In today’s world, virtualization technology is crucial to organizations, and VMware ESXi 8.0 is a powerful and efficient hypervisor that helps in managing virtualized data centers. As ESXi evolves, so does its storage architecture. As a system administrator, it is important to understand these changes to ensure smooth operations and optimal resource utilization in the virtual environment.

This blog post will explore the recent changes in the system storage layout of ESXi 8.0 and explain how these changes affect system performance and management.

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Overview of System Storage in ESXi 8.0

ESXi 8.0 leverages a partitioned storage architecture to compartmentalize different components of the hypervisor and ensure efficient operations. Each partition serves a specific purpose, and understanding their roles is vital to managing the virtualized environment effectively.

Understanding System Storage Layout of ESXi 8.0

The system storage layout in ESXi 8.0 is much more flexible. There are four main partitions:

  • System Boot Partition: The system boot partition is the initial step in the ESXi boot process. It contains the essential bootloader and EFI modules. These files enable the hypervisor to load and initialize during system startup
  • Boot-bank 0 Partition: The Boot-bank 0 partition holds a complete and independent copy of the ESXi hypervisor image. In case of a failure in Boot-bank 1, the system automatically switches to Boot-bank 0, ensuring uninterrupted operation of the ESXi host
  • Boot-bank 1 Partition: Similar to Boot-bank 0, Boot-bank 1 contains another complete and independent copy of the ESXi hypervisor image. The dual boot banks enhance the system’s resiliency, providing redundancy in case of critical failures
  • ESX-OSData Partition: The ESX-OSData volume is a unique partition in the ESXi 8.0 system storage layout. This volume stores infrequently written data such as VMware Tools, host configurations, and core dumps. Notably, the ESX-OSData volume is divided into persistent and non-persistent sections. The persistent data section is for long-term storage, while the non-persistent section is for temporary data that can be discarded when no longer needed

ESXi 8.0 System Storage

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The new system storage layout in ESXi 8.0 offers several benefits, including:

  • More flexibility: The expandable ESX-OSData partition allows you to store more modules and data without having to resize the other partitions.
  • Support for third-party components: The ESX-OSData partition can be used to store third-party drivers and tools, making it easier to manage your virtual environment
  • Improved performance: The new system storage layout is designed to improve performance by reducing the number of times the boot loader has to access the boot media

The ESXi 8.0 system storage layout, thus, provides a robust and efficient storage system that supports the host’s operation, enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the VMware environment.

System Storage Sizes of ESXi 8.0

The size of each partition in ESXi 8.0 depends on the size of the boot media. The size of the ESX-OSData partition can be increased up to the maximum capacity of the boot media. For example, if the boot media is 128 GB, then the ESX-OSData partition can be up to 120 GB in size.

The following are some important points that need to be noted about the ESXi system storage sizes:

  • The system boot partition and the boot-bank partitions are both fixed in size
  • The ESX-OSData partition is expandable
  • The size of the ESX-OSData partition must be at least 5 GB
  • The size of the ESX-OSData partition cannot exceed the maximum capacity of the boot media

If you are planning to upgrade to ESXi 8.0, you should make sure that your boot media is large enough to accommodate the ESX-OSData partition. You can also use the esxcli storage filesystem list command to view the current sizes of the system storage partitions.

Storage Behavior of ESXi 8.0

The storage behavior of ESXi 8.0 is different from previous versions. Here are some of the key changes:

  • The /scratch partition is no longer used for temporary files. In previous versions of ESXi, the /scratch partition was used to store temporary files. However, in ESXi 8.0, the ESX-OSData partition is used for temporary files. This means that the /scratch partition is no longer necessary, and it can be removed.
  • The VMFS datastore is no longer created dynamically. In previous versions of ESXi, the VMFS datastore was created dynamically on the boot media. However, in ESXi 8.0, the VMFS datastore is created on the ESX-OSData partition
  • The ESX-OSData partition is used for more than just temporary files. In addition to temporary files, the ESX-OSData partition can also be used to store other data, such as third-party drivers and tools

These changes in storage behavior make ESXi 8.0 more efficient and flexible. And, also also makes it easier to manage your virtual environment.

Here are some additional things to note about the storage behavior of ESXi 8.0:

  • The /scratch partition can be removed if you are not using it
  • The VMFS datastore can be created on a separate disk or LUN if you need to create more than one VMFS datastore
  • The ESX-OSData partition can be expanded to accommodate more data

If you are planning to upgrade to ESXi 8.0, you should be aware of these changes in storage behavior.

Adapting to ESXi 8.0 System Storage Changes

When transitioning to ESXi 8.0, it is essential to adapt to the changes in the system storage layout. One of the key precautions to take is to ensure that ESX-OSData partitions are created on separate storage devices. This is particularly recommended if the installation media is a USB or SD card. The rationale behind this precaution is to prevent interference or performance degradation that could result from sharing storage devices between ESXi hosts. By doing so, users can maintain optimal performance and minimize potential issues.

To manage the ESXi 8.0 system storage layout efficiently, users can rely on tools like the vSphere Client and ESXCLI. These tools offer valuable insights into the boot media capacity and partition details. By using these tools, users can monitor and control the size of the system storage partitions. For instance, if the boot media has a capacity larger than 142 GB, a VMFS datastore is created automatically. However, the size of the system storage partitions can be limited using the systemMediaSize parameter during installation.

The changes in the ESXi 8.0 system storage layout come with several benefits. For one, they lead to improved storage efficiency. The new layout is designed to optimize the use of storage space through effective partition management. Additionally, it offers support for larger modules and third-party components. This flexibility allows for the integration of more complex systems and third-party software, which can play a crucial role in enhancing the performance and capabilities of the ESXi host.

Conclusion

The ESXi 8.0 system storage layout has introduced a paradigm shift in the way VMware manages its storage. The layout, now more flexible and supportive of larger modules, is designed with an eye toward future scalability and efficiency. The structure consists of four partitions, including System Boot, Boot-bank 0, Boot-bank 1, and the ESX-OSData volume. The latter has been divided into persistent and non-persistent data, providing a more organized and efficient way to store infrequently written data such as VMware Tools, configurations, and core dumps. It’s worth noting the recommendation to create separate ESX-OSData partitions on storage devices that are not shared between hosts, as this can prevent potential data loss or corruption during the transition to ESXi 8.0.

The modifications introduced in the ESXi 8.0 system storage layout have significant implications for virtual environment management. Firstly, the improved storage efficiency results in better utilization of storage resources, reducing wastage and leading to cost savings. Secondly, the new layout facilitates more effective partition management, making it easier to debug and manage configurations. This not only reduces administrative overhead but also minimizes the chances of configuration errors, leading to a more stable and reliable virtual environment. ESXi 8.0 also provides support for larger modules and third-party components, adding to the flexibility and scalability of the system.

We can say that the changes in the ESXi 8.0 system storage layout represent a significant step forward in the evolution of VMware’s virtualization technology. By making the system more scalable, flexible, and efficient, VMware has better equipped its users to meet the challenges of managing complex virtual environments.

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