Adding VVol-enabled ESXi hosts

After VMware vSphere Virtual Volumes are enabled on the system, you need to define ESXi hosts that are enabled for Virtual Volumes on the system.

Hosts must be running ESXi version 6.0 or higher to use the Virtual Volumes function. In addition, the host must be added to the storage system, with the host-type field set to VVol. You can also enable VVols on existing hosts by changing the host type to VVol.

Using the management GUI

To create a new ESXi host that is enabled for Virtual Volumes, complete the following steps:

  1. On the management GUI, select Hosts > Hosts.
  2. Click Add Host.
  3. On the Add Host page, enter the name and settings for the host and select VVOL for the host type.
  4. Click Add Host.

To change an existing host to enable VVols, complete these steps:

  1. On the management GUI, select Hosts > Hosts.
  2. Right-click an existing host and select Properties.
  3. On the Overview tab of the Properties page, select Edit.
  4. Select VVOL for the Host Type.
  5. Click Save.

Using the command-line interface (CLI)

To add a host by using the command-line interface, complete the following step:

  1. Enter the following command:
    mkhost -name esx1 -type adminlun -fcwwpn 210100E08B251EE6:210100F08C262EE7
    where -type adminlun indicates the host that is used for Virtual Volumes management.
To change an existing host to enable VVols by using the command line, complete these steps:
  1. Enter the following command:
    chhost -name esx1 -type adminlun -fcwwpn 210100E08B251EE6:210100F08C262EE7
    where -type adminlun indicates the host that is used for Virtual Volumes management.