Enterprise Data Storage: What is it and Why it Matters

An Enterprise Storage System is a crucial component that provides a centralized storage location for business data. It serves as a unified platform for sharing, managing, and safeguarding data by establishing connections with other computer systems. This system plays a vital role in ensuring efficient data storage and retrieval processes within an organization. 

In the course content, participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of Enterprise Storage, including: 

• Direct-Attached Storage (DAS) concepts
• Network-Attached Storage (NAS) concepts
• Storage Area Network (SAN) concepts

Additionally, the course will provide an overview of EMC VNXe, a popular storage solution, and guide participants through the process of configuring Windows Server as NAS storage. 

By the end of the course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of Enterprise Storage and its various components, enabling them to effectively manage and utilize storage systems in their organizations.

In this guide, we will cover the necessary steps to set up and manage storage in a VMware ESXi environment, including creating VMkernel networks for storage, configuring NFS shares as datastores, enabling iSCSI initiators, and increasing the storage capacity of datastores.

Understanding Storage in VMware ESXi

Before proceeding with the configuration, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the storage options available in VMware ESXi.

Creating VMkernel Network for Storage

Start by creating a VMkernel network dedicated to storage to ensure efficient data transfer and management.

Creating NFS Share

Next, create an NFS share to make specific storage resources available across the network.

Configuring NFS Share as Datastore

Configure the NFS share as a datastore to allow ESXi hosts to access and use it for virtual machine storage.

Enabling iSCSI Initiator in ESXi Host

Enable the iSCSI initiator on the ESXi host to facilitate communication with iSCSI storage targets.

Creating and Presenting a LUN to ESXi Host

Create and present a LUN (Logical Unit Number) to the ESXi host to provide access to block-level storage.

Configuring iSCSI Initiator in ESXi Host to Connect the LUN

Configure the iSCSI initiator in the ESXi host to establish a connection with the presented LUN.

Connecting the LUN as Datastore in ESXi Host

Once the connection is established, configure the connected LUN as a datastore in the ESXi host for virtual machine storage.

Increasing the Storage Capacity of Datastore in ESXi Host

Finally, learn how to increase the storage capacity of the datastore in the ESXi host to accommodate growing storage needs.

By following these steps, you can effectively configure, manage, and expand storage in your VMware ESXi environment.

To set up storage in a Windows Server 2019 environment, follow these steps:

Enabling iSCSI Initiator

Enable the iSCSI Initiator in Windows Server 2019.

Creating and Presenting a LUN

Create and present a Logical Unit Number (LUN) for Windows Server 2019.

Configuring iSCSI Initiator

Configure the iSCSI Initiator in Windows Server to connect to the LUN.

Extending LUN Size

Increase the size of the LUN to expand the logical drive capacity in Windows Server.

Any one who want to handle Storage in their Environment including All Windows, Linux and VMware Administrators.

1. A lot of great knowledge, very professional course ~ Mateusz Z
2. This course gave a good understanding about storage solutions and good demo of storage used on physical and VMware ~ Ashwini
3. Simple and crisp ~ Jagadish T

1. Enterprise Storage Solution
2. Storage Concepts of SAN, NAS and DAS

This Course is for All Windows, Linux and VMware Administrators.