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6 BP1043 | Configuring Windows Server 2008 R2 for iSCSI SAN Boot with EqualLogic Storage

1 Introduction

This paper demonstrates Dell best practices for implementing iSCSI boot from a SAN for the 11

generation (11G) and 12

generation (12G) of Dell PowerEdge servers and Dell EqualLogic storage arrays

when running Windows 2008 R2.

With its unique peer storage architecture, Dell EqualLogic PS Series storage delivers high performance and

availability in a flexible environment with low total cost of ownership. EqualLogic storage solutions deliver

the benefits of consolidated networked storage in a self-managing, iSCSI storage area network that is

affordable and easy to use, regardless of scale. By eliminating complex tasks and enabling fast and flexible

storage provisioning, these solutions dramatically reduce the costs of storage acquisition and ongoing

operations.

With the combination of EqualLogic PS Series arrays and a Host Bus Adapter (HBA) that supports boot

from SAN, you can now boot Windows Server 2008 R2 servers directly from the storage network. The

operation is similar to the traditional boot process, except cost of hardware is reduced and use of network

boot instead of traditional boot process.

In most cases, all you need is a supported network adapter on a standard server platform to enable the

boot process over the network. EqualLogic PS Series arrays support several network adapters, as outlined

in this paper.

With the PS Series arrays, iSCSI boot from SAN enhances the reliability and performance of your Windows

server by leveraging the SAN to improve data protection. In addition, it enables centralized storage

management and advanced features such as disk image cloning, snapshots, and disaster replication.

Now you can manage Windows 2008 Server boot images consistently and efficiently. As a result, you can

easily repurpose servers and improve business continuity. If a server malfunctions, simply boot another

server using the original boot image, and you are back in operation immediately. This method is simple,

straight-forward, and efficient for large and small deployments.

Some additional benefits of using iSCSI Boot from SAN in your Windows environment:

• Diskless Servers – Eliminate the need for each server to boot from its own disks. This will allow the

deployment of diskless servers that consume less facility space, less power, and are less

expensive to manage.

• Centralized Management – All Operating System (OS) images are stored on the EqualLogic PS

Series Array and can be centrally managed

• Simplified Recovery – Server failures can be quickly recovered by booting a spare server from the

SAN

• Rapid Disaster Recovery – With the boot volumes and production data being replicated to a

remote site the Recovery Time Objective (RTO) can be reduced by having standby servers that are

preconfigured to Boot from SAN

• Rapid Deployment – If there is a period of high workloads, then a new server can be imaged from

the clone of the boot image and more servers can be deployed to support the increased workload.