Guest blog written by Doug Hart: Technologist and Architect, HP Client Virtualization Engineering
Optimize both servers and storage for HP client VirtualSystem for VMware View
The HP client VirtualSystem utilizes HP P4000 LeftHand SAN storage which contains an all-inclusive enterprise software suite that includes: thin provisioning, Network RAID, snapshots and VMware VAAI and VASA integration. The storage is tiered by the administrator to segment file types. This approach is preferred to automatic tiering as it keeps the data on the optimized layer at all times and rapid changes in workload will not affect overall performance.
The feature set of HP LeftHand SAN/iQ allows the user to uniquely optimize both the server as well as the storage aspects of the solution. From within the same BladeSystem enclosure utilized by the client servers, the user takes advantage of centrally managing storage built upon BladeSystem technology. Best in class BladeSystem servers virtualize the high performance tier of storage with the HP LeftHand Virtual SAN appliance, utilizing SAN/iQ to also control the HP P4800 LeftHand SAN. This BladeSystem based solution optimizes storage density, data center footprint, and power savings.
Bandwidth for even the most demanding VDI implementations
The HP P4800 LeftHand SAN Solution for BladeSystem offers plenty of bandwidth for even the most demanding VDI implementations. For the client HP VirtualSystem implementation, each of (4) storage heads with four (4) ports are connected to a pair of SAS switches handles incoming storage requests. This equates to 1.2Gb/S bandwidth from each node, a number which scales as more nodes are added. Each SAS switch is capable of supporting 64 simultaneous 3Gb connections for an aggregate throughput of 19.2Gb/S. These switches are connected with two paths to each of a pair of HP Modular Disk Storage 600 containers for a total of up to 12Gb/S of bandwidth to each storage container.
To optimize read traffic, and thus user experience, HP provides accelerated storage in the form of six (6) to eight (8) shared, solid state disks. Performance is discussed in the section “Storage patterning and planning for VMware View environments” in the whitepaper titled Enterprise Client Virtualization for HP VirtualSystem. VMware replicas are hosted on this storage layer. No optimization is required and performance is outstanding. Storage configuration for management hosts
Figure 1 shows the desired layout of the management host volumes including the accelerated storage volumes managed by the HP P4000 LeftHand VirtualSAN Appliance (VSA). This configuration is created onsite by HP Technical Services and is online and available when the customer deploys the initial master image.
Figure 1: Management hosts storage layout
Storage for View pools
Figure 2 shows a partial view of the overall cluster and volume layout for the extended version of CV2. In production, there will be three rather than two, six (6) node clusters made in vCenter. Each cluster will have access to a single accelerated replica volume and six (6) or more linked clone volumes. A base volume is created by Technology Services, but as volume size is customer specific the onus for volume creation will reside with the customer. Part 2 of this blog discusses the sizing of these volumes.
Figure 2: VM cluster and the relationship between hosts, replica volumes and linked clone volumes
Just a reminder, HP addresses your current needs as well as your needs as they evolve – we are your source for Instant-On Solutions.
