Direct SAN Access help

[abernut]

Hello,
I am setting up a new VEEAM 9.5 VM and trying to configure it to use direct SAN access. I have configured the iSCSI initiator and Windows does see the volumes on my SAN.
I am having a hard time of finding what to do next.

Do I first need to create a new Backup repository that points to Volume?

Thanks,

[Rick.Vanover]

Hi Mike, while old, this may help: https://www.veeam.com/blog/direct-san-a ... oxies.html

We do need to have setup a repository - that is where backups "GO" - there is a default backup repository on the C:\ Drive - but I recommend we put it on a dedicated VMDK, a NAS share, a separate iSCSI LUN, etc.

[abernut]

When I try to create a new repository:
New > Microsoft Windows Server > The only path I see is to the C:

Thanks

[Rick.Vanover]

Let's start with this - where do you want to put your backups?

[abernut]

On our Dell SAN via Direct SAN Access.
Steps I have taken...

Created Volume on Dell SAN and gave access to Veeam Server
Configured iSCSI Initiator on Veeam Server. Refreshed the target and I can see the SAN Volume
Ensured windows was not set to auto-mount drives
SAN volume is viewable from Windows Management Console (500GB Offline Disk)

[Rick.Vanover]

Direct SAN is a mechanism to read data for the backup process. Direct SAN is not a mechanism for writing backups.

I think then you want to put a LUN up, assign it to the Veeam server, then format it as ReFS or NTFS and you are good.

I also *strongly* recommend you have backup somewhere outside of the Dell SAN. I have nothing but evidence in the form of Veeam case studies that bad things happen to good storage. And if your VMs and backups are there.....

[abernut]

Rick,
Thanks for the reply.

I'm not sure what's going on with my environment. I tried formatting the drive (ReFS and NTFS) that is connected via the iSCSI initiator I get "Failed to format volume - Invalid Parameter Activity ID: {b0e18171-777e-45ab-99a4-80c10c7a9e89}

[abernut]

Rick,
Can you also give me more details on the Dell SAN issues. Unfortunately we have our entire infrastructure riding on three of them.

[Rick.Vanover]

I recommend you stop right away and contact support - it is possible you are trying to take a LUN that is running VMFS and format it.

[azizkheri]

Hi Rick
WE have two ESXi Host connected to SAN Strage through FC HBA, we want to take backup on new SAN which will directly connect to same Esxi host through HBA and also backup server also connect with HBA to Backup SAN. we are going to user 4 socket license to take the backup of two virtual machine. it will take backup from SAN to SAN ?

[veremin]

Correct, assuming backup server has direct access to both SAN systems (production datastore, backup repository) and everything is configured properly, you will get a totally LAN-free backup. Thanks!