FreeNAS 11.3 iSCSI Setup

 

In this guide I will show FreeNAS 11.3 iSCSI Setup using new iSCSI configuration wizard. And attach the iSCSI storage to VMware ESXi

host.

 

Add New Zvol

Go to Storage -> Pools
Press three dots and chose “Add Zvol”

 

In next dialog enter new Zvol name and Size for zvol.

 

 

Enable iSCSI service

 

Then we need start iSCSI service and set “Start Automatically”

From left menu go to Services, enable iSCSI and check “Start Automatically” checkbox.

 

 

FreeNAS 11.3 iSCSI Configuration Wizard

 

In older FreeNAS versions, the ISCSI configuration was done manually.

iSCSI configuration includes next necessary steps:

• Add portal
• Add Initiator
• Add Extent
• Add Targets
• Add Target / Extent

But the latest version of FreeNAS-11.3 has an iSCSI configuration wizard, and this can be done in a few simple steps.

 

Navigate Sharing -> Block Shares (iSCSI)

And press “Wizard” button on upper right corner

 

Step 1. Create or Choose Block Device

In wizard first step fill Name, select device, and choose the platform that will use this share.

 

Step 2. Portal

Now we need create new Portal

Select IP

 

Step 2. Initiator

In Initiators you can leave blank to allow all

Authorized Networks: Network addresses allowed to use this initiator. Leave blank to allow all networks or list network addresses with a CIDR mask

 

Step 4. Confirm Options

In last step if everything is looks good just confirm options by Submit button.

 

That’s it! Now we can connect VMware ESXi to your FreeNAS iSCSI block sharing.

 

Below I will show how to connect FreeNAS iSCSI as block storage to ESXi.

1. Add Software iSCSI Adapter

2. Configure Network (from properties )

 

3. Add iSCSI Server (Dynamic discovery tab)

 

4. Add Storage

 

Now FreeNAS 11.3 ISCSi ESXi Configuration is complete, andVMWare ESXi can use iSCSI datastore.

 

 

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