Lee_K_81 Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 We're currently using VMWare ESXi on a single server. Its currently running 8 virtual servers but getting nowhere near it's capacity - except for storage. My idea (before it gets shot down by SLT) is for a SAN to hold the VMs, allowing us to add further hosts later. Looking for suggestions on what I should put in a proposal. I'm looking for decent equipment, but finance is exceptionally tight! Suggestions on iSCSI, FC or SAS direct attach (minimum of 3 hosts to make it interesting). Guess I'm after a shopping list, item by item! Thanks Lee
apaton Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 Look in the Hardware forum for the Sun storage S7000. Ideal for iSCSI and NFS for ESX, but also does CIFS for windows - plus loads more. A must see product. Andy
Lee_K_81 Posted October 7, 2009 Author Posted October 7, 2009 Look in the Hardware forum for the Sun storage S7000. I was reading about _Ric's experience with them but they're around £7k. Does the s7000 include everything thats needed? or are further switches, etc needed
apaton Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 You do need Gigabit switch or at least a Gigabit VLAN on current equipment dedicated to iSCSI.(best practice). CIFS (Windows shares) can be on your normal network, but Gigabit switch cant hurt! 7110 comes with 2TB or 4TB RAW storage options. But all software is included, I would also recommend having a Sun support contract. Andy 1
Dos_Box Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 Give ICT Direct a buzz. I seem to recall seeing some storage units there the other day. I may be wrong, but it can't hurt! ICT Direct - computer hardware for ict in education - primary, secondary, special needs schools and colleges 1
Theblacksheep Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 You do need Gigabit switch or at least a Gigabit VLAN on current equipment dedicated to iSCSI.(best practice). Not just best practice, but a massive security risk without it. 1
robknowles Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 Hello, We have an EqualLogic PS4000XV here - very nice, but might be too expensive if you are on tight budget. This is iSCSI Based and connected to 3 hosts. Otherwise, have a look at the Dell MD3000i - we have one connected to 4 Dell Servers for our VMware View 3 install and that works fine. Again this is iSCSI Based. Definitely get a dedicated GBits/s Switch - two if you can afford it for redundancy, with each one connected to a gbits/s port on each server. Rob 1
apaton Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 Not just best practice, but a massive security risk without it. You would be surprised on how many people haven't! I've seen open LUN's (No masking), no CHAP password etc...:eek: Andy
cookie_monster Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 Quote: Originally Posted by apaton You do need Gigabit switch or at least a Gigabit VLAN on current equipment dedicated to iSCSI.(best practice). Not just best practice, but a massive security risk without it. Especially if you use NFS which had even less security then iSCSI, iSCSI has a CHAP password and only one unit can connect to the LUN so your Xen/VMWare box will block any other connection attempts. NFS can share it's storage you need at least a VLAN and seperate IP network. It might be worth contacting Cutter to ask if there's any more offers coming up, we got a very good deal on matching grant. It was way under £7k for a 2TB 7110.
Lee_K_81 Posted October 7, 2009 Author Posted October 7, 2009 How about this: EtherDrive VMware ESX Could be interesting do they have a UK disributer?
Tallwood_6 Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 QNAP Systems, Inc. ( TS-809U-RP Turbo NAS ) - Quality Network Appliance Provider also worth a look if money is really tight. Could also look at building your own and use sanmelody open filer etc. Also got iSCSI IP-SAN Storage Servers which is with looks very good value for money.
keithu Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 Could be interesting do they have a UK disributer? We've got one on order from these guys: Solid State Disks Ltd ? UK Flash Memory Distributor & Data Storage Specialist?s
Domino Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 Hp msa2000 enclosures with a fibre controller's fairly cheap, depending on how much disk you're looking at.
Lee_K_81 Posted October 7, 2009 Author Posted October 7, 2009 Hp msa2000 enclosures with a fibre controller's fairly cheap, depending on how much disk you're looking at. Had been looking at those, but it depends how you define fairly cheap. Might have a further look in the morning!
EduTech Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 Depending on your budget it might be worth looking at the SUN SANS! :-) I will be purchasing one of these to run our virtual machines. we have seen it tested and tried and it works with no problems at all! it would be better if you can get 15k disks but the 10k disks do work very well! Sun Storage 7110 Unified Storage System - Overview And even better if you get it on the Match and Grant! 2 SAN's! once for redundancy Drop CutterProject an email or send kmount or linescanner a PM and i am sure they will be able to give you some advice! and prices Cutter - a better way to deliver computing James. 2
benaus Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 If your on a budget you can make your own iSCSI san using linux or solaris. Lots of guides out there and will only take you an hour or two for the setup. Performance wise its no different to big name vendors (havent tested on installations over 35vms + cifs). You wont get the pretty GUI but you can easily add all the features like High availability, cifs and nfs with a few commands (once again from a long list of guides and howtos). No licencing costs and you dont get locked into vendor specific equipment.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now