This article explains how to install the Dell Multipath Extension module on ESXi 4.1 and ESXi 5.0. The Dell Multipath Extension Module (MEM) is used to setup ESXi servers to communicate with an Equallogic array. It will setup iSCSI vSwitches and create a custom “equallogic” path selection policy. You will need to download the Equallogic Multipath Extension Module from the equallogic website. In this example have saved the download to c:\software\equallogic.
ESXi 4.1 Installation
You will also need to have downloaded and installed the VMware CLI tool. Open the CLI and enter the below commands.
C:\software\Equallogic\VmwareMEM\setup.pl –install –server X.X.X.X –bundle=C:\software\Equallogic\VmwareMEM\dell-eql-mem-1.0.1.168651.zip
You will need to reboot
C:\software\Equallogic\VmwareMEM\setup.pl –configure -server=X.X.X.X
You will be prompted for information on your desired iSCSI setup as shown below
If you look in VI Client you will see it has created the below vSwitch.
The below command will change the path selection policy for your existing LUNs as well as any LUNs created in the future
C:\software\Equallogic\VmwareMEM\setup.pl –enable –server=X.X.X.X
Notice the custom Dell path selection policy – optimised for vmware.
I would recommend rebooting again and checking the vSwitches are still there. I have come across a bug in dell systems whereby vSwitch information is lost after rebooting for the first time.
ESXi 5.0 Installation
- You will need to download the Equallogic MEM version 1.1 or later.
- You will also need v5.0 of the vSphere CLI – http://www.vmware.com/support/developer/vcli/
Then enter the below command to install the MEM
esxcli –server=”hostname” software vib install -d//vmfs/volumes/[datastore]/ dell-eql-mpio-<version>.zip
You should then reboot the server or issue this command at the console
/etc/init.d/hostd restart
