Oracle Linux-Specific Considerations

Linux

Audience
Public
Product
FlashBlade
FlashArray
Technology Integrations
Linux
Source Type
Documentation

Why Oracle Linux for iSCSI Storage?

Key advantages:

  • Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK): Optimized for performance and latest features

  • Ksplice: Zero-downtime kernel updates (no reboots required)

  • RHEL Compatibility: Binary compatible with RHEL

  • Oracle Support: Enterprise-grade support for Oracle workloads

  • Free to use: No subscription required for updates

Distribution Versions

Recommended versions:

  • Oracle Linux 8: Stable, long-term support

  • Oracle Linux 9: Latest features, recommended for new deployments

Check version:

cat /etc/oracle-release

Package Management

Update system:

# Update all packages
sudo dnf update -y

# Enable Oracle Linux repositories
sudo dnf config-manager --enable ol8_baseos_latest ol8_appstream
# Or for OL9:
sudo dnf config-manager --enable ol9_baseos_latest ol9_appstream

Essential packages:

# Core iSCSI and multipath tools
sudo dnf install -y \
    iscsi-initiator-utils \
    device-mapper-multipath \
    lvm2 \
    sg3_utils

# Performance monitoring tools
sudo dnf install -y \
    sysstat \
    iotop \
    iftop \
    htop \
    perf

# Network tools
sudo dnf install -y \
    NetworkManager \
    NetworkManager-tui \
    ethtool \
    iproute \
    iputils \
    bind-utils

# Oracle-specific tools
sudo dnf install -y \
    oracle-epel-release-el8 \
    tuned \
    tuned-utils

# Ksplice (requires Oracle Linux support subscription)
# sudo dnf install -y uptrack

Verify installation:

# Check iSCSI initiator
iscsiadm --version

# Check multipath
multipath -ll

# Check services
systemctl status iscsid
systemctl status multipathd