Shared Mode Storage Area Network HCI 6.8.0

Hi, I am trying to configure Storage Area Network in Shared mode as option is available in communication interfaces, since due to shortage of 10G nics i must have to go to shared mode. i tested in multiple servers but everytime it does not allow me to select any lag and all options seems grey as mentioned in pic below.

There is no option available for me to enable storage multiplexing

please suggest any resolution, have anyone tried shared mode of storage area networking?

thanks

Hi,

Configure:
Log in to HCI system by Admin account
Go to Storage -> Choose Virtual storage -> Choose Advanced -> Choose Storage Area Network -> Click to Settings to choose Deployment Mode -> After you’re done selecting mode -> Click Next Choose Physical Interface

Thanks

If you are attempting to configure a Storage Area Network (SAN) in Shared mode and you are experiencing difficulties selecting a Link Aggregation Group (LAG) due to the options being grayed out, here are a few suggestions:

Verify hardware and driver support: Ensure that your servers and network interfaces support the features required for configuring a LAG in Shared mode. Check the compatibility matrix or documentation provided by the manufacturer to confirm that the hardware and drivers are compatible and capable of supporting this configuration.

Update firmware and drivers: Make sure that you have the latest firmware and drivers installed for your network interfaces. Outdated firmware or drivers can sometimes limit or disable certain configuration options. Check the manufacturer's website for any available updates and apply them if necessary.

Check network switch settings: Confirm that your network switch supports LAG configurations in Shared mode. Some switches have limitations on the number of LAGs that can be created or restrict certain modes based on hardware capabilities. Refer to the switch documentation or consult with the vendor to ensure that your desired configuration is supported.

Validate administrator privileges: Ensure that you have the necessary administrative privileges to configure LAGs on your servers. Some settings and configurations require elevated permissions to modify. Verify that you are logged in with the appropriate level of access.

Seek vendor or community support: If you have performed the above steps and are still unable to select a LAG in Shared mode, it would be advisable to reach out to the vendor's support team or consult relevant community forums for further assistance. Provide them with detailed information about your hardware, software versions, and any error messages encountered during the configuration process.

If you're encountering issues while trying to configure a Storage Area Network (SAN) in shared mode and the options appear greyed out, it may indicate a limitation or a misconfiguration in your setup. Here are some possible causes and solutions to consider:

Hardware Limitations: Ensure that your hardware supports the desired configuration. Check the specifications of your servers, network switches, and storage devices to verify if they are capable of operating in shared mode with a Link Aggregation Group (LAG). Some older or lower-end hardware may not support certain features or modes.

NIC Compatibility: Confirm that the network interface cards (NICs) installed in your servers are compatible with the desired configuration. Check the NIC specifications and ensure they support the shared mode and LAG functionality. It's possible that your NICs do not support these features, which could explain why the options are greyed out.

Driver and Firmware Updates: Ensure that you have the latest drivers and firmware installed for your NICs, storage devices, and switches. Outdated software can sometimes limit or disable certain configuration options. Visit the manufacturer's website to check for updates and apply them as necessary.

Switch Configuration: Verify that the network switch is properly configured to support shared mode and LAG. Check the switch documentation for specific instructions on how to enable and configure LAG. Ensure that the ports intended for the LAG are correctly configured and assigned to the appropriate VLANs or network segments.

Administrator Privileges: Ensure that you have the necessary administrative privileges to make the required configuration changes. In some cases, certain options may be restricted to privileged accounts or specific user roles. If you're not logged in with the appropriate permissions, you may encounter greyed-out options.

Configuration Conflict: Check for any conflicting configurations that may prevent the selection of the desired LAG. Review other settings related to networking, bonding, or teaming that may interfere with the ability to enable shared mode and LAG. Make sure there are no conflicting settings or overlapping configurations in your network setup.

Consult Documentation and Support: Refer to the documentation provided by your hardware and software vendors for detailed instructions on how to configure shared mode and LAG. If you're still facing difficulties, reach out to the vendor's support channels for assistance. They can provide specific guidance and troubleshooting steps based on your equipment and configuration.

Remember to always back up your configurations before making any changes, and proceed with caution when modifying network settings.

all these steps are up to dated! but still not found the correct answer, looks like these are computer generate long replies but none of them is actually addressing the core issue,
FYI the whole server environment was working absolutely fine in VMware vSAN environement, from 6.7~8.1
looking forward to resolve the issue.

Thanks
Abdul Basit Khan

Be sure that the necessary network adapters and drivers are properly installed and compatible with the SAN software, allowing for LAG configuration in shared mode.

If you're encountering issues while trying to configure a Storage Area Network (SAN) in shared mode and the options appear greyed out, it may indicate a limitation or a misconfiguration in your setup. Here are some possible causes and solutions to consider:

Hardware Limitations: Ensure that your hardware supports the desired configuration. Check the specifications of your servers, network switches, and storage devices to verify if they are capable of operating in shared mode with a Link Aggregation Group (LAG). Some older or lower-end hardware may not support certain features or modes.

NIC Compatibility: Confirm that the network interface cards (NICs) installed in your servers are compatible with the desired configuration. Check the NIC specifications and ensure they support the shared mode and LAG functionality. It's possible that your NICs do not support these features, which could explain why the options are greyed out.

Driver and Firmware Updates: Ensure that you have the latest drivers and firmware installed for your NICs, storage devices, and switches. Outdated software can sometimes limit or disable certain configuration options. Visit the manufacturer's website to check for updates and apply them as necessary.

Switch Configuration: Verify that the network switch is properly configured to support shared mode and LAG. Check the switch documentation for specific instructions on how to enable and configure LAG. Ensure that the ports intended for the LAG are correctly configured and assigned to the appropriate VLANs or network segments.

Administrator Privileges: Ensure that you have the necessary administrative privileges to make the required configuration changes. In some cases, certain options may be restricted to privileged accounts or specific user roles. If you're not logged in with the appropriate permissions, you may encounter greyed-out options.

Configuration Conflict: Check for any conflicting configurations that may prevent the selection of the desired LAG. Review other settings related to networking, bonding, or teaming that may interfere with the ability to enable shared mode and LAG. Make sure there are no conflicting settings or overlapping configurations in your network setup.

Consult Documentation and Support: Refer to the documentation provided by your hardware and software vendors for detailed instructions on how to configure shared mode and LAG. If you're still facing difficulties, reach out to the vendor's support channels for assistance. They can provide specific guidance and troubleshooting steps based on your equipment and configuration.

Remember to always back up your configurations before making any changes, and proceed with caution when modifying network settings.

Check the Network Interface Card thoroughly.

Hi. For your information, storage interface with shared mode has certain requirement as listed below.
1. It must be aggregate interface and the member interface must be 10G interface.
2. Only support few models of NIC:  Mellanox CX4, Mellanox CX6, Intel X710 and Intel X722.

Check the NIC hardware compatibility models.