Setup Guide

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Configure Your Hosts for High Availability
This section provides information about Host Integration Tools and operating system recommendations.
Host Integration Tools
Dell has automated a portion of the configuration process in the Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools kits. These kits
provide integrated software such as MPIO modules, enhanced data protection, automated provisioning, and alerts for
Windows, VMware, and Linux hosts. If installed, this software implements changes (such as configuration options on
the hosts) that incorporate Dell's recommended best practices.
You can download the Dell EqualLogic Host Integration Tools kits from the eqlsupport.dell.com website, and install them
on supported operating systems.
Operating System Recommendations
This section contains detailed information about settings and configuration options that you should apply to hosts
running in your Dell EqualLogic iSCSI SAN to ensure high availability (HA) at the host level.
Test Modifications in a Non-Production Environment
If you are not running any of the operating systems or iSCSI initiators discussed in this document, or if you are unsure of
your applications’ HA tolerance, Dell recommends that you first test the suggested modifications in a non-production
environment.
Increase Transmit and Receive Resource Settings
A PS Series group might deliver more network I/O than iSCSI initiators can handle, resulting in dropped packets and
retransmissions. Some iSCSI initiators, however, let you increase the transmit and receive resource settings, which can
help minimize this problem.
For example, on a Windows system, you might be able to increase the initiator's network interface settings for receive
and transmit descriptors. On a UNIX or Linux system, increase the transmit and receive resources for your network
ports.
Operating System-Specific Configuration Information
For configuration information specific to your operating system, see the following sections:
• Configure Your Microsoft Windows Operating System
• Configure Your VMware Environment
• Configure Your Linux Operating System
• Configure Your Solaris 10 Operating System
• Configure Your IBM AIX Operating System
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Configure Your Hosts for High Availability