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Troubleshooting ESX and ESXi connectivity to iSCSI arrays using hardware initiators

Symptoms

One ESX or ESXi host cannot see any targets from all storage arrays
The array does not report the HBA of the ESX or ESXi as being logged in

Purpose

This article guides you through the most common steps to identify a connectivity problem from an ESX or ESXi to an iSCSI shared storage device when using a hardware initiator.

Resolution

Validate that each troubleshooting step below is true for your environment. Each step provides instructions or a link to a document, in order to eliminate possible causes and take corrective action as necessary. The steps are ordered in the most appropriate sequence to isolate the issue and identify the proper resolution. Do not skip a step.

To troubleshoot a connectivity problem from an ESX or ESXi to an iSCSI shared storage device when using a hardware initiator:

Verify that the ESX or ESXi cannot see any targets on shared storage. For more information, see Obtaining LUN pathing information for ESX hosts (1003973).
Verify that a rescan does not restore visibility to the targets. For more information, see Performing a rescan of the storage (1003988).
Verify that the Host Bus Adapter (HBA) is listed on the I/O Compatibility Guide found on the Confirming ESX/ESXi host hardware (System, Storage, and I/O) compatibility (1003916).
Verify that the storage array is listed in the VMware Hardware Compatibility Guide and that the firmware is at the required level. Consult your storage array vendor for details regarding the latest supported firmware version.
Verify that the initiator is registered on the array, and that the storage array is configured correctly. Partner with the hardware vendor to ensure that the array is properly configured. For more information, see the iSCSI SAN Configuration Guide.
Verify that the physical hardware is functioning correctly. You may have to contact your hardware vendor for information about verifying your hardware functions correctly.

Note: If your problem still exists after trying the steps in this article, please:

Gather the VMware Support Script Data. For more information, see Collecting Diagnostic Information in a VMware Virtual Infrastructure Environment (1003689).
File a support request with VMware Support and note this KB Article ID (1003951) in the problem description. For more information, see How to Submit a Support Request.

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