Hi!
I'm having what seems like a very weird issue and I'm really hoping for some help. The problem is that on 3 of 4 hosts (I was able to install ESXi 5 U1 on all of them), after loading ESXi they don't see any storage anymore. They are able to see it to boot, as they are booting from SAN, but after boot, nothing. The real kicker is that one host works fine, sees all storage (boot LUN and storage LUNs) no problem.
I'm set up a boot-from-SAN configuration with 4 UCS - B200 M2 blades and a VNX 5300 connected by x2 MDS 9148 FC switches. I know zoning is correct as they are able to boot. If I monitor connectivity status in the VNX I see them registered and logged in right up until the boot completes, then the show as registered but logged out.
I'm using Service Profile Templates so all four hosts have the same config for storage and networking.
I've also tried reinstalling ESXi and I have the same trouble in that while the disk is loading it sees all storage, but as soon as it finishes and brings up the "where do you want to put this" dialog it stops being logged in and nothing shows up for locations to install.
I can't think of what I changed but I must have changed something. I can't figure out why one host works and others don't.
What I've tried:
- Deleting service profiles of both the host that works and those that don't - no change
- In the VNX, deleting the LUN, Storage Group and unregistering the x2 WWNs - no change
- Reinstalling ESXi - (see above)
As far as what is unique about the one host that works, earlier while troubleshooting another issue Cisco had me upgrade the firmware on the Nic and HBA within ESX. I can't see how this would be the solution (though I will test it) as I can't even get ESXi to install now.
Thanks in advance for your help. Cheers!
GS