In a VMware virtualization environment, to connect a virtual machine (VM) directly to a Logical Unit
Number (LUN) and access it from a Storage Area Network (SAN), the appropriate storage option is
Raw Device Mapping (RDM), which is also referred to as Raw Storage.
Raw Device Mapping (RDM): RDM is a feature in VMware that allows a VM to directly access and
manage a storage device. It provides a mechanism for a VM to have direct access to a LUN on the
SAN1.
LUN Accessibility: By using RDM, Elaine can map a SAN LUN directly to a VM. This allows the VM to
access the LUN at a lower level than the file system, which is necessary for certain data-intensive
operations2.
Disaster Recovery Automation: RDM can be particularly useful in disaster recovery scenarios where
direct access to the storage device is required for replication or other automation workflows1.
VMware Compatibility: RDM is compatible with VMware vSphere and is commonly used in
environments where control over the storage is managed at the VM level1.
Reference:
Connecting a VM directly to a LUN using RDM is a common practice in VMware environments,
especially when there is a need for storage operations that require more control than what is
provided by file-level storage. It is a suitable option for organizations looking to extend their storage
capacity and automate disaster recovery workflows12.