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

Introduction

Data-center deployment involves the process of setting up computer systems and related components such as storage, networking, and software applications to support the running of business operations. It is critical for organizations to have a reliable, scalable, and secure data-center infrastructure to ensure continuity in their daily operations. Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization (RHEV) environment provides a robust platform for managing data-center resources efficiently.

RHEV Environment uses Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) hypervisor technology which provides virtualization services that allow multiple Operating Systems (OS) to run on the same physical machine without interfering with each other. The RHEV environment also provides storage management, high availability features, and live migration capabilities.

Understanding Cluster Deployment in RHEV Environment

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

Explanation of cluster deployment in RHEV environment

Cluster deployment within the RHEV environment involves the creation of a host pool, which is a collection of hosts that share storage devices and network connections. The host pool can then be used to create clusters, which are groups of virtualization hosts that work together as a single entity.

When creating a cluster in the RHEV environment, it's important to consider factors such as network topology, storage configuration, and server hardware specifications. This ensures that the cluster has adequate resources and can operate efficiently.

Benefits of using a cluster for data-center deployment

Using a cluster in data-center deployments provides several benefits, including high availability and improved performance. In case one host goes down or becomes unavailable due to maintenance or other reasons, another host can take over its workload without any disruption.

This ensures uninterrupted service delivery even if there are hardware or software failures. Furthermore, with load balancing capabilities built-in through clustering technology deployed in RHEV environments administrators can ensure optimal use of available resources within their data-centers by distributing computing loads across multiple servers dynamically based on real-time demand.

Steps to deploy a cluster in RHEV environment

Deploying an effective cluster involves several steps starting from configuring hardware up to provisioning virtual machines with associated storage −

• Plan your infrastructure requirements before beginning any installation.

• Configure each server node within the proposed host pool

• Create your shared iSCSI SAN storage, or select existing storage and set up iSCSI LUNs.

• Create the host pool and define the network parameters for your nodes.

• Create your cluster by adding servers to the host pool.

• Configure advanced features and preferred settings for your new cluster.

• Finally, test the new cluster to ensure that all nodes can communicate with one another.

Understanding ISCSI Storage Deployment in RHEV Environment

ISCSI (Internet SCSI) is a storage protocol used to link data storage facilities over IP networks. It is an ideal solution for businesses that need to store large amounts of data because it allows them to centralize storage capacity, optimize resources, and reduce costs.

In the RHEV environment, deploying ISCSI storage allows administrators to have a flexible and scalable storage solution. The storage can be dedicated hardware or virtualized, while making it easier for administrators to manage the infrastructure without having to worry about individual servers' disk configurations.

Benefits of using ISCSI Storage for Data-Center Deployment

Using ISCSI storage in a data-center deployment comes with several benefits. One such benefit is that iSCSI runs over Ethernet and can use existing network infrastructure, reducing costs compared to other expensive proprietary SAN solutions.

Also, iSCSI makes it possible for multiple hosts and VMs in the same cluster group or subnet access the same shared pool of blocks with high-performance read/write capabilities. Additionally, ISCSI provides much-needed flexibility since administrators can easily move block-level data from one server or location to another without interrupting workloads running on VMs within their network.

Steps to Add ISCSI Storage to the RHEV Environment

Adding an ISCSI LUN (Logical Unit Number) as shared storage requires some straightforward steps: Firstly, expand the Storage section on your RHVM homepage. Secondly, proceed with creating a new domain known as an LUN disk domain and then select ‘iSCSI attachments’ when prompted.

Thirdly, configure each host’s iSCSI initiator details by entering each node’s IQN (iSCSI Qualified Name) or information about its IP address if you are using Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). Next up is adding targets by either entering the IP address of each target or scan for new targets that have been made available.

After this, proceed to create a domain from the attached LUN disks by selecting ‘LUN disk domain’. Attach this newly created LUN disk domain to your preferred VM.

Deploying Data-Centers with Cluster and Adding ISCSI Storage in RHEV Environment

Overview

RHEV environment provides a powerful platform for deploying data-centers. Clustering ensures high availability and scalability, while adding iSCSI storage provides the flexibility to expand the storage capacity as required. The deployment process requires careful planning to ensure that all components are configured appropriately.

In this section, we will provide an overview of how to deploy data-centers with cluster and add iSCSI storage in RHEV environment. We will cover the basic steps involved, including creating a new virtual machine (VM), configuring network settings, adding an iSCSI initiator on each node within the cluster, and assigning disks from iSCSI LUNs to each VM.

Detailed Steps on How to Deploy a Data-Center with a Cluster and Add ISCSI Storage

To deploy a data-center with cluster and add iSCSI storage in RHEV environment, follow these steps −

Step 1− Create a new virtual machine within the deployed data-center. This can be done using the "New Virtual Machine" feature within the "Virtual Machines" tab of the RHEV Manager interface.

Ensure that you select either "Linux" or "Windows" as your operating system type.

Step 2− Configure the VM's network settings by adding an IP address for each virtual NIC that you create.

Then create an additional NIC specifically dedicated to storage traffic by selecting “Directly Attached” instead of “Virtual Network”.

Step 3− Adding an iSCSI initiator on each node within the cluster involves navigating through each node’s command line interface (CLI) or terminal emulator session using SSH.

Ensure that you have enabled iSCSI service and that the iSCSI initiator's configuration file has been edited. Then proceed to add the iSCSI target address and authentication credentials.

Step 4− Assigning disks from iSCSI LUNs to each VM involves selecting “Add New Disk” under “Virtual Disks” in the VM’s settings. Here, you can specify which disk image to use as well as which specific LUN to attach.

By following these steps, you can deploy data-centers with cluster and add iSCSI storage in RHEV environment. Ensure each step is executed appropriately for optimal performance of your data-center.

Conclusion

Deploying data-centers with clusters and adding ISCSI storage in RHEV environments may seem daunting at first glance, but with proper planning and execution, it can be accomplished quickly and efficiently. By embracing industry-standard best practices like optimizing resource allocation for clusters and regularly backing up data-centers, businesses can ensure that they remain fully operational even after system failures or other emergencies.