Hello,   Here is a link to a PDF that covers the best practices for ESXi and EQL.  EqualLogic Best Practices ESX  en.community.dell.com/.../20434601.aspx This doc does specifically mention that the Storage Heartbeat VMKernel port is no longer needed with ESXi v5.1.  VMware patched the issue that made it neccessary.   If you add it to a 5.1 system it will do no harm.  It will take up an IP address for every node.  If you upgrade 5.0 to 5.1, you can delete it afterwards.   Here's a link from VMware that covers this issue and has links to other Dell documents which also confirm it's fixed in 5.1.  kb.vmware.com/.../search.do Regards, 
where can i find the most up to date doc regarding EQL array configuration / best practices with vmware vsphere 5.1
best practices for vsphere 5.1