User`s guide

XStack Storage User’s Guide 17
1.3 Benefits
The XStack Storage line provides a range of benefits that stem from the ability to use familiar,
proven, and widespread networking technologies like IP and Ethernet for storage solutions.
One of the XStack Storage controller’s major benefits is that it is based upon the iSCSI standard
that uses the same Ethernet 802.3 frame format, access control, full-duplex and flow control
technologies already in place in most companies. iSCSI (Internet SCSI) is simply the encapsulation
of SCSI hard drive commands in IP packets which are then passed by means of an Ethernet network
between a server’s iSCSI initiator program and the xStack Storage target. As a result, companies
can effectively leverage their existing Ethernet equipment to upgrade their LANs seamlessly and
painlessly. Equally important, companies can also leverage their existing knowledge base to
install, deploy, and manage XStack Storage-based storage networks. By delivering Ethernet
economics to storage, the XStack Storage product line enables a lower total cost of ownership. It
also empowers companies to rapidly deploy storage for new business applications using
technologies that they already know and trust.
The XStack storage unit can be placed anywhere on the company’s Ethernet LAN (Local Area
Network) backbone, but it is recommended that a dedicated SAN (Storage Area Network) be
created to isolate the high network traffic generated between file servers and the XStack Storage
unit. The proven transport infrastructure provided by Ethernet makes for increased reliability.
Investment protection and reduced training costs follow naturally by using existing network and
storage expertise and a common technology infrastructure.
The XStack Storage unit is suited for scalability over long distances and makes it ideal for remote
data replication and disaster recovery. With 1 GbE and 10 GbE models, the XStack Storage line
provides an easy transition to faster Ethernet connectivity, protecting your current and future
investments.