VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 1: IQN Issues and Solutions

Introduction:

VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 1 has been released, and it is essential to be aware of the potential issues that may arise during or after the update. In this article, we will discuss one of the common issues that users have reported – IQN-related problems with iSCSI datastores. We will also provide solutions and best practices to help you avoid or troubleshoot these issues.

Issue:

After updating ESXi 7.0 to Update 1, some users have reported that their iSCSI datastores become inaccessible, and they are unable to connect to the storage devices. This issue is caused by the new version of the ESXi host software reassigning the IQNs (iSCSI Qualifier Names) of the storage adapters, which results in the loss of existing LUN mapping configurations.

Solutions:

Here are some possible solutions to resolve the IQN issues with iSCSI datastores after updating ESXi 7.0 to Update 1:

1. Manually set the IQNs: Before applying the update, it is recommended to manually set the IQNs of your storage adapters using the “esxcli iscsi adapter set” command. This will ensure that the existing LUN mapping configurations are not lost during the update process.

2. Use the “esxcli iscsi adapter get” command: After applying the update, you can use the “esxcli iscsi adapter get” command to retrieve the list of available IQNs for your storage adapters. This will help you identify any new IQNs that have been assigned and update your LUN mapping configurations accordingly.

3. Update your iSCSI initiator: If you are using an iSCSI initiator, such as StarWind or IBM Spectrum Virtualize, you may need to update it to a version that supports the new IQNs. This will ensure that you can connect to your storage devices without any issues.

4. Re-map your LUNs: If you have existing LUN mapping configurations, you may need to re-map them to the new IQNs. You can use the “esxcli iscsi adapter set” command to update the LUN mappings for each storage adapter.

5. Contact VMware support: If none of the above solutions work, you may need to contact VMware support for further assistance. They can help you troubleshoot the issue and provide a solution that is specific to your environment.

Best Practices:

To avoid IQN-related issues with iSCSI datastores after updating ESXi 7.0 to Update 1, it is recommended to follow these best practices:

1. Document your IQNs: Before applying the update, document the IQNs of your storage adapters and keep this information handy for future reference.

2. Test your iSCSI configurations: After updating ESXi 7.0 to Update 1, test your iSCSI configurations to ensure that they are working correctly. This includes testing your LUN mappings and ensuring that you can connect to your storage devices.

3. Monitor your storage adapters: Regularly monitor your storage adapters for any issues or errors. This will help you identify potential problems before they become critical.

4. Plan for maintenance windows: Before applying the update, plan for maintenance windows when your iSCSI datastores will be unavailable. This will allow you to perform any necessary updates or troubleshooting without disrupting your storage services.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, IQN-related issues with iSCSI datastores after updating ESXi 7.0 to Update 1 can be resolved by manually setting the IQNs before applying the update, using the “esxcli iscsi adapter get” command to retrieve the list of available IQNs, and re-mapping your LUNs to the new IQNs. Additionally, following best practices such as documenting your IQNs, testing your iSCSI configurations, monitoring your storage adapters, and planning for maintenance windows can help you avoid these issues altogether.