Chapter 7: Installing the Driver and an Operating System 69

4Download the VMware ESXi5.0 Standard Software Depot (for example, vmware-ESXi-5.0.0-469512-depot.zip) and store in a temporary location on your Windows build machine. You can download the software depot from the VMware Download Center at www.vmware.com/downloads; when you start the download, be sure to choose “ESXi Offline Bundle”.

Note: You may need to provide account credentials to download the software depot from the VMware Web site.

5Insert the Adaptec Installation DVD, navigate to the Linux driver folder, then copy the Adaptec AACRAID driver binary, aacraid-esxi5.0-1.1.7.28400.zip, to a temporary location on the Windows build machine.

Note: The version string in the file name may differ from the one above.

After you copy the file, remove the Adaptec Installation DVD.

6Launch vSphere PowerCLI, then follow the steps below to create the custom boot image:

a At the PowerCLI prompt, add the VMware Image Builder snap-in by running the following cmdlet:

#Add-PSSnapIn VMware.ImageBuilder

Note: You will see a message if the Image Builder snap-in is already installed. You can ignore this message.

Note: Continue using PowerCLI in Steps 6b through 6j.

bAdd the VMware ESXi5.0 Software Depots:

# Add-EsxSoftwareDepot C:\ESXi5.0-PMC-CustomISO\vmware-ESXi-5.0.0-469512- depot.zip

where C:\ESXi5.0-PMC-CustomISO is the temporary folder on your build machine where the software depot is stored.

cAdd the AACRAID driver binary as a software depot:

#Add-EsxSoftwareDepot C:\ESXi5.0-PMC-CustomISO\aacraid-esxi5.0- 1.1.7.28400.zip

where C:\ESXi5.0-PMC-CustomISO is the temporary folder on your build machine where the software depot is stored.

dVerify that the software depots are added:

#$DefaultSoftwareDepots

eList ESX Image Profiles:

#Get-EsxImageProfile

You should see a display like this:

ESXi-5.0.0-469512-no-tools

ESXi-5.0.0-469512-standard

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Adaptec 2268300R manual Add the VMware ESXi5.0 Software Depots

2268300R specifications

The Adaptec 2268300R is a robust and versatile RAID controller designed for enterprise-level storage needs. Ideal for environments demanding high availability, performance, and data protection, this controller provides organizations with the ability to manage large volumes of data while ensuring reliability.

One of the standout features of the Adaptec 2268300R is its support for various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. This flexibility allows users to choose the configuration that best suits their performance and redundancy requirements. By combining multiple drives into a single logical unit, the controller enhances data throughput and ensures data safety through redundancy.

The controller is built on a SATA and SAS architecture, allowing it to connect directly to both SATA and SAS drives. This broad compatibility is crucial for businesses looking to leverage existing hardware while also scaling their storage infrastructure. The Adaptec 2268300R is equipped with a powerful onboard processor that significantly boosts performance, driving down latency and increasing transaction speeds across connected drives.

Additionally, the Adaptec 2268300R features cache memory with a non-volatile option that enhances data integrity during unexpected power outages. This feature is essential for mission-critical applications where data loss can have severe repercussions. Moreover, the controller supports advanced caching algorithms, optimizing write and read performance to meet the demands of modern applications.

The controller also integrates seamlessly with Adaptec's management suite, providing users with a graphical interface to monitor and manage their storage solutions effectively. The web-based management tool allows administrators to configure RAID settings, monitor disk health, and perform troubleshooting, all from a centralized platform.

Security is another critical aspect of the Adaptec 2268300R. The controller comes equipped with encryption capabilities, enabling users to secure sensitive data at rest—protecting information from unauthorized access. Furthermore, with features like hot-spare drive support and automatic rebuilds, the controller assures continued operation even in the event of a disk failure.

In conclusion, the Adaptec 2268300R is a powerful RAID controller that delivers significant advantages in performance, flexibility, and reliability. With its support for multiple RAID levels, SAS and SATA compatibility, robust caching, and advanced management tools, it stands out as an ideal solution for businesses needing to safeguard and manage their vast data assets efficiently. Whether for enhancing data security or optimizing storage performance, the Adaptec 2268300R remains a sound choice in today’s data-driven landscape.