Connection to iSCSI target fails due to network failure
Article ID: 334242
Updated On:
Products
Issue/Introduction
Summary
When you attempt to connect to a configured iSCSI storage target array, the iSCSI initiator is unable to establish a connection to the target.
Example
- An error event similar to this is displayed:
Login to iSCSI target iqn.2001-10.com.emc.cx.apm000500006006.a1 on vmhba40 failed. The iSCSI initiator could not establish a network connection to the target.
- In the vobd.log file, located at /var/log, you see the error:
iscsiCorrelator] 535636694us: [vob.iscsi.target.connect.error] vmhba33 @ vmk2 failed to login to iqn.1992-08.com.netapp:sn.151696808:vf.23fc0bc3-addf-11e2-a25d-123478563412 because of a network connection failure.
[iscsiCorrelator] 535637125us: [esx.problem.storage.iscsi.target.connect.error] Login to iSCSI target iqn.1992-08.com.netapp:sn.151696808:vf.23fc0bc3-addf-11e2-a25d-123478563412 on vmhba33 @ vmk2 failed. The iSCSI initiator could not establish a network connection to the target.
Impact
The expected iSCSI storage volumes and their associated VMFS datastores are not displayed or mounted. VMFS virtual machines on these datastores do not start or appear missing.
Environment
VMware vSphere ESXi 6.x
VMware vSphere ESXi 7.x
VMware vSphere ESXi 8.x
Resolution
To resolve connectivity errors:
- Verify if the iSCSI initiator configuration is correct.
- Verify if the array is operational/certified. To verify if the array is compatible, see the VMware Compatibility Guide.
- Verify and ensure that the storage device has a default gateway defined and the array can ping the host.
- Verify if you are able to ping or vmkping the array.
- Verify end-to-end connectivity for MTU in use (regular, Jumbo frames). See Troubleshooting ESXi connectivity to iSCSI arrays using software initiators.
- If port binding is enabled, verify if the configuration is correct and try unbinding and binding vmkernel port. For example, the IP address of the storage array and port bound vmknic IP address MUST both be on the same subnet. For more information refer, Considerations for using software iSCSI port binding in ESX/ESXi (2038869).
Feedback
