Users Guide

iSCSI Optimization

This chapter describes how to configure internet small computer system interface (iSCSI) optimization, which enables quality-of-service

(QoS) treatment for iSCSI traffic. The topics covered in this chapter include:

• iSCSI Optimization

• Default iSCSI Optimization Values

• iSCSI Optimization Prerequisites

• Configuring iSCSI Optimization

• Displaying iSCSI Optimization Information

Topics:

• iSCSI Optimization Overview

• Default iSCSI Optimization Values

• iSCSI Optimization Prerequisites

• Configuring iSCSI Optimization

• Displaying iSCSI Optimization Information

• Enable and Disable iSCSI Optimization

• Synchronizing iSCSI Sessions Learned on VLT-Lags with VLT-Peer

• Monitoring iSCSI Traffic Flows

• Information Monitored in iSCSI Traffic Flows

• Detection and Auto-Configuration for Dell EqualLogic Arrays

• Configuring Detection and Ports for Dell Compellent Arrays

• Application of Quality of Service to iSCSI Traffic Flows

iSCSI Optimization Overview

iSCSI is a TCP/IP-based protocol for establishing and managing connections between IP-based storage devices and initiators in a storage

area network (SAN).

iSCSI optimization enables the network switch to auto-detect Dell’s iSCSI storage arrays and triggers a self-configuration of several key

network configurations that enables optimization of the network for better storage traffic throughput.

iSCSI optimization also provides a means of monitoring iSCSI sessions and applying quality of service (QoS) policies on iSCSI traffic. When

enabled, iSCSI optimization allows a switch to monitor (snoop) the establishment and termination of iSCSI connections. The switch uses

the snooped information to detect iSCSI sessions and connections established through the switch.

iSCSI optimization allows you to reduce deployment time and management complexity in data centers. In a data center network, Dell

EqualLogic and Compellent iSCSI storage arrays are connected to a converged Ethernet network using the data center bridging exchange

protocol (DCBx) through stacked and/or non-stacked Ethernet switches.

iSCSI session monitoring over virtual link trunking (VLT) synchronizes the iSCSI session information between the VLT peers, allowing

session information to be available in both the VLT peers. You can enable or disable iSCSI when you configure VLT.

iSCSI optimization functions as follows:

iSCSI Optimization 527