Module 5: Storage

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Configure vSAN storage tiers for different workload profiles (performance, capacity, archive)
• Provision and manage NAS shares for file-level storage access across workloads
• Apply storage best practices for performance tuning and redundancy configuration
• Monitor storage health and respond to capacity or performance alerts

Prerequisites

• Completion of Module 1: Architecture Fundamentals — understanding of VergeFS and vSAN concepts
• Completion of Module 3: Installation — a running VergeOS cluster with disks available

Estimated Time

3 hours (1.5 hours reading + 1.5 hours lab)

VMware Bridge

VergeOS vSAN replaces VMware vSAN as the software-defined storage layer. Unlike VMware vSAN which requires a separate license and specific hardware compatibility lists, VergeOS vSAN is built into the platform and works with any standard drives. VergeFS — the underlying filesystem — functions similarly to VMFS but with inline deduplication, compression, and snapshot capabilities built in at the filesystem level rather than requiring additional configuration or products.

Nutanix Bridge

VergeOS vSAN replaces the Nutanix Distributed Storage Fabric (DSF) as the software-defined storage layer. Both pool local drives into a shared storage system, but with key architectural differences: Nutanix DSF runs inside a CVM (consuming per-node resources), while VergeFS runs natively in the OS kernel. VergeOS provides 6 configurable tiers with no automatic data movement, while Nutanix uses automatic hot/cold tiering via the ILM engine. VergeFS inline deduplication is always-on by default, while Nutanix dedup and compression are enabled per storage container.

Topics

vSAN Architecture

How VergeOS vSAN organizes physical disks into tiered storage pools, redundancy models, and the role of VergeFS.

Storage Tiers

Configuring Tier 1 (performance), Tier 2 (standard), and Tier 3–5 (archive) storage for different workload requirements.

NAS Service & Shares

Provisioning CIFS/SMB and NFS shares, remote volumes, VM export volumes, and Active Directory integration.

Snapshots & Data Protection

Snapshot architecture, quiesced snapshots, clones, snapshot profiles, site sync replication, and disaster recovery.

Storage Monitoring & Troubleshooting

vSAN diagnostics, vcmd commands, health monitoring, NAS troubleshooting, and Fibre Channel integration.

Lab: Storage Configuration

Configure vSAN tiers, provision NAS shares, and validate storage performance and redundancy.

Module Outline

1. vSAN Architecture — Physical disk organization, VergeFS fundamentals, redundancy models
2. Storage Tiers — Tier configuration, workload placement, and sizing guidance
3. NAS Service & Shares — CIFS/SMB and NFS share provisioning, remote volumes, VM export volumes, AD integration
4. Snapshots & Data Protection — Snapshot architecture, quiesced snapshots, clones, site sync, and disaster recovery
5. Storage Monitoring & Troubleshooting — vSAN diagnostics, vcmd commands, NAS troubleshooting, and Fibre Channel integration
6. Lab: Storage Configuration — Configure storage tiers, create NAS shares, and validate storage health