topic Re: Simultaneously accessing LUNs via iSCSI and FCP (different servers) in VMware Solutions Discussions

Simultaneously accessing LUNs via iSCSI and FCP (different servers)

eranb — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 07:28:28 GMT

Can we have some ESX servers in the cluster access a LUN via FCP while other servers in the same cluster access the LUN via iSCSI ?

If so - is there a Best practice / config guide ?

Thanks!!

Eran B

Re: Simultaneously accessing LUNs via iSCSI and FCP (different servers)

rkaramchedu1 — Wed, 06 May 2009 01:11:57 GMT

While technically possible, I do not think this is supported. To configure it however, you'd just have to configure appropriate igroups and maps your LUNS to them.

Re: Simultaneously accessing LUNs via iSCSI and FCP (different servers)

amiller_1 — Sun, 10 May 2009 02:01:53 GMT

Should be complete fine -- a LUN is a LUN is a LUN on NetApp (one of NetApp's advantages). I've done this as well without issues actually.

You'll just need to make separate igroups given the igroup is tied to the protocol (FCP or iSCSI). I'd also keep the LUN ID's the same for all igroups just for sanity's sake.

Re: Simultaneously accessing LUNs via iSCSI and FCP (different servers)

chriskranz — Sun, 10 May 2009 21:00:30 GMT

I'd be cautious of resignaturing the datastores if you ever need to. I wouldn't be surprised if ESX made things a little troublesome.

But yes, while technically possible, it would not be on my best practice and I would encourage not to use this.

Re: Simultaneously accessing LUNs via iSCSI and FCP (different servers)

amiller_1 — Mon, 11 May 2009 02:39:35 GMT

So....that makes me think I should be a bit more complete as to where I've done this -- it's been in the context of switching over ESX datastores (so was short-term use), i.e. have the same datastore mounted via FC on one host and iSCSI on another.

I'll defer to Chris's knowledge here.