2.8.3 Create a Block Store VIP

Exascale uses block store virtual IP addresses (VIPs) to enable high availability and load balancing for iSCSI targets.

Each VIP is associated with an Exascale block store worker (BSW) and provides a reliable network endpoint for iSCSI initiators. Oracle recommends using four VIPs for each network on every BSW instance.

Typically, a pool of block store VIPs is created as part of the initial configuration procedure for Exascale. However, as an Exascale administrator, you may need to create other block store VIPs, most likely in response to a change in your Exascale system or network settings.

To create a block store VIP, use the ESCLI mkvolumeHAVIP command. For example:

@> mkvolumeHAVIP --attributes networkIPaddress=192.0.2.11

As shown in the example, the simplest form of the command specifies the IP address that is assigned to the block store VIP.

Using other options available with the mkvolumeHAVIP command, you can also specify the subnet mask, gateway address, and broadcast address that are associated with the VIP network.