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 Overview

• 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

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 is disabled by default.

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 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:

• Auto-detection of EqualLogic storage arrays — the switch detects any active EqualLogic array directly

attached to its ports.

• Manual configuration to detect Compellent storage arrays where auto-detection is not supported.

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