Hello experts,
as part of a Server Consolidation using Virtualization project for a new customer, we are planning to repurpose an existing IBM Storwize V3700 as VMware shared storage. This Storage is already used in production. More specifically, it is currently being used as an 1Gb iSCSI Target connected to one of the old physical Windows servers.
The IBM Storwize V3700 contains two node canisters, and each node canister provides 4x 6 Gbps SAS ports and 2x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports, so best choices for connecting each ESXi 5.1 host are 6 Gbps SAS or 1Gb iSCSI. We will be deploying 2x VMware ESXi 5.1 hosts.
What are the pros/cons for 6 Gbps SAS or 1Gb iSCSI using only 2x hosts ? The option to purchase a couple of additional 8Gb FC or 10Gb iSCSI/FCoE host interface cards for the IBM Storwize V3700 control enclosure seems a little overkill in this scenario.
It would be great if someone could kindly share his thoughts and help me validating the shared storage Design.
Thanks and Regards,
Massimiliano