In a VMware vSphere environment, multiple storage protocols are available to meet diverse resource and performance requirements. Selecting the most appropriate storage protocol depends on specific business objectives and technical contexts.
Which Storage Protocol Should You Choose?
The question of which storage protocol is best suited for VMware vSphere data stores does not have a one-size-fits-all answer. It largely depends on what your data stores need to achieve. Below, we delve into the features of each commonly used storage protocol to help you better understand their pros and cons, aiding in making an informed decision.
Fiber Channel (FC)
Advantages:
- Offers low-latency non-IP storage networks.
- Known for high reliability.
- Supports the Virtual Machine File System (VMFS), facilitating shared storage among multiple hosts.
Disadvantages:
- Requires dedicated Host Bus Adapters (HBAs).
- Higher costs associated with SAN switches and HBAs.
- Involves more management tasks, such as SAN switch configuration and zoning.
Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)
Advantages:
- Consolidates storage traffic with other network traffic on the same infrastructure.
- Leverages Data Center Bridging (DCB) to provide lossless Ethernet-based storage protocols.
- Supports VMFS.
Disadvantages:
- Less well-known and reliable compared to traditional FC.
- Requires at least a 10Gb lossless Ethernet infrastructure.
- Not routable, and troubleshooting can be complex.
Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI)
Advantages:
- Cost-effective, utilizing existing network components.
- Proven reliability.
- Can use vSphere’s built-in iSCSI software initiator.
- Supports Multipath Input/Output (MPIO) for load balancing.
- Generally offers low latency.
- Supports VMFS.
Disadvantages:
- As an IP-based storage protocol, it can introduce higher latency than FC.
- Cannot route when using iSCSI interface bonding.
- May increase latency if using hardware iSCSI HBAs.
- Security concerns exist.
Network File System (NFS)
Advantages:
- Cost-effective and easy to deploy.
- Relies on existing network components.
- Can take advantage of compression and deduplication features provided by NFS servers.
- Scalable data stores that are easy to expand.
Disadvantages:
- Single-session connections; does not support MPIO load balancing.
- Security concerns apply.
- Does not support VMFS but can be mounted directly as a datastore.
Making the Decision
Ultimately, deciding which protocol to use hinges on your specific needs. If you aim to leverage VMFS and its native features, then you should opt for block-based protocols like FC, FCoE, or iSCSI. If you prefer to utilize advanced features provided by storage vendors, then a file-based protocol like NFS might be suitable. For those looking to minimize overall expenses associated with FC while adopting IP-based storage, the choice will lie between iSCSI and NFS. If your goal is to implement a lossless non-IP storage method, then choosing between FC and FCoE would be necessary. However, if your current environment lacks FC infrastructure (SAN switches, FC SANs, server FC adapters) and the budget for these items is insufficient, opting for IP-based solutions—using iSCSI (block) or NFS (file)—would allow you to leverage existing network infrastructure.
To summarize, selecting the right storage protocol involves considering not only technical feasibility but also aligning with the enterprise’s current situation and future plans.