Is the "Auto Configure" Option Recommended for CSVs in a Multi-Node Failover Cluster?

Cem Iscen 20 Reputation points
2024-12-04T06:25:09.0333333+00:00

Hi everyone,

I’m working with iSCSI LUNs that will be used as Cluster Shared Volumes (CSVs) in a multi-node Hyper-V cluster. In the iSCSI Initiator settings, under the Volumes and Devices tab, there’s an "Auto Configure" option to automatically bind discovered volumes to the OS.

Is using Auto Configure in this setup recommended? Specifically:

  1. Could it cause issues with disk ownership or interfere with the cluster-aware storage stack?
  2. Will enabling it on one node affect failover functionality or create conflicts in a cluster environment?
  3. If Auto Configure is not clicked or enabled, could enabling it later on a new or existing node for the available volumes cause any impact?

Any insights, best practices, or references to official documentation would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

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A Windows technology providing a hypervisor-based virtualization solution enabling customers to consolidate workloads onto a single server.
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Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Storage: The hardware and software system used to retain data for subsequent retrieval.
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Accepted answer
  1. Ian Xue 38,731 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-12-05T02:28:25.9533333+00:00

    Hi Cem,

    Thanks for your post. Generally speaking, this function is to automatically configure all available devices when setting up Microsoft iSCSI Initiator with Microsoft iSCSI Software Target. Once this is done, one can go into Windows Disk Management and see the volume attached as one would if a drive was directly connected into the machine. From this point forward, one can use the device as though it is a standard drive when it comes to formatting.

    1.Could it cause issues with disk ownership or interfere with the cluster-aware storage stack?

    A: We haven’t received any errors that this function will cause the disk ownership or interfere with the cluster-aware storage stack.

    1. Will enabling it on one node affect failover functionality or create conflicts in a cluster environment?

    A:No, this function just for quick connection when setting up Microsoft iSCSI Initiator with Microsoft iSCSI Software Target.

    3.If Auto Configure is not clicked or enabled, could enabling it later on a new or existing node for the available volumes cause any impact?

    A: When you re-configure the iSCSI Initiator, you can enabling it again

     

     

    Best Regards,

    Ian Xue


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