover Magnitud Magnitude3D1000e X e Magnitude3D1000s X Magnitude3D3000e X Magnitude3D3000s X
X X X X
X X X X
Host Bus Adapters

Emulex Fibre Channel Adapters
TheESXServer2.5.5driversarebasedontheEmulexprovidedlpfcdd_7327.3.2_vmw4driver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations. FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise. VMwareESXServer2.5.4UpgradePatch4enabledsupportfor4GBEmulexFibreChannelHBA.
20
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.5
LP1150 LP11002 LPe1105 LPe1150 LPe11000 LPe11002 Table 20.

LP8000,8000DC If your HBA has a Dragonfly chip version 2.00 or greater, use firmware version 3.90a7. IfyourHBAhasaDragonflychipbelowversion2.00,use firmwareversion3.30a7. Minimum firmware revision 3.90a1 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.93a0 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.90a1 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.00a2 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.91a5 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.91a3 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.91a5 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.91a5 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.21a0
LP9000 LP9002L,LP9002LE,LP9002C, 9002DC LP9402DC LP9802DC LP10000,10000DC,LP10000E LP101 LP952L LP982,9802 LP1050,1050DC,1050F2 LP1050EX LP7000E
VMwaresupportsthefollowingHPOEMversionsoftheEmulexadapters: Table 21. Hewlett Packard OEM Emulex Adapters

EmulexLPE1105HP FC2143 FC2243 FC2142SR FC2242SR FCA2404DC Minimumfirmwarerevision1.00a2
VMware, Inc.
21
Table 21. Hewlett Packard OEM Emulex Adapters

FCA2684,FCA2684DC A7298A,FCA2408,AB232A, FCA2384,FCA2404 A7387A,A7388A,AB466A, AB467A A7560A Minimumfirmwarerevision1.80a2 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.00a4 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.80a3
VMwaresupportsthefollowingSunOEMversionsoftheEmulexadapters: Table 22. Sun OEM Emulex Adapters

SGXPCI1FCEM2 SGXPCI2FCEM2 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.70a3 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.70a3
QLogic Fibre Channel Adapters

ThedefaultESXServer2.5.5driverisbasedontheQLogicprovidedqla2300_7077.07.04driver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabric configurations.FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise. VMwareESXServer2.5.4UpgradePatch4enabledsupportfor4GBQLogicFibreChannelHBA. QLA2460 QLA2462 QLE2460 QLE2462 QMH2462 TheHBAthatcontrolsthebootLUNmustbeaQLogicHBA;currentlytheQLA23xxseriesissupported. QLA2200 QLA2300 QLA2310/2312(Bladeservers) QLA2340/2342 QLE2360/2362 VMwaresupportsthefollowingDellOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: DellQLogic2342M(forDellPowerEdge1855bladeservers)
22 VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.5
DellQLogic2362M(forDellPowerEdge6850) VMwaresupportsthefollowingHPOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: HPFC1142SR HPFC1143 HPFC1242SR HPFC1243 HPFCA2210 HPFCA2214 HPFCA2214DC HPQLogicQMH2462 VMwaresupportsthefollowingSunOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: Table 23. Supported Sun OEM Versions of QLogic Adapters
QLogic Adapter QLA2342 QLA2342 QLA2342R
1
Sun OEM Version SunSGXPCI2FCQF21 StorageTekHBAQ032 SunSGXPCI2FCQF2Z1
This OEM version of the QLogic adapter does not support boot-from-SAN.
VMwaresupportsthefollowingIBMOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: Table 24.

QLogic Adapter QLA2200F QLA2202F QLA2342L QLA2340L QLA2310FL QLA2300F 48P7061 IBM OEM Version IBMDS4000HBA IBMQLA2202F/66 IBMQLA2342IBM IBMDS4000HBA IBMFC2/66 IBMFC2/66 IBMHS20FibreChannelExpansion
VMware, Inc.
23
Table 24.
QLogic Adapter 13N2203 26K4841 IBM OEM Version IBMHS20FibreChannelExpansion IBMBladecenterSFFFibreChannelExpansion
Maximum Storage Specifications Supported

ThefollowingsystemandvirtualmaximumsaresupportedforESXServer: Table 25.
ESX Server 2.5.5 MaximumLUNsperarray MaximumLUNspersystem1 MaximumHBAspersystem MaximumvirtualHBAspervirtualmachine MaximumvirtualtargetspervirtualHBA MaximumvirtualtargetsperWindowsvirtual machine MaximumvirtualtargetsperLinuxvirtual machine 128 128 16 4 15 60 60
Maximumvirtualtargetsforallconcurrentvirtual 1281602 machines MaximumnumberofVMFSfilesystemsper server MaximumdiskspaceperVMFS MaximumfilesizeperVMFSfile MaximumnumberoffilesperVMFS

1
128 2TBx323 27TB 192+n*32wheren=#physical extents
When you use an Emulex HBA, we recommend no more than 128 LUNs if using a single HBA, 64 LUNs if using two HBAs, and 32 LUNs if using more than two HBAs. ESX Server 2.5.4 supports a maximum of 160 virtual targets. In some situations (For example, when every virtual target is on a different VMFS volume), that maximum may decrease to 128 virtual targets. In ESX Server 2.5.4, VMFS-2 can span up to 32 partitions on multiple disks, each of which can support 2TB of space.
24
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.4
ESX Server 2.5.4


ESXServer2.5.4issupportedbythefollowingmajorstoragevendors: Bullonpage 27 Dellonpage 28 EMConpage 29 Fujitsuonpage 30 FujitsuSiemensonpage 31 HPonpage 32 Hitachi,Ltdonpage 34 HitachiDataSystems(HDS)onpage 35 IBMonpage 36 NetApponpage 37 NEConpage 38 NihonUnisysLtd,onpage 38 PillarDataSystemsonpage 39 3PARonpage 39 Sunonpage 39 Xiotechonpage 40
Server Clustering
Storagearraysaretestedinclusteredandnonclusteredenvironments.ClusteringreferstotheuseofMicrosoftClusterServices(Windows2003and2000)inashared diskconfigurationwheremultiplevirtualmachinesonmultiplephysicalserverssharestorageonanarray. ThefollowingoptionsaresupportedwithMSCSandESXServer2.5.x:
VMware, Inc.
25
Table 26.
ESX Version Priorto ESXServer 2.5.4patch2 ESXServer 2.5.4patch2 orlater Windows OS 2000SP4 2003RTM 2000SP4 2003RTM 2003SP11 2003R2 ESX2.5.5
1
FC HBA Speed Supported FC drivers 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G&4G Defaultunified2G&4G Qlogic:qla2200_707/qla2300_7077.07.04 Emulex:lpfcdd_7327.3.2_vmw4 Default2G Qlogic:qla2200_7xx/qla2300_7xx7.04.00 Emulex:lpfcdd_2xx2.01g Default2G
2000SP4
Requires Microsoft hotfix KB http://support.microsoft.com/kb/911030.
ESXServer2.5.4supportsthefollowingvirtualmachineclusteringconfigurationswithMicrosoftClusterServicesonWindows2000and2003: Table 27.

26 VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.4
Storage Arrays
Table 28. Bull

Basic connectivity
StoreWay
FDA1500 FDA2500 FDA2800
X X X
X X X
X X X
VMware, Inc.
Boot from SAN X X X
27
Table 29. Dell

Basic connectivity PowerVault650F AX100 AX150 CX200 CX300 CX400 CX500 CX600 CX700 CX3206 CX320c CX3406 CX340c CX3806
1 2 3 6 4,6
Boot Clustering from SAN support X1 X1 X1 X X X

3
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X3
3
X3
3
X2,5 X2,5 X2,5 X2,5 X2,5
This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2003 RTM only, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1 for ESX2.5.4 releases prior to patch 2. Windows 2003 SP1 with Microsoft Hotfix (see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/910048) is supported only with ESX2.5.4 patch 2 or later. Supported on Fibre Channel only, not iSCSI. Only supported with 2G HBA driver. Supported with 4Gb HBAs with ESX Server 2.5.4 Upgrade Patch 4 or later.
4 5 6
28
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.4
Table 30. EMC

Basic connectivity EMC CLARiiON AX100 AX1505 CX200 CX300 CX400 CX500 CX600 CX700 CX310c CX3205 CX320c CX340
5 5 5
Multipathing with HBA failover X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Multipathing with storage Clustering port failover support X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X1 X1 X1 X3 X X

3
Boot from SAN
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X3
3
X3 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X

3
CX320f5 CX340c5 CX340f EMC Symmetrix 8000 Series DMX/ DMX2 DMX3
1 2 3 5
CX3805
X3 X1
This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2003 RTM only, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1 for ESX2.5.4 releases prior to patch 2. Windows 2003 SP1 with Microsoft Hotfix (see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/ 910048) is supported only with ESX2.5.4 patch 2 or later. Only supported with 2G HBA driver. Supported with 4Gb HBAs with ESX Server 2.5.4 Upgrade Patch 4 or later.
4 5
VMware, Inc.
29
Table 31. Fujitsu

Multipathin g with storage port failover X X X X X X X X X X
Basic connectivi ty ETERNUS30001 ETERNUS 4000 Model80 Model100 Model300 Model500 ETERNUS6000 ETERNUS 8000 Model700 Model900 X X X X X X X X
Multipathin g with HBA failover X X X X X X X X X X
Clusterin g support
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X X X
1
30
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.4

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover FibreCAT CX310c5 X CX320
5 5
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X
3
X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4
CX320c CX340
5
CX320f5 X CX340c5 X CX340f FSCStorage Models S60 S80 AX100 CX200 CX300 CX400 CX500 CX600 CX700
1 2 3 4 5 5
CX3805
X X X X X X X X
X1 X1 X X X
1
X X X X X X
X1
1
X1
1
VMware, Inc.
31
Table 33. HP
Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover HPModular SystemsArray (MSA) HPEnterprise VirtualArray (EVA)4 10005 1500 3000 4000 4400
6 5
X X X X X X
X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X
X2 X2 X2 X3,7 X3,7
41006
6
4400with X Embedded Switch6 5000 6000 6100 8100

6 6
X X X X X
X X X X X
X X X X X
X2 X3,7 X3,7 X3,7 X3,7
X X X X X
80006
6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Limited to internal storage configurations only. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2003 RTM only, but not to Windows 2003 SP1. Contact HP for array firmware versions and matching host mode settings. Active/passive versions, FW 4.xx (MSA1000) and FW 5.xx (MSA1500). Supported with 4Gb HBAs with ESX Server 2.5.4 Upgrade Patch 4 or later. Only supported with 2G HBA driver.
32
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.4
Table 33. HP
Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover HPStorageWorks XP48 XP128 XP512 XP1024 XP10000
1
X X X X X X
X X X X X X
X X X X X X
X3 X3 X
3
X3 X3 X3
XP120001

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Limited to internal storage configurations only. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2003 RTM only, but not to Windows 2003 SP1. Contact HP for array firmware versions and matching host mode settings. Active/passive versions, FW 4.xx (MSA1000) and FW 5.xx (MSA1500). Supported with 4Gb HBAs with ESX Server 2.5.4 Upgrade Patch 4 or later. Only supported with 2G HBA driver.
VMware, Inc.
33

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover BR50 BR150 SANRISEUSP1001 SANRISEUSP6001 SANRISEUSP11001 SANRISENSC1 SANRISEH120001 SANRISEH100001 SANRISE9980V SANRISE9970V SANRISEH1024 SANRISEH128 SANRISE2000 SANRISE9500V series SANRISE9585V SANRISE9570V SANRISE9530V SANRISEAMS200 SANRISEAMS500 SANRISEAMS1000 SANRISEWMS100
1
X X
X X X X
X X X X
34
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.4

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover 9500VSeries Lightning9910 Lightning9960 Lightning9970V Lightning9980V TagmaStoreAMS200 TagmaStoreAMS500 TagmaStoreAMS1000 TagmaStoreNSC55
1
X X X X X X X X X X
1

1
X X X X X X X
VMware, Inc.
35
Table 36. IBM

Basic connectivity IBMDS FAStT200 Series FAStT500 3400 4100 4200 4300 4400 4500 4700 4800 6000 N37003 IBM System N52003 Storage 3 NSeries N5500 ESS8001
1 2 3 5 5
Multipathing with HBA failover4 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Multipathing with storage Clustering port failover4 support X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X2 X2 X2 X2 X6 X2 X2 X X2 X2
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
8000Series1 X
QLogic HBA support only. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. VMware certifies the connectivity between the ESX Server machine and the SAN storage device as indicated in the support matrix. In addition, IBM supports any underlying technology, such as SnapMirror or SnapVault, that replicates data between IBM filers and does not affect the behavior of the filers as seen by the servers. In addition to the multipathing options detailed in the matrix above, IBM offers filer clustering. This configuration is certified to work as well with the exception of: Linux Guest operating systems are only supported if using the vmxlsilogic SCSI emulation driver. For configuration details of changes to guest operating system support, check Whats New in ESX Server at: www.vmware.com/support/esx25/doc/releasenotes_esx25.html. Requires ESX2.5.3 Upgrade Patch 3 or higher. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1 for ESX Server 2.5.4 releases prior to patch 2. Windows 2003 SP1 with Microsoft Hotfix (see http:// support.microsoft.com/kb/910048) is supported only with ESX Server 2.5.4 patch 2 or later.
5 6
36
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.4
Table 37. NetApp

1 2
X X X X X
X X X X X
X X X X X
X4 X4 X
4
X4
4
VMware, Inc.
37
Table 38. NEC


Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover SANARENA1830 SANARENA1870 SANARENA1890 SANARENA1895 SANARENA18AS SANARENA52001 SANARENA58001
1
X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X
X X X X X
38
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.4

Table 41. 3PAR

Table 42. Sun

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover StorageTekFlexLine FLX380 FLX280 FLX240 FLX210 X X X X X X X X X X2 X X X X Boot from SAN X X X X X
BC84/D178 X SeeNOTEonpage1forJBODsupportinformation.
1 2
VMware, Inc.
39
Table 42. Sun

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover StorageTek 3510 3511 6540 69201 9910 9960 9970 9980 9985
1
Boot from SAN X X
X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X
2
X X X X X X X X
99901
1 2
Table 43. Xiotech

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover Magnitud Magnitude3D1000e X e Magnitude3D1000s X Magnitude3D3000e X Magnitude3D3000s X
X X X X
X X X X
Host Bus Adapters

TheESXServer2.5.4driversarebasedontheEmulexprovidedlpfcdd2xx2.01gdriver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations.Fibre ChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise. VMwareESXServer2.5.4UpgradePatch4enabledsupportfor4GBEmulexFibreChannelHBA.
40
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.4
LP1150 LP11002 LPe1105 LPe1150 LPe11000 LPe11002 Table 44.

VMwaresupportsthefollowingHPOEMversionsoftheEmulexadapters: Table 45. Hewlett Packard OEM Emulex Adapters

EmulexLPE1105HP FC2143 FC2243 FC2142SR FC2242SR FCA2404DC Minimumfirmwarerevision1.00a2
VMware, Inc.
41
Table 45. Hewlett Packard OEM Emulex Adapters

FCA2684,FCA2684DC A7298A,FCA2408,AB232A, FCA2384,FCA2404 A7387A,A7388A,AB466A, AB467A A7560A Minimumfirmwarerevision1.80a2 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.00a4 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.80a3
VMwaresupportsthefollowingSunOEMversionsoftheEmulexadapters: Table 46. Sun OEM Emulex Adapters

SGXPCI1FCEM2 SGXPCI2FCEM2 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.70a3 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.70a3

ThedefaultESXServer2.5.4driverisbasedontheQLogicprovidedqla2x00v7.0.4driver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations. FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise. VMwareESXServer2.5.4UpgradePatch4enabledsupportfor4GBQLogicFibreChannelHBA. QLA2460 QLA2462 QLE2460 QLE2462 QMH2462 TheHBAthatcontrolsthebootLUNmustbeaQLogicHBA;currentlytheQLA23xxseriesissupported. QLA2200 QLA2300 QLA2310/2312(Bladeservers) QLA2340/2342 QLE2360/2362 VMwaresupportsthefollowingDellOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: DellQLogic2342M(forDellPowerEdge1855bladeservers)
42 VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.4
DellQLogic2362M(forDellPowerEdge6850) VMwaresupportsthefollowingHPOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: HPFC1142SR HPFC1143 HPFC1242SR HPFC1243 HPFCA2210 HPFCA2214 HPFCA2214DC HPQLogicQMH2462 VMwaresupportsthefollowingSunOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: Table 47. Supported Sun OEM Versions of QLogic Adapters
1

QLogic Adapter QLA2200F QLA2202F QLA2342L QLA2340L QLA2310FL QLA2300F 48P7061 IBM OEM Version IBMDS4000HBA IBMQLA2202F/66 IBMQLA2342IBM IBMDS4000HBA IBMFC2/66 IBMFC2/66 IBMHS20FibreChannelExpansion
VMware, Inc.
43
Table 48.
QLogic Adapter 13N2203 26K4841 IBM OEM Version IBMHS20FibreChannelExpansion IBMBladecenterSFFFibreChannelExpansion


1
44
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.3
ESX Server 2.5.3


ESXServer2.5.3issupportedbythefollowingmajorstoragevendors: Bullonpage 47 Dellonpage 47 EMConpage 49 Fujitsuonpage 50 FujitsuSiemensonpage 50 HPonpage 51 Hitachi,Ltdonpage 52 HitachiDataSystems(HDS)onpage 53 IBMonpage 54 NetApponpage 55 NEConpage 55 NihonUnisysLtd,onpage 56 PillarDataSystemsonpage 56 3PARonpage 56 Sunonpage 57 StorageTekonpage 57 Xiotechonpage 58
Server Clustering
Storagearraysaretestedinclusteredandnonclusteredenvironments.ClusteringreferstotheuseofMicrosoftClusterServices(Windows2003and2000)inashared diskconfigurationwheremultiplevirtualmachinesonmultiplephysicalserverssharestorageonanarray.
VMware, Inc.
45
ESXServer2.5.3supportsthefollowingvirtualmachineclusteringconfigurationswithMicrosoftClusterServicesonWindows2000and2003: Table 50.

Storage Arrays
46 VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.3
Table 51. Bull

Basic connectivity
StoreWay
FDA1500 FDA2500 FDA2800
X X X
X X X
X X X
Table 52. Dell

Multipathing with HBA Basic connectivity failover PowerVault650F AX100 AX150 CX200 CX300 CX400 CX500 CX600 CX700
1 2 3
Boot from SAN X X X Multipathing with storage Clustering port failover support X1 X1 X1 X X X
3
Boot from SAN
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X
X3
3
X3
3
This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2003 RTM only, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1 for ESX2.5.3 releases prior to patch 4. Windows 2003 SP1 with Microsoft Hotfix (see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/910048) is supported only with ESX2.5.3 patch 4 or later. Supported on Fibre Channel only, not iSCSI.
VMware, Inc.
47
Table 52. Dell

Multipathing with HBA Basic connectivity failover CX3204 CX320c CX340 CX340c CX380
1 2 3
Multipathing with storage Clustering port failover support X X X X X X2 X2 X X

2
X X X X X
X X X X X
X2
2
This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2003 RTM only, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1 for ESX2.5.3 releases prior to patch 4. Windows 2003 SP1 with Microsoft Hotfix (see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/910048) is supported only with ESX2.5.3 patch 4 or later. Supported on Fibre Channel only, not iSCSI.
48
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.3
Table 53. EMC

Multipathing with HBA Basic connectivity failover EMC CLARiiON AX100 AX150 CX200 CX300 CX400 CX500 CX600 CX700 CX310c CX320 CX320c CX320f CX340 CX340c CX340f CX380 EMC Symmetrix 8000 Series DMX/ DMX2 DMX3
1 2 3
Multipathing with storage port failover X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Boot Clustering from SAN support X1 X1 X1 X3 X X X X X X X

3
X3
3
X3
2
X2
2
X2
2
X2
2
X2
3
X3 X1
This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2003 RTM only, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1 for ESX2.5.3 releases prior to patch 4. Windows 2003 SP1 with Microsoft Hotfix (see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/ 910048) is supported only with ESX2.5.3 patch 4 or later.
VMware, Inc.
49
Table 54. Fujitsu

Multipathin g with storage port failover X X X X X X X X X X
Basic connectivi ty ETERNUS30001 ETERNUS 4000 Model80 Model100 Model300 Model500 ETERNUS6000 ETERNUS 8000 Model700 Model900 X X X X X X X X
Multipathin g with HBA failover X X X X X X X X X X
Clusterin g support
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X X X
1

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover FSCStorage Models S60 S80 X 1Gbonly X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X1 X1 X1 X X
1
Boot from SAN
AX100 X CX200 X CX300 X CX400 X CX500 X CX600 X CX700 X

1
X X X X X X
X1
1
X1
50
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.3
Table 56. HP
Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover HPModular SystemsArray (MSA) HPEnterprise VirtualArray (EVA)4 10005 1500 3000 4000 4100 5000 6000 6100 8000 8100 HPStorageWorks XP48 XP128 XP512 XP1024 XP100001 XP12000
1 5
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X2 X2 X2 X X X X X X
3
X3
2
X3
3
X3
3
X3
3
X3
3
X3 X3

1 2 3 4 5
Limited to internal storage configurations only. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2003 RTM only, but not to Windows 2003 SP1. Contact HP for array firmware versions and matching host mode settings. Active/passive versions, FW 4.xx (MSA1000) and FW 5.xx (MSA1500).
VMware, Inc.
51

Basic connectivit y BR50 BR150 SANRISEUSP1001 SANRISEUSP6001 X X X X Multipathin g with HBA failover X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Multipathin g with storage port Clustering failover support X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X2 X2 X2 X2 X2 X2
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
SANRISEUSP11001 X SANRISENSC1 SANRISEH120001 SANRISEH100001 SANRISE9980V SANRISE9970V SANRISEH1024 SANRISEH128 SANRISE2000 SANRISE9500V series SANRISE9585V SANRISE9570V SANRISE9530V SANRISEAMS200 SANRISEAMS500 SANRISEAMS1000 SANRISEWMS100
1 2
Limited to internal storage configurations only. Requires ESX 2.5.3 Upgrade Patch 3 or higher
52
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.3

Basic connectivity 9500VSeries Lightning9910 Lightning9960 Lightning9970V Lightning9980V TagmaStoreAMS200 TagmaStoreAMS500 TagmaStoreAMS1000 TagmaStoreNSC55
1
Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering failover port failover support X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
2
X X X X X X X X X X
1
X2 X
2
X2

1 2
X X X X X X X
VMware, Inc.
53
Table 59. IBM

Multipathin g with storage port failover4 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X2 X2 X2 X2 X6 X2 X
2
Basic connectivi ty IBMDS FAStT200 Series FAStT500 4100 42005 4300 4400 4500 47005 4800 6000 8000Series N37003 IBM System N52003 Storage 3 NSeries N5500 ESS8001
1 2 3 1
Multipathin g with HBA failover4 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Clusterin g support X2 X2 X
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
QLogic HBA support only. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. VMware certifies the connectivity between the ESX Server machine and the SAN storage device as indicated in the support matrix. In addition, IBM supports any underlying technology, such as SnapMirror or SnapVault, that replicates data between IBM filers and does not affect the behavior of the filers as seen by the servers. In addition to the multipathing options detailed in the matrix above, IBM offers filer clustering. This configuration is certified to work as well with the exception of: Linux Guest operating systems are only supported if using the vmxlsilogic SCSI emulation driver. For configuration details of changes to guest operating system support, check Whats New in ESX Server at: www.vmware.com/support/esx25/doc/releasenotes_esx25.html. Requires ESX2.5.3 Upgrade Patch 3 dated 7/27/06. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1 for ESX Server 2.5.3 releases prior to patch 4. Windows 2003 SP1 with Microsoft Hotfix (see http:// support.microsoft.com/kb/910048) is supported only with ESX Server 2.5.3 patch 4 or later.
5 6
54
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.3
Table 60. NetApp

1 2
X X X X X
X X X X X
X X X X X
X4 X4 X4 X4 X5
4 5
This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies only to Windows 2003 in a Cluster Across Box configuration.
Table 61. NEC

VMware, Inc.
55

Basic connectivit y SANARENA1830 SANARENA1870 SANARENA1890 SANARENA1895 SANARENA18AS SANARENA52001 SANARENA58001
1 2
Multipathin g with HBA failover X X X X X X X
Multipathin g with storage port Clustering failover support X X X X X X X X2 X2 X2 X2 X2
X X X X X X X

Table 64. 3PAR

56
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.3
Table 65. Sun

Multipathin g with Basic Multipathin storage connectivit g with HBA port Clustering failover y failover support StorEdge 69201 X 9910 9960 9970 9980 9990
1 1
X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X
X X X X X
99851 X
Table 66. StorageTek

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover FlexLine200/300Series FLX380 FLX280 FLX240 FLX210 BC84/ D178 StorageTek
1
X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X
X1 X X X X X X
3510 3511
Supported only on ESX Server 2.5.3 Upgrade Patch 2.
VMware, Inc.
57
Table 67. Xiotech

Multipathing Multipathing with HBA with storage Clustering Basic port failover support connectivity failover Magnitud Magnitude3D1000e X e Magnitude3D1000s X Magnitude3D3000e X Magnitude3D3000s X X X X X X X X X Boot from SAN X X X X
Host Bus Adapters

TheESXServer2.5.3driversarebasedontheEmulexprovidedlpfcdd2xx2.01gdriver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations.Fibre ChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise. Table 68.
58
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.3
VMwaresupportsthefollowingHPOEMversionsoftheEmulexadapters: Table 69.

FCA2404DC FCA2684,FCA2684DC A7298A,FCA2408,AB232A, FCA2384,FCA2404 A7387A,A7388A,AB466A, AB467A A7560A Minimumfirmwarerevision1.00a2 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.80a2 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.00a4 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.80a3

ThedefaultESXServer2.5.3driverisbasedontheQLogicprovidedqla2x00v7.0.4driver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations. FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise. Note: The HBA that controls the boot LUN must be a QLogic HBA; currently only the QLA-23xx series is supported. QLA2200 QLA2300 QLA2310/2312(Bladeservers) QLA2340/2342 QLE2360/2362 VMwaresupportsthefollowingDellOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: DellQLogic2342M(forDellPowerEdge1855bladeservers) DellQLogic2362M(forDellPowerEdge6850) VMwaresupportsthefollowingHPOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: HPFCA2210 HPFCA2214 HPFCA2214DC VMwaresupportsthefollowingSunOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters:
VMware, Inc.
59
Table 70. Supported Sun OEM Versions of QLogic Adapters

1

QLogic Adapter QLA2200F QLA2202F QLA2342L QLA2340L QLA2310FL QLA2300F 48P7061 13N2203 26K4841 IBM OEM Version IBMDS4000HBA IBMQLA2202F/66 IBMQLA2342IBM IBMDS4000HBA IBMFC2/66 IBMFC2/66 IBMHS20FibreChannelExpansion IBMHS20FibreChannelExpansion IBMBladecenterSFFFibreChannelExpansion

ThefollowingsystemandvirtualmaximumsaresupportedforESXServer:
60
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.2
Table 72.

1
ESX Server 2.5.2


ESXServer2.5.2issupportedbythefollowingmajorstoragevendors: Bullonpage 64
VMware, Inc. 61
Dellonpage 64 EMConpage 65 Fujitsuonpage 65 FujitsuSiemensonpage 65 HPonpage 66 Hitachi,Ltdonpage 67 HitachiDataSystems(HDS)onpage 69 IBMonpage 70 NEConpage 72 NetApponpage 72Table 61. NihonUnisysLtd,onpage 73 PillarDataSystemsonpage 73 3PARonpage 73 Sunonpage 74 StorageTekonpage 74 Xiotechonpage 75
Server Clustering
Storagearraysaretestedinclusteredandnonclusteredenvironments.ClusteringreferstotheuseofMicrosoftClusterServices(Windows2003and2000)inashared diskconfigurationwheremultiplevirtualmachinesonmultiplephysicalserverssharestorageonanarray. ESXServer2.5.2supportsthefollowingvirtualmachineclusteringconfigurationswithMicrosoftClusterServicesonWindows2000and2003: Table 73.
Virtualmachinesonthe Clusteringofvirtualmachines sameESXServersystem. whichresideonthesamephysical system.Thesevirtualmachinescan sharelocalstorageorSANbased storage.
62
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.2
Table 73.
Configuration Virtualmachineson separateESXServer systems. Description Clusteringofvirtualmachines residingonseparatephysical systems.Thesevirtualmachines sharestoragethroughSANbased storage. Restrictions Twonodeclustersonly IfusingSANpathfailover, thisconfigurationisfully supportedonlyifthevirtual machinessharerawdisks, notvirtualdisks.Ifvirtual machinessharevirtual disks,theclusterwillfail overbeforetheSANpath failsover. Twonodeclusteronly.
Storage Arrays
VMware, Inc.
63
Table 74. Bull

Basic connectivity
StoreWay
FDA1500 FDA2500 FDA2800
X X X
X X X
X X X
Table 75. Dell

Dell Storage Models Power Vault 650F AX100 AX150 CX200 CX300 CX400 CX500 CX600 CX700
Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBA failover Multipathingwithstorage portfailover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN

1
X X X X1
X X X X1
X X X X1 X
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X1 X
X X X X1 X
X X X X1 X
X X X X1 X
X X X X1 X
64
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.2
Table 76. EMC

Basic connectivit y EMC CLARiiON AX100 AX150 CX200 CX300 CX400 CX500 CX600 CX700 EMC Symmetrix DMX/ DMX2 DMX3
1
Multipathing with HBA failover X X X X X X X X X X X
Multipathing Boot with storage Clustering from port failover support SAN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X
8000Series X
Table 77. Fujitsu

ETERNUS 3000 Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageportfailover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN
1
ETERNUS 6000 X X X
X X X

FSC Storage Models
VMware, Inc.
65

S60 Basicconnectivity X 1Gb only MultipathingwithHBA failover Multipathingwithstorage portfailover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN
1
S8 0 X
AX10 CX20 CX30 CX40 CX50 0 0 0 0 0 X X X X X
CX60 0 X
CX70 0 X
X X
X X X1
X X X1 X
X X X1 X
X X X1 X
X X X1 X
X X X1 X
X X X1 X
Table 79. HP
Multipathing with HBA Basic connectivity failover HPModular Systems Array(MSA) 10005 1500
5
Multipathing with storage port failover X X
Clustering support X2 X2
Boot from SAN X X
X X
X X
PleasecontactyourlocalHPaccountorservicerepresentativefordefinitiveinformationabout supportedHPstorageproductconfigurationsincludingGuestOStypes,arrayfirmwareandbest practiceswhenusedwithVMwareproducts..

1 2 3 4 5
66
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.2
Table 79. HP (Continued)

Multipathing with HBA Basic connectivity failover HPEnterprise 3000 VirtualArray 4000 (EVA)4 4100 5000 6000 6100 8000 8100 HP XP48 StorageWorks XP128 XP512 XP1024 XP10000
1
Multipathing with storage port failover X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Clustering support X2 X3 X X X X X
3
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X2
3
X3
3
X3
3
X3
3
X3 X3 X3
XP120001
PleasecontactyourlocalHPaccountorservicerepresentativefordefinitiveinformationabout supportedHPstorageproductconfigurationsincludingGuestOStypes,arrayfirmwareandbest practiceswhenusedwithVMwareproducts..

1 2 3 4 5

Basic connectivit y BR50 BR150
1
Multipathin g with HBA failover X X
Multipathin g with storage port Clustering failover support X X
Boot from SAN X X
X X
VMware, Inc.
67
Table 80. Hitachi, Ltd (Continued)

Basic connectivit y SANRISEUSP1001 SANRISEUSP6001 SANRISEUSP11001 SANRISENSC1 SANRISEH120001 SANRISEH100001 SANRISE9980V SANRISE9970V SANRISEH1024 SANRISEH128 SANRISE2000 SANRISE9500V series SANRISE9585V SANRISE9570V SANRISE9530V SANRISEAMS200 SANRISEAMS500 SANRISEAMS1000 SANRISEWMS100
1
Multipathin g with HBA failover X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Multipathin g with storage port Clustering failover support X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
68
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.2

Basic connectivit y 9500VSeries Lightning9910 Lightning9960 Lightning9970V Lightning9980V X X X X X Multipathin g with HBA failover X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Multipathin g with storage Clustering port failover support X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
TagmaStoreAMS200 X TagmaStoreAMS500 X TagmaStore AMS1000 TagmaStoreNSC551 TagmaStoreUSP 1001 TagmaStoreUSP 11001 TagmaStoreUSP 6001 TagmaStoreWMS 100 Thunder9520V Thunder9530V Thunder9570V Thunder9585V
1
X X X X X X X X X X
VMware, Inc.
69
Table 82. IBM

IBMDS Series Basic connectivi ty FAStT200 FAStT500 4100 4300 4400 4500 4800 6000 8000Series N37003 IBM System N52003 Storage 3 NSeries N5500 ESS8001
1 2 3 1
Multipathin g with HBA failover4 X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Multipathin g with storage port failover4 X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Clusterin g support X2 X2 X X2 X2 X2 X
2
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X2 X2 X2
X X X X
QLogic HBA support only. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. VMware certifies the connectivity between the ESX Server machine and the SAN storage device as indicated in the support matrix. In addition, IBM supports any underlying technology, such as SnapMirror or SnapVault, that replicates data between IBM filers and does not affect the behavior of the filers as seen by the servers. In addition to the multipathing options detailed in the matrix above, IBM offers filer clustering. This configuration is certified to work as well with the exception of: Linux Guest operating systems are only supported if using the vmxlsilogic SCSI emulation driver. For configuration details of changes to guest operating system support, check Whats New in ESX Server at: www.vmware.com/support/esx25/doc/releasenotes_esx25.html.
70
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.2
Table 83. Fujitsu

Multipathing with HBA Basic connectivity failover Multipathing with storage port failover Clustering support Boot from SAN
ETERN US
6000
VMware, Inc.
71
Table 84. NEC

iStorage S400 S500 Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN X X X X X X X X X X X X X S280 S1400 S1500 S2400 S2500 0 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Table 85. NetApp

NetApp Fibre Channel SAN Attached Storage System1 FAS200 Series Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN
1 2
F800 Series X X X X4 X
FAS900 Series X X X X4 X
FAS3000 Series X X X X4 X
X X X X4 X
These configurations are also supported with the NetApp NearStore R200 back end. VMware certifies the connectivity between the ESX Server machine and the SAN storage device as indicated in the support matrix. In addition, NetApp supports any underlying technology, such as SnapMirror or SnapVault, that replicates data between NetApp storage systems and does not affect the behavior of the storage systems as seen by the servers. In addition to the multipathing options detailed in the matrix above, NetApp offers storage system clustering. This configuration is certified to work as well with the exception of: Linux Guest operating systems are only supported if using the vmxlsilogic SCSI emulation driver. For configuration details of changes to guest operating system support, check Whats New in ESX Server at: www.vmware.com/support/esx25/doc/releasenotes_esx25.html. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1.
72
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.2

Basic connectivit y SANARENA1830 SANARENA1870 SANARENA1890 SANARENA1895 SANARENA18AS SANARENA52001 SANARENA58001
1
Multipathin g with HBA failover X X X X X X X
Multipathin g with storage port Clustering failover support X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X

Axiom 300 Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN X X X X X 500 X X X
Table 88. 3PAR

InServ Storage Servers S200 Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover X X X S400 X X X S800 X X X
VMware, Inc.
73
Table 88. 3PAR

InServ Storage Servers S200 Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN X X X S400 S800
Table 89. Sun

StorEdge 6920
1
StorageTe k 9985 9990 351 1 1 0 X X X X X X X X X 351 1 X X X
9910 9960 9970 9980 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Basicconnectivity
MultipathingwithHBAfailover X Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN

1

FlexLine 200/300 Series FLX 380 Basicconnectivity X FLX 280 X X X FLX240 X X X FLX 210 X X X BC84/D178 X X X
MultipathingwithHBAfailover X Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN X
74
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.2
Table 91. Xiotech

Magnitude Magnitude 3D 1000e Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBA failover X X Magnitude 3D 1000s X X X Magnitude 3D 3000e X X X Magnitude 3D 3000s X X X
Multipathingwithstorage X portfailover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN X
Host Bus Adapters

VMware, Inc.
75
VMwaresupportsthefollowingHPOEMversionsoftheEmulexadapters: Table 93.

FCA2404DC FCA2684,FCA2684DC A7298A,FCA2408,AB232A, FCA2384,FCA2404 A7387A,A7388A,AB466A, AB467A A7560A Minimumfirmwarerevision1.00a2 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.80a2 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.00a4 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.80a3

ThedefaultESXServer2.5.2driverisbasedontheQLogicprovidedqla2x00v7.0.4driver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations. FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise. Note: The HBA that controls the boot LUN must be a QLogic HBA; currently only the QLA-23xx series is supported. QLA2200 QLA2300 QLA2310/2312(Bladeservers) QLA2340/2342 QLE2360/2362 VMwaresupportsthefollowingDellOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: DellQLogic2342M(forDellPowerEdge1855bladeservers) DellQLogic2362M(forDellPowerEdge6850) VMwaresupportsthefollowingHPOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: HPFCA2210 HPFCA2214 HPFCA2214DC VMwaresupportsthefollowingSunOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters:
76
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.2
Table 94. Supported Sun OEM Versions of QLogic Adapters

1


ESX Server 2.5.2 MaximumLUNsperarray MaximumLUNspersystem1 MaximumHBAspersystem MaximumvirtualHBAspervirtualmachine MaximumvirtualtargetspervirtualHBA 128 128 16 4 15
VMware, Inc.
77
Table 96.
ESX Server 2.5.2 MaximumvirtualtargetsperWindowsvirtual machine MaximumvirtualtargetsperLinuxvirtual machine 60 60
Maximumvirtualtargetsforallconcurrentvirtual 1281602 machines MaximumnumberofVMFSfilesystemsper server MaximumdiskspaceperVMFS MaximumfilesizeperVMFSfile MaximumnumberoffilesperVMFS 128 2TBx323 27TB 192+n*32wheren=#physical extents
1 2 3
ESX Server 2.5.1

ThefollowingsectionliststhesupportedSANdevicesforESXServerversion2.5.1.VMwareandourpartnersareactivelyworkingtogethertoqualifycertificationfor additionaldevicesasquicklyaspossible.PleasecheckbackperiodicallyforupdatesandnewlycertifiedHBAsandstoragedevicescurrentlytestedbyVMwareandits storagepartners.ThelatestversionofthisguideisavailableontheVMwareWebsiteathttp://www.vmware.com/support/resources/.

ESXServer2.5.1issupportedbythefollowingmajorstoragevendors: Dellonpage 80 EMConpage 81 Fujitsuonpage 81 FujitsuSiemensonpage 82 HPonpage 83 Hitachi,Ltdonpage 84 HitachiDataSystems(HDS)onpage 85
78
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
IBMonpage 86 onpage 86 NetApponpage 87 NEConpage 87 NihonUnisysLtd,onpage 88 3PARonpage 88 Sunonpage 88 StorageTekonpage 89 Xiotechonpage 89
Server Clustering
Twonodeclustersonly IfusingSANpathfailover, thisconfigurationisfully supportedonlyifthevirtual machinessharerawdisks, notvirtualdisks.Ifvirtual machinessharevirtual disks,theclusterwillfail overbeforetheSANpath failsover.
VMware, Inc.
79
Table 97.
Configuration Description Restrictions Twonodeclusteronly.
Clusteringofavirtualmachineon Virtualmachine clusteredwithaphysical anESXServersystemwitha physicalWindowsserver. machine.
Storage Arrays
VMwareESXServer2.5.1supportsavarietyofstoragearraysinvariousconfigurations.ThetablesbelowstatetheVMwaresupportedstoragearraysandthesupported configurationsforeachvendor. Note: All storage products listed in this compatibility guide are supported. For further details about array firmware, storage product configurations, and best practices, please contact the storage vendor. VMwareteststhefollowingconfigurations: Basic Connectivity The ability of ESX Server to recognize and inter operate with the storage array. This configuration does not allow for multipathing or any type of failover. Multipathing The ability of ESX Server to handle multiple paths to the same storage device. HBA Failover In this configuration, the server is equipped with multiple HBAs connecting to one or more SAN switch. The server is robust to HBA and switch failure only. Storage Port Failover In this configuration, the server is attached to multiple storage ports and is robust to storage port failures. Boot from SAN In this configuration, the ESX Server machine boots from a LUN stored on the SAN rather than in the server itself. Table 98. Dell
Dell Storage Models Power Vault 650F AX100 CX200 CX300 CX400 CX500 CX600 CX700
Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBA failover
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
80
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
Table 98. Dell

Multipathingwithstorage portfailover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN
1
X X1
X X1,2 X
X X1,2 X
X X1,2 X
X X1,2 X
X X1,2 X
X X1,2 X
If Raw Device Mapping LUNs are used with MSCS Clusters across boxes, then you must upgrade to 2.5.2 or later for this functionality. Refer to KB article 1822 (www.vmware.com/support/kb/enduser/ std_adp.php?p_faqid=1822) for more information. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1.
Table 99. EMC

EMC CLARiiON AX10 CX20 0 0 Basic connectivity Multipathing withHBA failover X X X X CX30 0 X X CX40 0 X X EMC Symmetrix 8000 DMX/ CX50 CX60 CX70 Seri DMX DMX es 2 0 0 0 3 X X X X X X X X X X X X
X Multipathing withstorageport failover Clustering support BootfromSAN

1
X1
X1,2 X
X1,2 X
X1,2 X
X1,2 X
X1,2 X
X1,2 X
X1,2 X
X1,2 X
X1,2 X
Table 100. Fujitsu

ETERNUS 30001 Basicconnectivity X ETERNUS 6000 X
VMware, Inc.
81
Table 100. Fujitsu

ETERNUS 30001 MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageportfailover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN
1
ETERNUS 6000 X X
X X

FSC Storage Models S60 Basicconnectivity X 1Gb only MultipathingwithHBA failover Multipathingwithstorage portfailover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN
1
AX10 S80 0 X X
CX20 0 X
CX30 0 X
CX40 0 X
CX50 0 X
CX60 0 X
CX70 0 X
X X
X X X1
X X X1,2 X
X X X1,2 X
X X X1,2 X
X X X1,2 X
X X X1,2 X
X X X1,2 X
82
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
Table 102. HP
Multipathin g with storage port failover X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Basic connectivi ty 10006 HPModular SystemsArray 15006 (MSA) HPEnterprise 3000 VirtualArray 4000 (EVA)5 5000 6000 8000 HP StorageWorks XP48 XP128 XP512 XP1024 XP10000
1
Multipathin g with HBA failover X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Clusterin g support X2,3 X2,3 X2,3 X X X X

2,4
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X2,3
2,4
X2,4
2,4
X2,4
2,4
X2,4 X2,4 X2,4
XP120001
PleasecontactyourlocalHPaccountorservicerepresentativefordefinitiveinformationabout supportedHPstorageproductconfigurationsincludingGuestOStypes,arrayfirmwareand bestpracticeswhenusedwithVMwareproducts..

1 2
Limited to internal storage configurations only. If Raw Device Mapping LUNs are used with MSCS Clusters across boxes, then you must upgrade to 2.5.2 or later for this functionality. Refer to KB article 1822 (www.vmware.com/support/kb/enduser/ std_adp.php?p_faqid=1822) for more information. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. This applies to Windows 2003 RTM only, but not to Windows 2003 SP1. Contact HP for array firmware versions and matching host mode settings. Active/passive versions, FW 4.xx (MSA1000) and FW 5.xx (MSA1500).
3 4 5 6
VMware, Inc.
83

Basic connectivity BR50 BR150 SANRISEUSP1001 SANRISEUSP6001 SANRISEUSP11001 SANRISENSC1 SANRISEH120001 SANRISEH100001 SANRISE9980V SANRISE9970V SANRISEH1024 SANRISEH128 SANRISE2000 SANRISE9500V series SANRISE9585V SANRISE9570V SANRISE9530V SANRISEAMS200 SANRISEAMS500 SANRISEAMS1000 SANRISEWMS100
1
Multipathing with HBA failover X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Multipathing with storage port failover X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
84
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
ForHitachistoragearraymicrocodelevelsandspecificguestoperatingsystem,HBA,andswitchedfabricconfigurationsthatHitachisupports,pleasecontactyour Hitachisupportrepresentative. Table 104. Hitachi Data Systems (HDS)

Basic connectivity TagmaStoreUSP 1001 TagmaStoreUSP 6001 TagmaStoreUSP 11001 TagmaStoreNSC551 TagmaStore WMS100 X X X X X Multipathing with HBA failover X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Multipathing with storage port failover X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
TagmaStoreAMS200 X TagmaStoreAMS500 X TagmaStore AMS1000 Lightning9970V Lightning9980V Lightning9960 Lightning9910 9500VSeries Thunder9585V Thunder9570V Thunder9530V Thunder9520V
1
X X X X X X X X X X
ForHDSstoragearraymicrocodelevelsandspecificguestoperatingsystem,HBA,andswitchedfabricconfigurationsthatHDSsupports,pleasecontactyourHDS supportrepresentative.
VMware, Inc. 85
Table 105. IBM

Multipathin g with storage port failover X X X X X
Basic connectivi ty IBM FAStT200 DS FAStT500 Series 4300 4400 4500 4800 X X X X X X
Multipathin g with HBA failover X X X X X X singlefabric only
Clusterin g support X2,3 X2,3 X X

2,3
X2,3
2,3
6000 8000 Series1 ESS8001

1 2
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
QLogic HBA support only. If Raw Device Mapping LUNs are used with MSCS Clusters across boxes, then you must upgrade to 2.5.2 or later for this functionality. Refer to KB article 1822 (www.vmware.com/support/kb/enduser/ std_adp.php?p_faqid=1822) for more information. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1.
Table 106. Fujitsu

ETERNUS 6000 Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN X X X
86
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
Table 107. NetApp

NetApp Fibre Channel SAN Attached Storage System1 FAS200 Series Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN
1 2
F800 Series X X X X4,5 X
FAS900 Series X X X X4,5 X
X X X X4,5 X
These configurations are also supported with the NetApp NearStore R200 back end. VMware certifies the connectivity between the ESX Server machine and the SAN storage device as indicated in the support matrix. In addition, NetApp supports any underlying technology, such as SnapMirror or SnapVault, that replicates data between NetApp storage systems and does not affect the behavior of the storage systems as seen by the servers. In addition to the multipathing options detailed in the matrix above, NetApp offers storage system clustering. This configuration is certified to work as well with the exception of: Linux Guest operating systems are only supported if using the vmxlsilogic SCSI emulation driver. For configuration details of changes to guest operating system support, check Whats New in ESX Server at: www.vmware.com/support/esx25/doc/releasenotes_esx25.html. If Raw Device Mapping LUNs are used with MSCS Clusters across boxes, then you must upgrade to 2.5.2 or later for this functionality. Refer to KB article 1822 (www.vmware.com/support/kb/enduser/ std_adp.php?p_faqid=1822) for more information. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1.
Table 108. NEC

iStorage S400 Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN X X X X X X X S1400 X X X S2400 X X X S2800 X X X
VMware, Inc.
87

Basic connectivity SANARENA1830 SANARENA1870 SANARENA1890 SANARENA1895 SANARENA18AS SANARENA52001 SANARENA58001
1
Multipathing with HBA failover X X X X X X X
Multipathing with storage port failover X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X
Table 110. 3PAR

InServ Storage Servers S200 Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN X X X X X X S400 X X X S800 X X X
Table 111. Sun

StorEdge 6920 Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover X X X
88
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
Table 111. Sun

StorEdge 6920 Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN X

FlexLine 200/300 Series FLX 380 Basicconnectivity X FLX 280 X X X FLX24 0 X X X FLX 210 BC84/D178 X X X X X X
Table 113. Xiotech

Magnitude Magnitude 3D 1000e Basicconnectivity X Magnitude 3D 1000s X X X Magnitude 3D 3000e X X X Magnitude 3D 3000s X X X
MultipathingwithHBAfailover X Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN X X
VMware, Inc.
89
Host Bus Adapters

LP9000 LP9002L,LP9002LE,LP9002C, 9002DC LP9402DC LP9802DC LP10000,10000DC,LP10000E LP101 LP952L LP982,9802 LP1050,1050DC,1050F2 LP7000E
HPOEMversionsofEmulexadaptersarenotsupported.

ThedefaultESXServer2.5.1driverisbasedontheQLogicprovidedqla2x00v7.0.4driver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations. FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise. Note: The HBA that controls the boot LUN must be a QLogic HBA; currently only the QLA-23xx series is supported. QLA2200 QLA2300 QLA2310/2312(Bladeservers) QLA2340/2342 QLE2360/2362
90
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
VMwaresupportsthefollowingDellOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: DellQLogic2342M(forDellPowerEdge1855bladeservers) DellQLogic2362M(forDellPowerEdge6850) VMwaresupportsthefollowingHPOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: HPFCA2210 HPFCA2214 HPFCA2214DC VMwaresupportsthefollowingSunOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: Table 115. Supported Sun OEM Versions of QLogic Adapters
QLogic Adapter QLA2342 QLA2342R
1
Sun OEM Version SunSGSPC12FCQF21 SunSGXPCI2FCQF2Z1


ThefollowingsystemandvirtualmaximumsaresupportedforESXServer:
VMware, Inc.
91
Table 117.

1 2 3
92
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
ESX Server 2.5

ESXServer2.5issupportedbythefollowingmajorstoragevendors: Dellonpage 94 EMConpage 95 FujitsuSiemensonpage 95 HPonpage 96 HitachiDataSystems(HDS)onpage 98 IBMonpage 98 Fujitsuonpage 99 NetApponpage 99 NEConpage 100 StorageTekonpage 100
Server Clustering
Storagearraysaretestedinclusteredandnonclusteredenvironments.ClusteringreferstotheuseofMicrosoftClusterServices(Windows2003and2000)inashared diskconfigurationwheremultiplevirtualmachinesonmultiplephysicalserverssharestorageonanarray. ESXServer2.5supportsthefollowingvirtualmachineclusteringconfigurationswithMicrosoftClusterServicesonWindows2000and2003: Table 118.
Configuration Description Restrictions Twonodeclustersonly
Virtualmachineson Clusteringofvirtualmachines thesameESXServer whichresideonthesame physicalsystem.Thesevirtual system. machinescansharelocalstorage orSANbasedstorage.
VMware, Inc.
93
Table 118.
Configuration Virtualmachineson separateESXServer systems. Description Clusteringofvirtualmachines residingonseparatephysical systems.Thesevirtualmachines sharestoragethroughSAN basedstorage. Restrictions Twonodeclustersonly IfusingSANpathfailover,this configurationisfullysupported onlyifthevirtualmachines sharerawdisks,notvirtual disks.Ifvirtualmachinesshare virtualdisks,theclusterfails overbeforetheSANpathfails over. Twonodeclusteronly
Virtualmachine clusteredwitha physicalmachine.
Clusteringofavirtualmachine onanESXServersystemwitha physicalWindowsserver.
ESXServer2.5supportsthislevelofclusteringoncertainSANstoragedevicesasmarkedbelow.BeforeinstallingVMwareESXServerwithyourstoragearray,please examinethelistbelowtofindifyourarrayandconfigurationaresupported.
Storage Arrays
VMwareESXServer2.5supportsavarietyofstoragearraysinvariousconfigurations.ThetablesbelowstatetheVMwaresupportedstoragearraysandthesupported configurationsforeachvendor. Note: All storage products listed in this compatibility guide are supported. For further details about array firmware, storage product configurations, and best practices, please contact the storage vendor. VMwareteststhefollowingconfigurations: Basic Connectivity The ability of ESX Server to recognize and inter operate with the storage array. This configuration does not allow for multipathing or any type of failover. Multipathing The ability of ESX Server to handle multiple paths to the same storage device. HBA Failover In this configuration, the server is equipped with multiple HBAs connecting to one or more SAN switches. The server is robust to HBA and switch failure only. Storage Port Failover In this configuration, the server is attached to multiple storage ports and is robust to storage port failures. Boot from SAN In this configuration, the ESX Server machine boots from a LUN stored on the SAN rather than in the server itself Table 119. Dell
Dell Storage Models Power Vault 650F CX30 CX200 0 CX50 CX400 0 CX60 0 CX70 0
94
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
Table 119. Dell

Basicconnectivity Multipathingwith HBAfailover Multipathingwith storageportfailover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN
1
X X X X1,2 X
X X X X1,2 X
X X X X1,2 X
X X X X1,2 X
X X X X1,2 X
X X X X1,2 X
Table 120. EMC

EMC CLARiiON CX30 CX200 0 Basicconnectivity Multipathingwith HBAfailover X X X X X X1,2 X CX40 0 X X X X1,2 X CX50 0 X X X X1,2 X CX60 0 X X X X1,2 X CX70 0 X X X X1,2 X EMC Symmetrix 8000 DMX/ Serie DMX s 2 X X X X1,2 X X X X X1,2 X
Multipathingwith X storageportfailover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN

1
X1,2 X

FSC Storage Models S60 S80 CX20 0 CX30 0 CX40 0 CX50 0 CX60 0 CX70 0
VMware, Inc.
95

Basicconnectivity X 1Gb only Multipathingwith HBAfailover Multipathingwith storageportfailover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN
1
X X
X X X1,2 X
X X X1,2 X
X X X1,2 X
X X X1,2 X
X X X1,2 X
X X X1,2 X
Table 122. HP
Multipathin g with storage Boot port Clusterin from failover g support SAN X X X,3,4 X
,3,4
Basic connectivi ty HPModular 1000 Systems 1500 Array(MSA) X X
X X
PleasecontactyourlocalHPaccountorservicerepresentativefordefinitiveinformation aboutsupportedHPstorageproductconfigurationsincludingGuestOStypes,array firmwareandbestpracticeswhenusedwithVMwareproducts..

1 2 3
Limited to no more than two physical hosts connected to a single LUN. Limited to internal storage configurations only. If Raw Device Mapping LUNs are used with MSCS Clusters across boxes, then you must upgrade to 2.5.2 or later for this functionality. Refer to KB article 1822 (www.vmware.com/support/kb/enduser/ std_adp.php?p_faqid=1822) for more information. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. Active/Passive version (firmware 3.0xx) only. Active/passive versions, FW 4.xx (MSA1000) and FW 5.xx (MSA1500).
4 5 6
96
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
Table 122. HP
Multipathin g with storage Boot port Clusterin from failover g support SAN X X X3,4 X3,4 X X
Basic connectivi ty 30005 HP Enterprise 50005 VirtualArray (EVA) XP48 HP StorageWork XP512 s XP1024 XP100002 XP12000
2
X X
X X X X X
X X X X X
X X X X X
X X X X X
PleasecontactyourlocalHPaccountorservicerepresentativefordefinitiveinformation aboutsupportedHPstorageproductconfigurationsincludingGuestOStypes,array firmwareandbestpracticeswhenusedwithVMwareproducts..

1 2 3
Limited to no more than two physical hosts connected to a single LUN. Limited to internal storage configurations only. If Raw Device Mapping LUNs are used with MSCS Clusters across boxes, then you must upgrade to 2.5.2 or later for this functionality. Refer to KB article 1822 (www.vmware.com/support/kb/enduser/ std_adp.php?p_faqid=1822) for more information. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1. Active/Passive version (firmware 3.0xx) only. Active/passive versions, FW 4.xx (MSA1000) and FW 5.xx (MSA1500).
4 5 6
VMware, Inc.
97

HDS Freedom Storage 9500V Series Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport X X X 9900 Series X X X 9900V Series X X X Tagmastore USP1 X X X
ForHDSstoragearraymicrocodelevelsandspecificguestoperatingsystem,HBA, andswitchedfabricconfigurationsthatHDSsupports,pleasecontactyourHDS supportrepresentative.

1
Table 124. IBM

IBM DS Series FAStT 200 Basicconnectivity Multipathingwith HBAfailover X X FAStT 500 X X X X2,3 X 430 0 X X X X2,3 X 440 0 X X X X2,3 X IBM ESS/Shark 4500 800 X X X X2,3 X X X X F10/ F20 X X X E10/ E20 X X X X2,3 X SVC SVC X X X
Multipathingwith X storageportfailover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN

1 2
X2,3 X
X1,2, X1,2,3
3
Support is for MSCS on Windows 2000, not Windows 2003. If Raw Device Mapping LUNs are used with MSCS Clusters across boxes, then you must upgrade to 2.5.2 or later for this functionality. Refer to KB article 1822 (www.vmware.com/support/kb/enduser/ std_adp.php?p_faqid=1822) for more information. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1.
98
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
Table 125. Fujitsu

ETERNUS 3000 Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageportfailover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN
1 1
ETERNUS 6000 X X X
X X X
Table 126. NetApp

NetApp Fibre Channel SAN Attached Storage System1 FAS200 Series Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport4 BootfromSAN
1 2
F800 Series X X X X5,6 X
X X X X5,6 X
These configurations are also supported with the NetApp NearStore R200 back end. VMware certifies the connectivity between the ESX Server machine and the SAN storage device as indicated in the support matrix. In addition, NetApp supports any underlying technology, such as SnapMirror or SnapVault, that replicates data between NetApp storage systems and does not affect the behavior of the storage systems as seen by the servers. In addition to the multipathing options detailed in the matrix above, NetApp offers storage system clustering. This configuration is certified to work as well with the exception of: Linux Guest operating systems are only supported if using the vmxlsilogic SCSI emulation driver. See definition of clustering, above. If Raw Device Mapping LUNs are used with MSCS Clusters across boxes, then you must upgrade to 2.5.2 or later for this functionality. Refer to KB article 1822 (www.vmware.com/support/kb/enduser/ std_adp.php?p_faqid=1822) for more information. This applies to Windows 2000, its service packs, and Windows 2003 RTM, but not Windows 2003 SP1.
3 4 5 6
VMware, Inc.
99
Table 127. NEC

iStorage S400 Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport BootfromSAN X X X X X X X S1400 X X X S2400 X X X S2800 X X X

FlexLine 200/300 Series FLX 380 Basicconnectivity X FLX 280 X X X FLX24 0 X X X FLX 210 BC84/D178 X X X X X X
100
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
Host Bus Adapters

TheESXServer2.5driversarebasedontheEmulexprovidedlpfcdd2xx2.01gdriver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations.Fibre ChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise. Table 129.
If your HBA has a Dragonfly chip version 2.00 or greater, use firmware version 3.90a7. IfyourHBAhasaDragonflychipbelowversion2.00,use firmwareversion3.30a7. Minimum firmware revision 3.90a1 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.93a0 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.90a1 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.91a5 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.91a5 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.91a3 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.91a5 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.91a5 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.21a0
LP8000, 8000DC LP9000 LP9002L,LP9002LE,LP9002C, 9002DC LP9402DC LP9802DC LP10000,10000DC,LP10000E LP101 LP952L LP982,9802 LP1050,1050DC,1050F2 LP7000E
HPOEMversionsofEmulexadaptersarenotsupported.

ThedefaultESXServer2.5driverisbasedontheQLogicprovidedqla2x00v6.07driver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations. FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise. QLA2200 QLA2300 QLA2310/2312(Bladeservers) QLA2340/2342 VMwarealsosupportsthefollowingHPOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: HPFCA2210
VMware, Inc.
101
HPFCA2214 HPFCA2214DC VMwaresupportsthefollowingIBMOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: Table 130.


ESX Server 2.5 MaximumLUNsperarray MaximumLUNspersystem1 MaximumHBAspersystem MaximumvirtualHBAspervirtualmachine MaximumvirtualtargetspervirtualHBA MaximumvirtualtargetsperWindowsvirtual machine MaximumvirtualtargetsperLinuxvirtual machine 128 128 16 4 15 60 60
Maximumvirtualtargetsforallconcurrentvirtual 1281602 machines MaximumnumberofVMFSfilesystemsper server 128
102
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
Table 131.
ESX Server 2.5 MaximumdiskspaceperVMFS MaximumfilesizeperVMFSfile MaximumnumberoffilesperVMFS 2TBx323 27TB 192+n*32wheren=#physical extents
1 2 3
When you use an Emulmex HBA, we recommend no more than 128 LUNs if using a single HBA, 64 LUNs if using two HBAs, and 32 LUNs if using more than two HBAs. ESX Server 2.5 supports a maximum of 160 virtual targets. In some situations, (For example, when every virtual target is on a different VMFS volume), that maximum may decrease to 128 virtual targets. In ESX Server 2.5, VMFS-2 can span up to 32 partitions on multiple disks, each of which can support 2TB of space.
VMware, Inc.
103
ESX Server 2.1.2

MostcompatibilitydataforESXServer2.1.2isidenticaltothecorrespondingcompatibilitydataforESXServer2.1.1.Thissectionshowsonlythecompatibilitytablesthat aredifferent.Forvendorsnotshownhere,refertoESXServer2.1.1onpage 105. Table 132. Hitachi Data Systems (HDS)
HDS Freedom Storage 9500V Series1 Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport
1 2
9900 Series1 X X X
9900V Series1 X X X
TagmaStore USP1,2 X X X
X X X
For HDS storage array microcode levels and the specific guest operating system, HBA, and switched fabric configurations that HDS supports, please contact your HDS support representative. Limited to internal storage configurations only.
Forallothervendors,SANcompatibilityisunchangedfromESXServer2.1.1.
104
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
ESX Server 2.1.1

ESXServer2.1.1issupportedbythefollowingmajorstoragevendors: Dellonpage 106 EMConpage 107 FujitsuSiemensonpage 107 HitachiDataSystems(HDS)onpage 108 HPonpage 108 IBMonpage 109 NetApponpage 109 Xiotechonpage 109 Forspecificconfigurationssupportedbyeachstoragevendor,pleasecontactyourstoragevendorsupportrepresentative.
Server Clustering
Storagearraysaretestedinclusteredandnonclusteredenvironments.ClusteringreferstotheuseofMicrosoftClusterServices(Windows2000and2003inashareddisk configurationwheremultiplevirtualmachinesonmultiplephysicalserverssharestorageonanarray. ESXServer2.1.1supportsthefollowingvirtualmachineclusteringconfigurationswithMicrosoftClusterServicesonWindows2000and2003: Table 133.
Configuration Virtualmachines onthesameESX Serversystem. Description Clusteringofvirtualmachines whichresideonthesamephysical system.Thesevirtualmachines cansharelocalstorageorSAN basedstorage. Restrictions Twonodeclustersonly.
VMware, Inc.
105
Table 133.
Configuration Virtualmachines onseparateESX Serversystems. Description Clusteringofvirtualmachines residingonseparatephysical systems.Thesevirtualmachines sharestoragethroughSANbased storage. Restrictions Twonodeclustersonly. IfusingSANpath failover,this configurationisfully supportedonlyifthe virtualmachinesshare rawdisks,notvirtual disks.Ifvirtualmachines sharevirtualdisks,the clusterfailsoverbefore theSANpathfailsover. Twonodeclusteronly. PhysicalWindows servercannotrun multipathingsoftware.
Clusteringofavirtualmachineon anESXServersystemwitha physicalWindowsserver.
Storage Arrays
VMwareESXServer2.1.1supportsavarietyofstoragearraysinvariousconfigurations.Thetablesbelowstate,foreachvendor,thesupportedstoragearraysandthe supportedconfigurations. Note: All storage products listed in this compatibility guide are supported. For further details about array firmware, storage product configurations, and best practices, please contact the storage vendor. VMwareteststhefollowingconfigurations: Basic Connectivity The ability of ESX Server to recognize and inter operate with the storage array. This configuration does not allow for multipathing or any type of failover. Multipathing The ability of the ESX Server machine to handle multiple paths to the same storage device. HBA Failover In this configuration, the server is equipped with multiple HBAs connected to one or more SAN switches; the server is robust to HBA and switch failure only. Storage Port Failover In this configuration, the server is attached to multiple storage ports and is robust to storage port failures. Table 134. Dell
Dell Storage
106
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
Table 134. Dell

Power CX30 Vault 650F CX200 0 Basicconnectivity Multipathingwith HBAfailover Multipathingwith storageportfailover Clusteringsupport X X X X X X X X X CX50 CX400 0 X X X X X X X X CX60 0 X X X X CX70 0 X X X X
Table 135. EMC

EMC CLARiiON CX30 CX200 0 Basic connectivity Multipathing withHBA failover X X X X CX40 0 X X CX50 0 X X CX60 0 X X CX70 0 X X EMC Symmetrix 8000 DMX/ Serie DMX s 2 X X X X
X Multipathing withstorageport failover Clustering support X

FSC Storage S60 Basicconnectivity Multipathingwith HBAfailover X 1Gbonly X X X X X X CX20 0 X CX300 X CX40 0 X CX50 0 X CX60 0 X CX70 0 X
VMware, Inc.
107

Multipathingwith storageportfailover Clusteringsupport X X X X X X X X X X X X

HDS Freedom Storage 9500V Series Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageportfailover Clusteringsupport X X X 9900 Series X X X 9900V Series X X X
Note: For HDS storage array microcode levels and the specific guest operating system, HBA, and switched fabric configurations that HDS supports, please contact your HDS support representative. Table 138. HP
HP Modular Systems HP Enterprise Virtual Array (MSA) Array (EVA) 1000 Basicconnectivity X 30002 X X X 50002 X X X HP XP1 48 X X X 128 X X X 512 X X X 1024 X X X
Multipathingwith X HBAfailover Multipathingwith X storageport failover Clustering support X
PleasecontactyourlocalHPaccountorservicerepresentativefordefinitiveinformationaboutsupportedHPstorageproductconfigurationsincludingGuestOStypes,arrayfirmwareand bestpracticeswhenusedwithVMwareproducts.
1 2
For HP XP storage array microcode levels and the specific guest operating system, HBA, and switched fabric configurations that HP supports, please contact your HP support representative. Active/Passive version (firmware 3.0xx) only.
108
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
Table 139. IBM

IBM FAStT 200 Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBA failover Multipathingwithstorage portfailover Clusteringsupport
1 2
IBM ESS/Shark1 600 X X X X 700 X X X X 900 X X X X 800 X X X F10/F20 X X X E10/E20 X X X
500 X X X X
X X X X
An RPQ is required for IBM support. Please contact your local IBM storage specialist or business partner. If you are an existing ESX Server 2.1 customer using MSCS clustering considering upgrading to ESX Server 2.1.1, please contact VMware support.
Table 140. NetApp

NetApp Fibre Channel SAN Attached Storage System FAS200 Series Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport
1
F800 Series X X X X
FAS900 Series X X X X
X X X X
These configurations are also supported with the NetApp NearStore R200. VMware certifies the connectivity between the ESX Server machine and the SAN storage device only as indicated in the support matrix. VMware supports any underlying technology, such as SnapMirror or SnapVault, that replicates data between NetApp storage systems and does not affect the behavior of the storage systems as seen by the servers. VMware only certifies the connectivity between the ESX server and the SAN storage device as indicated in the support matrix. VMware supports any underlying technology (such as SnapMirror or SnapVault) that replicates data between NetApp storage systems and does not affect the behavior of the storage systems as seen by the servers.
Table 141. Table 142. Xiotech

Magnitude Magnitude Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageportfailover X X X Magnitude 3D X X X
VMware, Inc.
109
Table 142. Xiotech

Magnitude Magnitude Clusteringsupport Magnitude 3D
Host Bus Adapters

TheESXServer2.1.1driversarebasedontheEmulexprovidedfcLINUXfcpversion4.20qand1.22edrivers.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabric configurations.FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise. Table 143.
LP8000, 8000DC LP9000 LP9002L,LP9002C,9002DC LP9402DC LP9802,9802DC,LP9802E LP10000 Minimum firmware revision 3.21a0 Minimum firmware revision 3.81a1 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.93a0 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.82a1 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.91a5 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.91a5
VMwaredoesnotcurrentlysupportHPOEMversionsoftheEmulexadapters.

ThedefaultESXServer2.1.1driverisbasedontheQLogicprovidedqla2x00v6.04.02driver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations. FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise.Thefirmware forthesedevicesareloadedbythedriver. QLA2200 QLA2300 QLA2310/2312(Bladeservers) QLA2340/2342 VMwarealsosupportsthefollowingHPOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: HPFCA2210 HPFCA2214
110
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.5.1
HPFCA2214DC VMwaresupportsthefollowingIBMOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: Table 144.


ESX Server 2.1.1 MaximumLUNsperarray MaximumLUNspersystem1 MaximumHBAspersystem MaximumvirtualHBAspervirtualmachine MaximumvirtualtargetspervirtualHBA MaximumvirtualtargetsperWindowsvirtualmachine MaximumvirtualtargetsperLinuxvirtualmachine Maximumvirtualtargetsforallconcurrentvirtual machines MaximumnumberofVMFSfilesystemsperserver MaximumdiskspaceperVMFS MaximumfilesizeperVMFSfile MaximumnumberoffilesperVMFS 128 128 16 4 15 60 60 1281602 128 2TBx323 27TB 2240
VMware, Inc.
111
1 2 3
When you use an Emulex HBA, we recommend no more than 128 LUNs if using a single HBA, 64 LUNs if using two HBAs, and 32 LUNs if using more than two HBAs. ESX Server 2.1.1 supports a maximum of 160 virtual targets. In some situations, (For example, when all virtual targets are in non-persistent mode), that maximum may decrease to 128 virtual targets. In ESX Server 2.1.1, VMFS-2 can span up to 32 partitions on multiple disks, each which can support 2TB of space.
ESX Server 2.1

ESXServer2.1hasthefollowingqualificationsfrommajorstoragevendors: EMCSupportMatrix.Youcanviewthismatrixathttp://www.emc.com/horizontal/interoperability/matrices/EMCSupportMatrix.pdf Symmetrix8000seriessupportwithESXServernativefailoverfunctionality SymmetrixDMX/DMX2seriessupportwithESXServernativefailoverfunctionality CLARiiONCXSeriessupportwithESXServernativefailoverfunctionality ESXServer2.1issupportedbythefollowingmajorstoragevendors: Dellonpage 114 EMConpage 114 FujitsuSiemensonpage 115 HitachiDataSystems(HDS)onpage 115 HPonpage 115 IBMonpage 116 NetApponpage 116 Forspecificconfigurationssupportedbyeachstoragevendor,pleasecontactyourstoragevendorsupportrepresentative.
Server Clustering
Storagearraysaretestedinaclusteredandnonclusteredenvironment.ClusteringreferstotheuseofMicrosoftClusterServices(Windows2000and2003)inashared diskconfigurationwheremultiplevirtualmachinesonmultiplephysicalserverssharestorageonanarray. ESXServer2.1supportsthefollowingvirtualmachineclusteringconfigurationswithMicrosoftClusterServicesonWindows2000and2003:
112
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.1
Table 146.
Configuration Virtualmachineson thesameESXServer system. Description Clusteringofvirtualmachines whichresideonthesamephysical system.Thesevirtualmachines cansharelocalstorageorSAN basedstorage. Clusteringofvirtualmachines residingonseparatephysical systems.Thesevirtualmachines sharestoragethroughSANbased storage. Restrictions Twonodeclustersonly.
Virtualmachineson separateESXServer systems.
Twonodeclustersonly. IfusingSANpathfailover,this configurationisfully supportedonlyifthevirtual machinessharerawdisks,not virtualdisks.Ifvirtual machinessharevirtualdisks, theclusterfailsoverbeforethe SANpathfailsover. Twonodeclusteronly. PhysicalWindowsserver cannotrunmultipathing software.
Clusteringofavirtualmachineon anESXServersystemwitha physicalWindowsserver.
ESXServer2.1supportsthislevelofclusteringoncertainSANstoragedevicesasmarkedbelow.BeforeinstallingVMwareESXServerwithyourstoragearray,please examinethelistbelowtofindifyourarrayandconfigurationaresupported.
Storage Arrays
VMwareESXServer2.1supportsavarietyofstoragearraysinvariousconfigurations.Thetablesbelowstate,foreachvendor,thesupportedstoragearraysandthe supportedconfigurations. Note: All storage products listed in this compatibility guide are supported. For further details about array firmware, storage product configurations, and best practices, please contact the storage vendor. VMwareteststhefollowingconfigurations: Basic Connectivity The ability of ESX Server to recognize and inter operate with the storage array. This configuration does not allow for multipathing or any type of failover. Multipathing The ability of ESX Server to handle multiple paths to the same storage device. HBA Failover In this configuration, the server is equipped with multiple HBAs connecting to one or more SAN switches. The server is robust to HBA and switch failure only. Storage Port Failover In this configuration, the server is attached to multiple storage ports and is robust to storage port failures.
VMware, Inc.
113
Table 147. Dell

Dell Storage Power Vault 650F Basicconnectivity Multipathingwith HBAfailover Multipathingwith storageportfailover Clusteringsupport X CX30 0 X X X X
CX200 X X X X
CX400 CX500 X X X X X X X X
CX600 X X X X
CX700 X X X X
Table 148. EMC

EMC CLARiiON CX30 CX200 0 Basicconnectivity Multipathingwith HBAfailover Multipathingwith storageportfailover Clusteringsupport X X X X X X X X CX40 0 X X X X CX50 0 X X X X CX60 0 X X X X CX70 0 X X X X EMC Symmetrix 8000 DMX/ Serie DMX s 2 X X X X X X
114
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.1

FSC Storage S60 Basicconnectivity Multipathingwith HBAfailover Multipathingwith storageportfailover Clusteringsupport X1Gb only CX200 CX300 X X X X X X X X CX400 X X X X CX500 CX600 CX700 X X X X X X X X X X X X

HDS Freedom Storage 9500V Series Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageportfailover Clusteringsupport X X X 9900 Series X X X 9900V Series X X X
HP Modular Systems Array (MSA) 1000 Basicconnectivity X HP Enterprise Virtual Array (EVA) HP XP1 30002 X X X 50002 X X X 48 X X X 128 X X X 512 X X X 1024 X X X
Multipathingwith X HBAfailover Multipathingwith X storageport failover
VMware, Inc.
115
Table 151. HP
HP Modular Systems Array (MSA) 1000 Clustering support X HP Enterprise Virtual Array (EVA) HP XP1 30002 X 50002 X 48 128 512 1024
1 2
For HP XP storage array microcode levels and the specific guest operating system, HBA, and switched fabric configurations, please contact your HP support representative. Active/Passive version (firmware 3.0xx) only.
Table 152. IBM

IBM FAStT 200 Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBA failover Multipathingwithstorage portfailover Clusteringsupport
1
IBM ESS/Shark1 600 X X X X 700 X X X X 900 X X X X 800 F10/ F20 E10/ E20
500 X X X X
X X X X
VMware has become aware of a potential issue during extended (over two hours) online maintenance operations using ESX Server 2.1 with IBM/ESS storage. Under exceptional circumstances, the storage controller can be unavailable to the ESX Server machine for an extended period. Under these unlikely conditions, writes can fail to complete properly without notification.
Whilewedonothavespecificevidencethatthissituationoccursinnormaluse,wehavemadeafixavailableandaretakingtheprecautionarymeasureofadvisingcustomers. Workaround:Ifyourconfigurationisaffected,youshouldupgradetoESXServer2.1.1.
Table 153. NetApp

NetApp Fibre Channel SAN Attached Storage System1 FAS200 Series Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover X X F800 Series X X FAS900 Series X X
116
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.1
Table 153. NetApp

NetApp Fibre Channel SAN Attached Storage System1 FAS200 Series Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport4 BootfromSAN
1
F800 Series X X X
FAS900 Series X X X
X X X
These configurations are also supported with the NetApp NearStore R200.
Host Bus Adapters

TheESXServer2.1driversarebasedontheEmulexprovidedfcLINUXfcpversion4.20qand1.22edrivers.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabric configurations.FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise. Table 154.
LP8000, 8000DC LP9000 LP9002L,LP9002C, 9002DC LP9402DC LP9802,9802DC LP10000 Minimum firmware revision 3.21a0 Minimum firmware revision 3.81a1 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.93a0 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.82a1 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.91a5 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.91a5

ThedefaultESXServer2.1driverisbasedontheQLogicprovidedqla2x00v6.04.02driver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations. FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise.Thefirmware forthesedevicesisloadedbythedriver. QLA2200 QLA2300
VMware, Inc.
117
QLA2310/2312(Bladeservers) QLA2340/2342 VMwarealsosupportsthefollowingHPOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: HPFCA2210 HPFCA2214 HPFCA2214DC VMwaresupportsthefollowingIBMOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: Table 155.

QLogic Adapter QLA2200F QLA2202F QLA2342L QLA2340L QLA2310FL QLA2300F 48P7061 13N2203 IBM OEM Version IBMDS4000HBA IBMQLA2202F/66 IBMQLA2342IBM IBMDS4000HBA IBMFC2/66 IBMFC2/66 IBMHS20FibreChannelExpansion IBMHS20FibreChannelExpansion

ESX Server 2.1 MaximumLUNsperarray MaximumLUNspersystem1 MaximumHBAspersystem MaximumvirtualHBAspervirtualmachine MaximumvirtualtargetspervirtualHBA MaximumvirtualtargetsperWindowsvirtual machine MaximumvirtualtargetsperLinuxvirtualmachine 128 128 16 4 15 60 60
118
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.0.1
Table 156.
ESX Server 2.1 Maximumvirtualtargetsforallconcurrentvirtual machines MaximumnumberofVMFSfilesystemsperserver MaximumdiskspaceperVMFS MaximumfilesizeperVMFSfile MaximumnumberoffilesperVMFS
1 2 3
1281602 128 2TBx323 27TB 2240
When you use an Emulex HBA, we recommend no more than 128 LUNs if using a single HBA, 64 LUNs if using two HBAs, and 32 LUNs if using more than two HBAs. ESX Server 2.1 supports a maximum of 160 virtual targets. In some situations, (For example, when all virtual targets are in non-persistent mode), that maximum may decrease to 128 virtual targets. In ESX Server 2.1, VMFS-2 can span up to 32 partitions on multiple disks, each of which can support 2TB of space.
ESX Server 2.0.1

ESXServer2.0.1hasthefollowingqualificationsfrommajorstoragevendors: EMCSupportMatrix.Youcanviewthismatrixat:http://www.emc.com/horizontal/interoperability/matrices/EMCSupportMatrix.pdf Symmetrix8000seriessupportwithESXServernativefailoverfunctionality SymmetrixDMX/DMX2seriessupportwithESXServernativefailoverfunctionality CLARiiONCXSeriessupportinsinglepathconfiguration IBM.Youcanviewthismatrixat:http://wwstorage.ibm.com/proven/ TotalStorageProvenforESS/Shark ESXServer2.0.1issupportedbythefollowingmajorstoragevendors: Dellonpage 121 EMConpage 121 FujitsuSiemensonpage 121 HitachiDataSystems(HDS)onpage 122 HPonpage 122 IBMonpage 122
VMware, Inc.
119
NetApponpage 123 Forspecificconfigurationssupportedbyeachstoragevendor,pleasecontactyourstoragevendorsupportrepresentative.
Server Clustering
Configuration Description Restrictions
Two-node clusters only. Virtualmachines Clusteringofvirtualmachines onthesameESX whichresideonthesamephysical system.Thesevirtualmachines Serversystem. cansharelocalstorageorSAN basedstorage. Two-node clusters only. Virtualmachines Clusteringofvirtualmachines onseparateESX residingonseparatephysical If using SAN path failover, this configuration systems.Thesevirtualmachines Serversystems. is fully supported only if the virtual machines sharestoragethroughSANbased share raw disks, not virtual disks. If virtual storage. machines share virtual disks, the cluster will fail over before the SAN path fails over.
Virtualmachine clusteredwitha physical machine.
Clusteringofavirtualmachineon Two-node cluster only. anESXServersystemwitha Physical Windows server cannot run physicalWindowsserver. software.
Storage Arrays
VMwareESXServer2.0.1supportsavarietyofstoragearraysinvariousconfigurations.Thetablesbelowstate,foreachvendor,thesupportedstoragearraysandthe supportedconfigurations. VMwareteststhefollowingconfigurations: Basic Connectivity The ability of ESX Server to recognize and inter operate with the storage array. This configuration does not allow for multipathing or any type of failover. Multipathing The ability of ESX Server to handle multiple paths to the same storage device. HBA Failover In this configuration, the server is equipped with multiple HBAs connecting to one or more SAN switches. The server is robust to HBA and switch failure only.
120
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.0.1
Storage Port Failover In this configuration, the server is attached to multiple storage ports and is robust to storage port failures. Table 158. Dell
Dell Storage PowerVault 650F Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport X CX200 X CX400 X CX600 X
Table 159. EMC

EMC CLARiiON CX20 0 Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBA failover Multipathingwithstorage portfailover Clusteringsupport X CX40 0 X CX60 0 X EMC Symmetrix 8000 Series X X X DMX/ DMX 2 X X X

FSC Storage S60 Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageportfailover Clusteringsupport X X X CX200 X CX400 X CX600 X
VMware, Inc.
121

HDS Freedom Storage 9500V Series Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover X X 9900 Series X X X 9900V Series X X X
Multipathingwithstorageportfailover X Clusteringsupport
HP Modular Systems Array (MSA) 1000 Basicconnectivity X HP Enterprise Virtual Array (EVA) HP XP1 30002 X X X 50002 X X X 48 X X X 128 512 1024 X X X X X X X X X
MultipathingwithHBA X failover Multipathingwith storageportfailover Clusteringsupport X
1 2
For HP XP storage array microcode levels and the specific guest operating system, HBA, and switched fabric configurations, please contact your HP support representative. Active/Passive version (firmware 3.0xx) only.
Table 163. IBM

IBM FAStT 200 500 600 Basicconnectivity X X X IBM ESS/Shark F10/ 700 900 800 F20 X X X X E10/ E20 X
122
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.0.1
Table 163. IBM

IBM FAStT 200 500 600 MultipathingwithHBA failover X X X X X X X IBM ESS/Shark F10/ 700 900 800 F20 X X X X X X X X X X X X E10/ E20 X X X
Multipathingwithstorageport X failover Clusteringsupport X
Note: Clustering was tested with IBM ESS 2105 E20 with firmware level EC 2.1.1.100. Table 164. NetApp
NetApp Fibre Channel SAN Attached Storage System F800 Series Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageportfailover Clusteringsupport X X X FAS900 Series X X X
Host Bus Adapters

TheESXServer2driverisbasedontheEmulexprovidedfcLINUXfcpversion4.20qdriver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations. FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise. Table 165.
LP8000,8000DC LP9000 LP9002L,LP9002C, 9002DC LP9402DC LP9802,9802DC Minimumfirmwarerevision3.21a0 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.81a1 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.93a0 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.82a1 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.91a5
VMware, Inc.
123

ThedefaultESXServer2.0.1driverisbasedontheQLogicprovidedqla2x00v6.04.02driver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations. FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise.Thefirmware forthesedevicesareloadedbythedriver. QLA2200 QLA2300 QLA2310/2312(Bladeservers) QLA2340/2342 VMwaresupportsthefollowingHPOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: HPFCA2210 HPFCA2214 HPFCA2214DC VMwaresupportsthefollowingIBMOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: Table 166.
QLogic Adapter QLA2200F QLA2202F QLA2342L QLA2340L QLA2310FL QLA2300F IBM OEM Version IBMDS4000HBA IBMQLA2202F/66 IBMQLA2342IBM IBMDS4000HBA IBMFC2/66 IBMFC2/66

ESX Server 2.0.1 MaximumLUNsperarray 128
124
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.0
Table 167.
ESX Server 2.0.1 MaximumLUNspersystem1 MaximumHBAspersystem MaximumvirtualHBAspervirtualmachine MaximumvirtualtargetspervirtualHBA MaximumvirtualtargetsperWindowsvirtualmachine MaximumvirtualtargetsperLinuxvirtualmachine Maximumvirtualtargetsforallconcurrentvirtualmachines MaximumnumberofVMFSfilesystemsperserver MaximumdiskspaceperVMFS MaximumfilesizeperVMFSfile MaximumnumberoffilesperVMFS
1 2 3
128 16 4 15 60 60 1281602 128 2TBx323 27TB 2240
When you use an Emulex HBA, we recommend no more than 128 LUNs if using a single HBA, 64 LUNs if using two HBAs, and 32 LUNs if using more than two HBAs. ESX Server 2.0.1 supports a maximum of 160 virtual targets. In some situations, (for example, when all virtual targets are in non-persistent mode), that maximum may decrease to 128 virtual targets. In ESX Server 2.0.1, VMFS-2 can span up to 32 partitions on multiple disks, each which can support 2TB of space.
ESX Server 2.0

Storage Arrays
VMwareESXServer2.0supportsavarietyofstoragearraysinvariousconfigurations.Thetablesbelowstate,foreachvendor,thesupportedstoragearraysandthe supportedconfigurations. VMwareteststhefollowingconfigurations: Basic Connectivity The ability of ESX Server to recognize and inter operate with the storage array. This configuration does not allow for multipathing or any type of failover. Multipathing The ability of ESX Server to handle multiple paths to the same storage device. HBA Failover In this configuration, the server is equipped with multiple HBAs connecting to one or more SAN switches. The server is robust to HBA and switch failure only. Storage Port Failover In this configuration, the server is attached to multiple storage ports and is robust to storage port failures.
Clustering
Storagearraysaretestedinaclusteredandnonclusteredenvironment.ClusteringreferstotheuseofMicrosoftClusterServices(Windows2003and2000)inashared diskconfigurationwheremultiplevirtualmachinesonmultiplephysicalserverssharestorageonanarray.
VMware, Inc.
125
ESXServer2.0supportsthefollowingvirtualmachineclusteringconfigurationswithMicrosoftClusterServicesonWindows2000and2003: Table 168.

Configuration Virtualmachines onthesameESX Serversystem. Virtualmachines onseparateESX Serversystems. Description Clusteringofvirtualmachineswhich resideonthesamephysicalsystem. Thesevirtualmachinescansharelocal storageorSANbasedstorage. Clusteringofvirtualmachinesresiding onseparatephysicalsystems.These virtualmachinessharestoragethrough SANbasedstorage. Clusteringofavirtualmachineonan ESXServersystemwithaphysical Windowsserver. Restrictions Twonodeclusters only.
Twonodenode clustersonly. Supportedwithout useofSAN multipathing. Twonodenode clusteronly. Supportedwithout useofSAN multipathing.
ESXServer2.0supportsthislevelofclusteringoncertainSANstoragedevicesasmarkedbelow.BeforeinstallingVMwareESXServerwithyourstoragearray,please examinethelistbelowtofindifyourarrayandconfigurationaresupported. Table 169. IBM

Storage Array Model Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBA failover Multipathingwithstorage portfailover Clusteringsupport IBM FAStT IBM ESS/ Shark E10/ E20 X X X X
F10/ 200 500 600 700 900 800 F20 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Note: Clustering was tested with IBM ESS 2105 E20 with firmware level EC 2.1.1.100.
126
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.0
Table 170. EMC

Storage Array EMC CLARiiON/Dell OEMs EMC Symmetrix DMX/ DMX 2 X
Model Basicconnectivity Multipathingwith HBAfailover Multipathingwith storageport failover Clusteringsupport
Symmetrix 8000 CX200 CX400 CX600 Series X X X X
Table 171. Dell

Storage Array Model Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageportfailover Clusteringsupport Dell Storage PowerVault 650F X CX200 CX400 CX600 X X X
Table 172. HP
Storage Array Model Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport HP Modular Systems Array (MSA) 1000 X HP Enterprise Virtual Array (EVA) 50001 X
VMware, Inc.
127
1
Active/Passive version (firmware 3.0xx) only.

Storage Array Model Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBAfailover Multipathingwithstorageport failover Clusteringsupport FSC Storage S60 X X X CX200 X CX400 X CX600 X
Host Bus Adapters

TheESXServer2driverisbasedontheEmulexprovidedfcLINUXfcpversion4.20qdriver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations. FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise. Table 174.
LP8000,8000DC LP9000 LP9002L,LP9002C LP9402DC LP9802 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.21a0 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.81a1 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.93a0 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.82a1 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.91a5

ThedefaultESXServer2driverisbasedontheQLogicprovidedqla2x00v6.04.02driver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations. FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise.Thefirmware forthesedevicesareloadedbythedriver. QLA2200 QLA2300
128
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 2.0
QLA2310/2312(Bladeservers) QLA2340/2342 VMwarealsosupportsthefollowingHPOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: HPFCA2210 HPFCA2214 HPFCA2214DC VMwaresupportsthefollowingIBMOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: Table 175.


ESX Server 2.0 MaximumLUNsperarray MaximumLUNspersystem1 MaximumHBAspersystem MaximumvirtualHBAspervirtualmachine MaximumvirtualtargetspervirtualHBA MaximumvirtualtargetsperWindowsvirtual machine MaximumvirtualtargetsperLinuxvirtualmachine Maximumvirtualtargetsforallconcurrentvirtual machines MaximumnumberofVMFSfilesystemsperserver 128 128 16 4 15 60 60 1281602 128
VMware, Inc.
129
Table 176.
ESX Server 2.0 MaximumdiskspaceperVMFS MaximumfilesizeperVMFSfile MaximumnumberoffilesperVMFS
1 2 3
2TBx323 27TB 2240
When you use an Emulex HBA, we recommend no more than 128 LUNs if using a single HBA, 64 LUNs if using two HBAs, and 32 LUNs if using more than two HBAs. ESX Server 2.0 supports a maximum of 160 virtual targets. In some situations, (For example, when all virtual targets are in non-persistent mode), that maximum may decrease to 128 virtual targets. In ESX Server 2.0, VMFS-2 can span up to 32 partitions on multiple disks, each which can support 2TB of space.
ESX Server 1.5.2

Storage Vendor Qualifications
ESXServer1.5.2hasthefollowingqualificationsfrommajorstoragevendors: EMCSupportMatrix.Youcanviewthismatrixat:http://www.emc.com/horizontal/interoperability/matrices/EMCSupportMatrix.pdf Symmetrix8000series SymmetrixDMX/DMX2series IBM.Youcanviewthismatrixat:http://www.storage.ibm.com/proven/ TotalStorageProvenforFAStT600and900andESS/Shark
Storage Arrays
VMwareESXServer1.5.2supportsavarietyofstoragearraysinvariousconfigurations.Thetablesbelowstate,foreachvendor,thesupportedstoragearraysandthe supportedconfigurations. InESXServer1.5.2,FailoverreferstotheuseoftheQLogicfailoverdriverfirstshippedbyVMwareinits1.5.1release.FailoverisnotsupportedwiththeEmulexHBA family,andstoragearraysupportisHBAdependentinESXServer1.5.2. VMwareteststhefollowingconfigurations: Basic Connectivity The ability of ESX Server to recognize and inter operate with the storage array. This configuration does not allow for multipathing or any type of failover. Multipathing The ability of ESX Server to handle multiple paths to the same storage device. HBA Failover In this configuration, the server is equipped with multiple HBAs connecting to one or more SAN switches. The server is robust to HBA and switch failure only. Storage Port Failover In this configuration, the server is attached to multiple storage ports and is robust to storage port failures.
130
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 1.5.2
Eachconfigurationistestedinaclusteredandnonclusteredenvironment.ClusteringreferstotheuseofMicrosoftClusterServicesinashareddiskconfigurationwhere multiplevirtualmachinesonmultiplephysicalserverssharestorageonanarray. Whenvirtualmachinesareclustered,ESXServer1.5.2supportstheconceptofSCSIreservationinanonmultipathingenvironmentonlywithcertainstoragearrays,as markedbelow.Clusteringinamultipathingenvironmentisnotsupportedinthisrelease.ClusteringhasbeentestedusingMicrosoftWindows2000Server. BeforeinstallingVMwareESXServerwithyourstoragearray,pleaseexaminethelistbelowtofindifyourarrayandconfigurationaresupported.
QLogic HBAs
Table 177. IBM
Storage Array Model Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBA failover Multipathingwithstorage portfailover Clusteringsupportwithout multipathing
1
IBM FAStT 200 500 X X X X X X 600 X X X 700 X X X
IBM ESS/ Shark1 F10/ 900 800 F20 X X X X X X X X X X X E10/ E20 X X X X
Clustering was tested with IBM ESS F800 Model firmware level R6G.8B021021 (copper shark). The F800 model firmware level R6U.FB020801C (silver shark) are unsupported for this configuration.
Table 178. EMC/Dell/Fujitsu Siemens

Storage Array EMC CLARiiON/Dell and FSC OEMs EMC Symmetrix1
Model Basicconnectivity MultipathingwithHBA failover Multipathingwithstorage portfailover Clusteringsupport withoutmultipathing

1
Dell DMX/ PowerVault Symmetrix DMX 650F 2 CX200 CX400 CX600 5 X X X X X X
Tested with QLogic 2200, firmware level 1.79, and the qla driver version 6.03b6.
VMware, Inc.
131
Emulex HBAs
Table 179. IBM
Storage Array Model Basicconnectivity IBM FAStT 200 X 500 X 600 X 700 X 900 X IBM ESS/Shark 800 X F10/F20 X E10/E20 X
Table 180. EMC/Dell/Fujitsu Siemens

Storage Array EMC CLARiiON/Dell and FSC OEMs EMC Symmetrix DM X/ DM X2 X
Model Basic connectivity
Dell PowerVault 650F X
Symmetri CX200 CX400 CX600 x X X X X
Host Bus Adapters

TheESXServerdriverisbasedontheLinuxportoftheEmulexproducedfcLINUXfcpversion4.20pdriver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabric configurations.FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsarecurrentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise. DuetothecomplexitiesoftheEmulexdriverimplementation,werecommendthatyouengageVMwarepresalessupportbeforeattemptingtoconfigureEmulexadapters withESXServer,orconsiderdeployingQLogicadapterswithESXServer. Table 181.
LP850 LP7000E LP8000,8000DC LP9000 LP9402DC LP9802 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.21a0 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.81a1 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.21a0 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.81a1 Minimumfirmwarerevision3.82a1 Minimumfirmwarerevision1.91a5
LP9002L,LP9002C Minimumfirmwarerevision3.93a0
132
VMware, Inc.
ESX Server 1.5.2

ESXServershipstwodriverstosupportQLogicadapters:afailoverandnonfailoverversion.TheESXServernonfailoverdriverisbasedontheEMCCertifiedLinux portoftheQLogicqla2x00version4.47.16driver.TheESXServerdefaultfailoverdriverisbasedontheLinuxportoftheqla2x00version5.38.6driver.VMware recommendstheoptional6.03b8driver.ThisdriverhasbeentestedwithESXServerinvariousfabricconfigurations.FibreChannelArbitratedLoopconfigurationsare currentlynotsupported.Pointtopointordirectconnectionsarenotsupportedunlessnotedotherwise.ThefirmwarefortheQLogicadapterisloadedbythedriver. QLA2100 QLA2200 QLA2300 QLA2340 VMwaresupportsthefollowingIBMOEMversionsoftheQLogicadapters: Table 182.

ESX Server 1.5.2 MaximumLUNsperarray MaximumLUNspersystem
1
128 128 16 4 15 33 60
MaximumHBAspersystem MaximumvirtualHBAspervirtualmachine MaximumvirtualtargetspervirtualHBA MaximumvirtualtargetsperWindowsvirtual machine MaximumvirtualtargetsperLinuxvirtualmachine
VMware, Inc.
133
Table 183.
ESX Server 1.5.2 Maximumvirtualtargetsforallconcurrentvirtual machines MaximumnumberofVMFSfilesystemsperserver MaximumdiskspaceperVMFS MaximumfilesizeperVMFSfile MaximumnumberoffilesperVMFS
1
64 128 1TB 1TB 256
When you use an Emulex HBA, we recommend no more than 32 LUNs.
134
VMware, Inc.
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If you have comments about this documentation, submit your feedback to: docfeedback@vmware.com VMware, Inc. 3401 Hillview Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94304 www.vmware.com 2008 VMware, Inc. All rights reserved. Protected by one or more of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,397,242, 6,496,847, 6,704,925, 6,711,672, 6,725,289, 6,735,601, 6,785,886, 6,789,156, 6,795,966, 6,880,022, 6,944,699, 6,961,806, 6,961,941, 7,069,413, 7,082,598, 7,089,377, 7,111,086, 7,111,145, 7,117,481, 7,149, 843, 7,155,558, 7,222,221, 7,260,815, 7,260,820, 7,269,683, 7,275,136, 7,277,998, 7,277,999, 7,278,030, 7,281,102, 7,290,253, and 7,356,679; patents pending. VMware, the VMware boxes logo and design, Virtual SMP and VMotion are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies. Revision: 20080702
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SAN Compatibility Guide For ESX Server 2.

SAN Compatibility Guide For ESX Server 2.x

ESX Server 2.5.5

ESX Server 2.5.5

Storage Vendor Qualifications and Support

SAN Compatibility Guide For ESX Server 2.x

Requires Microsoft hotfix KB http://support.microsoft.com/kb/911030.

ESXServer2.5.5supportsthefollowingvirtualmachineclusteringconfigurationswithMicrosoftClusterServicesonWindows2003Release2,ServicePack1andService Pack2: Table 3.

Clusteringofavirtualmachineon Virtualmachine clusteredwithaphysical anESXServersystemwitha machine. physicalWindowsserver.

ESX Server 2.5.5

Multipathing with storage port failover

Multipathing with HBA failover

FDA1500 FDA2500 FDA2800

See NOTE on page 1 for JBOD support information.

Boot from SAN X X X

SAN Compatibility Guide For ESX Server 2.x

Multipathing with HBA failover

Multipathing with storage port failover

Boot Clustering from SAN support X1 X1 X1 X X X

X2,5 X2,5 X2,5 X2,5 X2,5

ESX Server 2.5.5

Multipathing with HBA failover X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Multipathing with storage Clustering port failover support X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X1 X1 X6,7 X6,7 X X

Boot from SAN

X6,7 X6,7 X6,7 X6,7 X6,7 X6,7 X6,7 X6,7 X6,7

CX320f5 CX340c5 CX340f

SAN Compatibility Guide For ESX Server 2.x

Table 6. EMC (Continued)

Multipathing with HBA failover X X X

Multipathing with storage Clustering port failover support X X X X3 X6,7 X6,7

Boot from SAN X X X

Multipathin g with HBA failover X X X X X X

Boot from SAN X X X X X X

ESX Server 2.5.5

Basic connectivi ty ETERNUS 8000 Model700 Model900 X X

Multipathin g with HBA failover X X X X

Boot from SAN X X X X

Table 8. Fujitsu Siemens

Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X

X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4 X2,4

CX3405 CX340c CX380

SAN Compatibility Guide For ESX Server 2.x

Table 8. Fujitsu Siemens (Continued)

Boot from SAN

ESX Server 2.5.5

Boot from SAN X X X X X

4400with X Embedded Switch6 5000 6000 6100 8100

X2 X8,9 X8,9 X8,9 X8,9

See NOTE on page 1 for JBOD support information.

PleasecontactyourlocalHPaccountorservicerepresentativefordefinitiveinformationaboutsupportedHP storageproductconfigurationsincludingGuestOStypes,arrayfirmwareandbestpracticeswhenusedwith VMwareproducts..

SAN Compatibility Guide For ESX Server 2.x

Boot from SAN X X X X X X

See NOTE on page 1 for JBOD support information.

PleasecontactyourlocalHPaccountorservicerepresentativefordefinitiveinformationaboutsupportedHP storageproductconfigurationsincludingGuestOStypes,arrayfirmwareandbestpracticeswhenusedwith VMwareproducts..

ESX Server 2.5.5

Table 10. Hitachi, Ltd

Boot from SAN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

SAN Compatibility Guide For ESX Server 2.x

Table 11. Hitachi Data Systems (HDS)

Boot from SAN X X X X X

TagmaStoreUSP1001 TagmaStoreUSP1100 TagmaStoreUSP6001 TagmaStoreWMS100 Thunder9520V Thunder9530V Thunder9570V Thunder9585V

ESX Server 2.5.5

Table 12. IBM