How to Deploy Data-Centers with Cluster and Add ISCSI Storage in RHEV Environment?

Data-center deployment involves setting up computer systems, storage, networking, and applications to support business operations. Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization (RHEV) provides a robust platform for managing data-center resources efficiently using KVM hypervisor technology, which enables multiple operating systems to run on the same physical machine with storage management, high availability, and live migration capabilities.

Understanding Cluster Deployment in RHEV Environment

In a data-center environment, deploying a cluster ensures high availability and reliability. A cluster is a group of servers that work together to provide services and resources to clients. In RHEV, clusters enable distribution of virtual machines across multiple hosts for load balancing and redundancy.

Benefits of Using a Cluster

• High Availability If one host fails, another takes over workload without disruption

• Load Balancing Dynamic distribution of computing loads across multiple servers

• Resource Optimization Efficient use of available hardware resources

• Live Migration Move VMs between hosts without downtime

Steps to Deploy a Cluster in RHEV

1. Plan infrastructure requirements and hardware specifications

2. Configure each server node within the host pool

3. Create shared iSCSI SAN storage or configure existing storage

4. Create the host pool and define network parameters

5. Create cluster by adding servers to the host pool

6. Configure advanced features and cluster settings

7. Test cluster connectivity and failover capabilities

Understanding iSCSI Storage Deployment

iSCSI (Internet SCSI) is a storage protocol that links data storage facilities over IP networks. It enables centralized storage capacity, resource optimization, and cost reduction by running over existing Ethernet infrastructure rather than requiring expensive proprietary SAN solutions.

Benefits of iSCSI Storage

• Cost Effective Uses existing Ethernet infrastructure

• Scalability Easy expansion of storage capacity

• Flexibility Block-level data mobility without workload interruption

• High Performance Multiple hosts can access shared storage pools

Deploying Data-Centers with Cluster and iSCSI Storage

Step-by-Step Deployment Process

Step 1: Create Data-Center and Cluster

# Access RHEV Manager web interface
# Navigate to Data Centers ? New
# Create new data center with appropriate settings
# Add new cluster to the data center

Step 2: Configure iSCSI Storage Domain

# Navigate to Storage ? Domains ? New Domain
# Select Domain Function: Data
# Select Storage Type: iSCSI
# Configure iSCSI targets and LUNs

Step 3: Add Hosts to Cluster

# Navigate to Hosts ? New
# Configure host network settings
# Install RHEV-H or configure RHEL hosts
# Add hosts to the created cluster

Step 4: Configure Virtual Machine Storage

# Create new VM in the cluster
# Attach iSCSI storage domains
# Configure VM network settings
# Start and test VM functionality

Configuration Summary

Conclusion

Deploying data-centers with clusters and iSCSI storage in RHEV environments provides a robust, scalable virtualization platform. The combination of clustered hosts with shared iSCSI storage ensures high availability, efficient resource utilization, and cost-effective storage solutions for enterprise virtualization needs.