Re: How best configure ether-channel ports for use with iSCSI?

So in summary I want to utilise four nics for storage and not lose bandwidth I currenlty have using the ether-channel. If I can work it another way without the use of ether-channels I am happy to review.

First, let me squash the myth that an EtherChannel gives you extra bandwidth for iSCSI. Each iSCSI initiator can only use one uplink to an iSCSI target because vSphere is limited to an "IP Hash". Since the source and destination IPs are always the same, the hash is always the same.

I've written about it here in my post "Seriously, Stop Using Port Channels for vSphere Storage Traffic":

http://wahlnetwork.com/2013/03/05/stop-using-port-channels-to-vsphere-hosts/

I recommend using vmkernel port binding. It is available in 4.1 but not via the GUI.

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-4-esx-vcenter/topic/com.vmware.vsphere.config_iscsi.doc_40/esx_san_config/configuring_iscsi/t_connect_software_iscsi_initiators_to_iscsi_vmkernel_ports.html