Deploying virtual storage is a relatively complex process, involving compatibility, networking, physical disks, and more. Understanding the required task sequence is crucial for the successful deployment of virtual storage.

The operation of virtual storage includes the following tasks.

1. Confirm the number of physical nodes in the cluster. In a 2-node scenario, a witness node needs to be added. For the details, please refer to section 2.4.2.1.2 HCI Cluster with 2 Nodes.
2. Confirm the compatibility of the disk planning add to virtual storage pool. For the compatibility list please refer to this link.
3. Ensure the SSD, HDD disk’s capacity and quantity met the virtual storage pool disk heterogeneity requirements. For the detail requirements please refer to section 2.5.2.1.1 Principles of Expansion.
4. Create the HCI cluster.
5. Select the appropriate network port to complete the storage network configuration.
6. Choose to create different types of storage based on the cluster type. For an ordinary cluster, create a ordinary storage volume; for a stretch cluster, create a stretch volume.

a)Stretch Cluster:

• Function: An stretch cluster divides a storage volume into two fault domains locate in two different data center and adds a witness node in a third data center. Even if all hosts in one fault domain fail, the data in the other fault domain can still operate normally, achieving active-active business data availability.

• Host Requirements: At least 4 hosts are required, and a witness node must be configured. The role of the witness node is to ensure high availability of the cluster and resolve split-brain issues.

• Volume Type: In the HCI console, the volume type for a stretch cluster is "stretch volume".

b)Ordinary Cluster:

• Function: An ordinary cluster does not have fault domain division. All hosts are data nodes, and it cannot achieve fault tolerance at the data center level.

• Host Requirements: A ordinary cluster requires at least 2 hosts with a witness node, and a single host does not support virtual storage.

• Volume Type: In the HCI console, the volume type for a ordinary cluster is "ordinary Volume."

7. Select the physical nodes that need to be added to this virtual storage pool.
8. Select the disks that need to be added to this storage pool.
9. Waiting for the process to be completed.