How to – configure an iSCSI connection with the vSphere 5.x iSCSI software initiator

This how-to will help you to perform the necessary steps to connect to an iSCSI storage target:

  • Open the configuration tab from your ESXi host and click “Add Networking”. Select “VMkernel” as connection type:

configure_iSCSI_target1

  • Select one or more NICs for the iSCSI Network and click “Next”:

select_NIC_iSCSI

  • Assign a name for the Network Label and leave the checkboxes unchecked:

port_group_properties

  • Configure the IP Settings for the iSCSI network.

Note:

Take care that you use an IP address which is in the same subnet as your iSCSI target! As the iSCSI traffic will not leave the dedicated network, you do not have to change the gateway settings:

obtain_IP_Setting_iSCSI

  • Click finish

 

Now we have to add a Software iSCSI Adapter to our host. Go to the configuration tab and select Storage Adapter. Click “Add…” to add the Software iSCSI Adapter:

add_iSCSI_Storage_Adapter

You will now see the new added iSCSI Storage Adapter in the Storage Adapter Section. Right click the new adapter and select “Properties…”:

iSCSI Software Adapter Properties

Check, if the “Software Initiator Properties Status” is “enabled”. If it is disabled, click configure and enable the checkbox.

Change to the “Dynamic Discovery”  tab of the iSCSI Initiator and click “Add”. Insert the IP of the iSCSI Target Server and click OK:

dynamic_discovery

You will be prompted to rescan the host bus adapter – select “Yes”.

rescan_hba

Done – your iSCSI target should now be accessible!

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