Error in VMware event viewer when adding SAN storage

[jmchristy]

Hello,

I'm working with a Dell PowerEdge 2850, running Intel Pro 1000/MT dual port adapter, Perc 4/i, Windows 2008 R2. Trying to setup Starwind SAN software on here, and add it to my ESXI 5.0 host.

When I go to add the storage to the host, (after I add the storage adapter and scan it) I get an error in the event viewer saying "At least one corrupt resource metadata region was detected on volume 4f.... (STARSAN). Other regions of the volume might be damaged too"

I have jumbo frames enabled on the host, SAN NIC's and switch. I'm not sure where to start my troubleshooting, the server has the latest firmware/driver for the Perc card and the NIC card drivers are up to date. Thoughts? Suggestions?

[jmchristy]

Ok, it looks like this is an issue with something in my network infrastructure not supporting Jumbo Frames.

All I did was, on my PowerEdge 2850 which is acting as the "SAN", disabled Jumbo Frames on the MT/1000 Intel Dual Port adapters. Once I disabled Jumbo Frames....all was well.

It was odd because I did the jumbo frames ping test, ping -f -l 8000 ip address and it responded. I guess that's not a good indicator of it working!

I'm not sure if it's the Intel MT/1000 network cards in the SAN, my NetGear 748ST switch, or the ESXI host itself that the hardware doesn't properly support Jumbo Frames. I'm assuming it's an issue with the MT/1000's since the ESXI host is on a 2950 Dell with newer NIC's.

[anton (staff)]

Try using direct cables (no switch) or replace NetGear with something else.

P.S. NetGear is a great hardware for it's money! Keep it if you can (flashing latest firmware of course).

[jmchristy]

Thanks I may have to give that a try...I thought I was out of the woods with the issue after disabling jumbo frames but I'm unable to add another host to the starwind target. I get a Target returned login error : 0301 from the 2nd ESXi host that I try to add the storage too

[Anatoly (staff)]

What target (device) type are you using (CDP, Image file)? Have you checked in the "Clustering" checkbox (allow multiple concurrent iSCSI connections)?