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WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
Submittal Cover Sheet
Date: May 12, 2011
Student Name: Justin Bovee
Student ID Number: 000163860
Student Degree Program: Bachelor of Science, IT - Networks Design
Student Email: [email protected]
Four Digit Assessment/Project Code: TWA1
Mentor Name: Brian Burlock, Les Vance
For Revisions Only Indicate Previous Grader:
Submissions received with an altered, incomplete or
missing cover sheet will be returned for resubmission.
Submit to:
Western Governors University
Attn.: Assessment Delivery Department
4001 South 700 East, Suite 700
Salt Lake City, Utah 84107-2533
[email protected]
Technical Writing Project Cover Sheet
Capstone Proposal Project Name: Elephant Dog Manufacturing Datacenter Consolidation
Student Name: Justin Bovee
Degree Program: Bachelor of Science, IT - Networks Design
Mentor Name: Brian Burlock, Les Vance
Signature Block
Student’s Signature
Mentor’s Signature
Table of Contents
Capstone Proposal Summary ........................................................................................................................ 1
Review of Other Work .................................................................................................................................. 5
Rationale and Systems Analysis .................................................................................................................... 8
Goals and Objectives................................................................................................................................... 11
Project Deliverables .................................................................................................................................... 14
Project Plan and Timelines.......................................................................................................................... 15
References .................................................................................................................................................. 17
Appendix 1: Competency Matrix ................................................................................................................ 18
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Capstone Proposal Summary
As a company develops and expands their technical needs, more and more
processing power and storage capacity is required. A common problem that occurs as a
small company grows is server sprawl. Server Sprawl is a term that describes a
disproportionate growth of hardware in relation to utilization in the datacenter. Old
servers with failing hardware nursed along to provide a platform for a legacy piece of
software, while newer hardware platforms are under-utilized. An immense amount of
power, space, and IT professionals are required to maintain the technology for a
company struggling with server sprawl. There are several methods to combat server
sprawl. An in-depth look at server sprawl and the methods to resolve would fill several
large books. This project will look at two methods to address server sprawl,
virtualization and data centralization through SAN architecture.
I have worked in the IT community for four years. During that time, I have
assisted with design, implementation, troubleshooting, and maintaining enterprise
environments scaling from small to large. Over the years, I have played with many
virtualization solutions including VMWare, Microsoft Hyper-V, and open source
solutions like Xen and KVM. Working for Dell as an Enterprise Storage Analyst, I have
had the opportunity to examine several centralized storage solutions. For my Western
Governor’s University Capstone project, I will be implementing one of the several
virtualization and storage solutions I work with on a daily basis. Due to confidentiality, I
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cannot reveal details of any of the cases I have worked on so I will be creating the
solution for a pseudo-company called Elephant Dog Manufacturing. The solution will
look at the company’s current problem, their needs, and the implementation of the
solution. Dell has given me permission to use their lab for implementing the solution.
Elephant Dog Manufacturing makes widgets. Business has been good and the
company has grown. Elephant Dog has several groups including Manufacturing,
Engineering, Sales, Accounting, Executive, and IT, each with their own technical needs.
When the business started, they needed very little in the way of Enterprise hardware
but as they grew, the technical need grew as well. Each group would purchase the
needed hardware and software then request the IT department to manage the systems.
With each need, a new server, Direct Attached Storage, or both were added to the rack.
The IT department has said that they now have two full-sized racks filled with hardware.
Elephant Dog Manufacturing has recently made an acquisition of a competing company
and has informed the IT department that they will need to find space and power for the
newly acquired company’s hardware and software. They have also been told that they
will need to increase the storage capacity in the near future. The IT Director realizes
that the current direction the company is going in relation to their technical needs will
not be sustainable and has requested a solution that will cut down needed space and
power consumption, centralize the data, and offer scalability for the future. Below is a
basic list of the company’s needs.
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NEEDS
•
Decrease power consumption and necessary space
•
Centralize the data
•
Utilize hardware as best as possible
•
Use current network architecture and server hardware as much as possible
•
Offers scalability for the near and distant future
•
Ease of implementation, training curve, and management
•
Strong Support Options
In relation to cutting down server space and utilizing processing power,
virtualization looks to be the best solution. There are several virtualization solutions in
the market, each one with their own benefits and limitations. VMWare’s vSphere
currently leads the market on virtualization front. The price for implementing VMWare
is high and may not be on the cutting edge of virtualization but many companies are
willing to pay due to the superior management tools and extensive support. Elephant
Dog has decided to go with VMWare due to its status as an industry leader, ease of
management, and support options.
VMWare offers a clustering solution that builds a strong platform that
incorporates multiple of servers. Virtualization will better utilize processing power but
will also require a more centralized storage solution. Storage can be found as Network
Attached Storage (NAS) where storage is presented through a file system like NFS or
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SAMBA, Direct Attached Storage (DAS) where storage is presented block level directly to
the server in question, or Storage Area Network (SAN) where storage is presented block
level from a centralized location through fiber or iSCSI. Currently, Elephant Dog is using
Direct Attached Storage in the form of PowerVault 220s and on the newer systems,
MD1000s. Elephant Dog desires to centralize the data and still present on the block
level so they will need a SAN solution. A strong contender in SAN technology is
Equallogic. Equallogic provides data on a block level and uses iSCSI to transport the
data. Using iSCSI will employ current architecture thus making it an easier solution to
implement. Equallogic is very flexible providing good performance and ability to scale to
a much larger solution. For this project, Elephant Dog will use Equallogic for their backend storage.
The IT director for Elephant Dog has requested a small-scale implementation. He
would like to see VMWare and Equallogic demonstrated for feasibility. He would to see
its scalability and will like to also move to a production environment after testing.
The scope of the project will address Elephant Dog Manufacturing by providing a
solution using virtualization and SAN technology. I will look at VMWare’s virtualization
solution to see how it will best fit Elephant Dog. To accomplish this, my first goal will be
to study the necessary hardware, software, and infrastructure requirements for setting
up VMWare and Equallogic. Second, I will analyze the current hardware options and
design a solution that will demonstrate all aspects. Lastly, I will implement the project
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in Dell’s labs to demonstrate feasibility. I will be presenting the project to management
at Dell to demonstrate the knowledge I have gained while finishing my bachelors and
working in the Enterprise Storage Department.
Review of Other Work
To accomplish my first goal, I must understand the hardware, software, and
infrastructure requirements for setting up the VMWare Environment. I began my
research by studying the documents found on VMWare’s and Equallogic’s website. I will
research the differences between hypervisors, validating hardware for VMWare,
configuring shared storage, and network infrastructure.
Hypervisors
The first decision I must make in building my environment is what hypervisor I
should use. VMWare offers both types of hypervisors for their virtualization solution.
VMWare Server 2 functions as their Type 2 while VMWare ESX or ESXi as their Type 1.
The difference lies in the location of the hypervisor. In a Type 1, the hypervisor resides
directly on top of the hardware whereas a Type 2 resides on top of a traditional
Operating System as seen in the below diagram.
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(Heiser, Gernot., 2010).
Both types of hypervisors have their strengths and limitations. Type 1 hypervisors work
directly with the hardware, typically have a small resource footprint, increased
performance, and better security. Type 2, on the other hand, offer greater driver-based
flexibility but devote resources that could be used for virtual machines to host operating
system. The biggest limitation to a Type 1 hypervisor is the hardware. The CPU must be
64-bit and include virtualization threading like Intel’s VT-x or AMD’s AMD-V and a
commonly overlooked pitfall is the BIOS must be able to enable the threading.
As my goal will be to provide the greatest amount of utilization, I will be using
VMWare’s Type 1 Hypervisor, ESXi. The servers I will be using support a hardware
virtualization platform thus I will be able to better utilize resources with a Type 1.
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Hardware Validation
VMWare ESXi has a limited driver-base and thus does not support all hardware.
As this is the case, it is very important to validate all hardware against their
compatibility matrix. The matrix can be found on VMWare’s website and can be real
lifesaver. It is important to validate not only the server hardware but also the storage
and network hardware.
Storage
Centralized Storage provides the back-end for VMWare to accomplish its
virtualization goals. Without it, ESXi could only function as a collection of single nodes.
Scalability would be lost. Equallogic provides a strong back-end and works very well
with VMWare. Equallogic has many success stories of working with VMWare to improve
Server Sprawl for companies. One such story comes from Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Adam Mikolajczyk, the IT Manager had the following to say about the relationship
between the two technologies.
“VMware and EqualLogic are made for each other. They make the perfect consolidation
solution for servers and storage and fit together into a manageable whole (Mikolajczyk,
Adam., 2009).”
The relationship between ESXi and the Equallogic array has improved in the last
several months with the release of VMWare’s Storage API and Equallogic’s Multipathing
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Extension Module. The relationship between the two allows the offloading of storage
operations from the server to the storage improving performance dramatically.
Network Infrastructure
To tie our solution together, I will need an understanding of the necessary
network infrastructure. The implementation will span two sites and will require a
storage and public network per site. To attach each network to the virtual machines, I
will also setup virtual networking. All networks will use Ethernet and current
infrastructure. VMWare has some very good documentation on configuring the public
and virtual networks. The area that most struggle with is designing the storage network
and that requires an understanding of iSCSI.
Rationale and Systems Analysis
Server Sprawl is a real issue in the datacenter. As companies grow, they acquire
a greater need for hardware and software. The root problem occurs because companies
do not look at the datacenter as a whole. They carve out sections for different
departments and projects. With each project and acquisition, servers, storage arrays,
and networking infrastructure fill more and more precious space. Legacy equipment are
held onto and nursed along due to budgetary restraints, department needs, and
software requirements. New projects introduce better datacenter infrastructure but it
is held specifically for those projects and very much under-utilized. From experience, I
have seen and dealt with companies that are literally unable to find a legacy system due
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to server sprawl. The bigger issue is the amount of waste that occurs. Server Sprawl
wastes precious system resources through under-utilization but more importantly, it
wastes money. Due to server sprawl, companies are forced to spend more and more on
space, cooling, and electricity. There is a solution to server sprawl that is found by
looking at the datacenter as a whole.
Virtualization addresses the server sprawl issue by providing a platform that
utilizes all system resources and spreads it out between the software platforms. Instead
of using one server for one software platform, virtualization allows multiple software
platforms to better utilize resources by residing on one server. This reduces the need
for hardware platforms and there is a significant reduction in wasted money going to
space, cooling, and electricity.
The other area of great importance for datacenter consolidation is storage. Due
to the very nature of Server Sprawl, data becomes spread across local systems, Direct
Attached Storage arrays, and Network Attached Storage arrays. It becomes easy to lose
track of where data resides and very difficult to run consistent backups of that data.
The solution to this problem is to create a Storage Area Network. A Storage Area
Network resolves this problem by creating a centralized location for the data and
provides management tools for working with the data. When dealing with Server
Sprawl, it is very important to address the full problem. I will be addressing the full
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problem by using virtualization and data consolidation through SAN technology. Both
complement each other well and build off one another.
Elephant Dog Manufacturing describes the typical company dealing with Server
Sprawl. They realize that something must be done and that the solution must address
the entire datacenter. As this is their production environment, they need a solution that
they can test, implement easily, and then scale up to incorporate the datacenter. By
using Virtualization and Data Consolidation through SAN technology, my solution does
this for them.
Dell has been most gracious to allow me to use their lab to build the solution.
They have provided me with the following equipment to build the solution.
A half rack (24u)
Three PowerEdge 1950
One PowerEdge 2950
Two PowerConnect 2724
Two Equallogic PS6000E
Cabling
The three servers are 64 bit and support hardware virtualization. With the above
hardware, I will be able to design a solution that will allow Elephant Dog to implement in
their datacenter and scale up at their speed to solve their server sprawl problem.
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Goals and Objectives
To properly design and implement the Virtualization Plan for Elephant Dog
Manufacturing, it is very important to lay out the goals and objectives of the project.
Without a clear vision, it is very easy to allow scope creep. When the Goals and
Objectives are well laid out, they lay a clear roadmap for success.
Goals
1. To create an operational VMWare vSphere Cluster as a platform.
2. To create an operational Equallogic Storage Area Network to provide storage for
the VMWare Solution
3. To configure the network infrastructure to handle communication for the public,
management, and storage networks
4. To configure VMWare and Equallogic to work together
5. To test the environment with different software platforms to demonstrate
scalability
6. To document the environment for future ease of use, troubleshooting, and
design
Project Objectives
To accomplish each goal, I have listed objectives that will lead to completion of
each goal. Each objective must be met, else that goal will not be completed.
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Goal 1: To create an operational VMWare vSphere Cluster as a platform
Install servers (2 PowerEdge 1950 & 1 PowerEdge 2950) into the half rack
Install VMWare ESXi on each server
Install VMWare vCenter Server
o
Create a Microsoft Windows 2008 R2 Server (64-bit) Virtual Machine
o
Configure Windows for vCenter
o
Install VMWare vCenter Server
Add VMWare ESXi Servers to vCenter Server and cluster them into a datacenter
Goal 2: To create an operational Equallogic Storage Area Network
Install Equallogic Arrays (2 PS6000e) into the half rack
Setup each PS6000e and add them to one group
Create a Microsoft Windows 2008 R2 Server (64-bit) Virtual Machine that has
access to the iSCSI network to run Equallogic SAN HQ and management tools
Goal 3: To configure the network infrastructure to handle communication for
the public, management, and storage networks
Install switches (2 PowerConnect 2724) into the half rack
Designate one switch for public and management and two switches for storage
Cable Equallogic Storage arrays and ESXi Servers to Storage switches according to
best practices
Cable ESXi Servers to Public/Management Switch
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Configure Storage switches for iSCSI traffic
o Create a second VLAN and disable default
o Enable flowcontrol
o Enable jumbo frames
Configure VMWare virtual switches
Goal 4: To configure VMWare and Equallogic to work together
Install Equallogic Multipathing Extension Module on all VMWare ESXi hosts
Use Equallogic Multipathing Extension Module to configure VMWare Virtual
storage network
Configure Access Control List for each volume to work with all ESXi hosts
Validate connections between Equallogic and VMWare
Goal 5: To test the environment with different software platforms to
demonstrate scalability
Create a Microsoft Windows 2008 R2 (64-bit) Virtual Machine and connect it to
both Public and Storage Network
Create a Microsoft Windows 2003 R2 (64-bit) Virtual Machine and connect it to
both Public and Storage Network
Create a Centos 5.6 Virtual Machine and connect it to both Public Storage
Network
Test VMWare vMotion
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Goal 6: To document the environment for future ease of use, troubleshooting,
and design
Document rack configuration
Document network layout
Document VMWare and Equallogic information
Project Deliverables
There will be several project deliverables. I will list them below in their
respective categories.
System Hardware and Software Requirements
Four fully configured VMWare ESXi Hosts
Two fully configured Equallogic PS6000e
Two fully configured PowerConnect Switches
One fully configured Microsoft Windows 2008 R2 (64-bit) Virtual Machine with
VMWare vCenter Server
One fully configured Microsoft Windows 2008 R2 (64-bit) Virtual Machine with
Equallogic SAN HQ
One fully configured Microsoft Windows 2008 R2 (64-bit) Virtual Machine for
testing
One fully configured Microsoft Windows 2003 R2 (64-bit) Virtual Machine for
testing
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One fully configured Centos 5.6 (64-bit) Virtual Machine for testing
Documentation
Visio Rack Map for Hardware
Visio Network Map for Public, Management, and Storage
Excel Document with Network information, Usernames, and Passwords
Case Notes
Steps and time schedule taken to accomplish the virtualization project
Conclusions
Outline information learned, problems encountered, and changes I will make
with future installations
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Project Plan and Timelines
Capstone Project Proposal Begin Date – April 22, 2011
Submit Project Summary for validation – April 27, 2011
Write Project Proposal – April 28th – May 12th, 2011
Submit Goals & Objectives, Project Deliverables for validation – May 5th, 2011
Submit Project Proposal to TaskStream – May 12th, 2011
Build test environment to demonstrate feasibility – May 12th – May 15th, 2011
o Meet with Dell Management and Support staff –May 12th
o Setup Hardware and install ESXi on servers –May 13th
o Configure VMWare and Equallogic – May 14th
o Run Tests, Pictures, Screenshots – May 15th
Write Capstone Project – May 12th – May 18th, 2011
Submit Capstone Project for validation – May 18th, 2011
Submit Capstone Project to TaskStream – May 20th, 2011
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References
Heiser, Gernot. (2010). Much Ado about Type-2. Open Kernel Labs Blog. Retrieved May
11, 2011 from http://www.ok-labs.com/blog/entry/much-ado-about-a-type-2/
Mikolajczyk, Adam. (2009). Flying High. Dell Case Studies. Retrieved May 11, 2011 from
http://www.equallogic.com/resourcecenter/assetview.aspx?id=8877
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Appendix 1: Competency Matrix
Domain/Subdomain
Competency
Explanation
Leadership and
Professionalism
Communication and
Interpersonal Skills
Research and present project in
a in a professional manner
Upper Division
Collegiate Level
Reasoning and
Problem Solving
Planning and Information
Gathering
Gather system information and
design specifications to present
a viable solution
Language and
Communication
Communicating and Writing
Create a project plan that can
be understood by upper
management
Quantitative Literacy
Capacity & Resource
Planning
Handle capacity planning for
virtualization on both servers
and storage arrays
Networks
Design and Implementation
Design and implement storage
and public network
IT Management
Hardware Management
Gather necessary hardware
Project Management
Resource and Time
Management
Designed projects and
managed time and resources
Operating System
Operating System Skills
Install and configure VMWare
ESXi and Microsoft 2008
Networks
Switch Configuration
Configure VLANs, Flow Control,
Packet Size