Configuration manual

iSCSI Optimization

An Aggregator enables internet small computer system interface (iSCSI) optimization with default iSCSI

parameter settings(Default iSCSI Optimization Values) and is auto-provisioned to support:

Detection and Auto configuration for Dell EqualLogic Arrays

iSCSI Optimization: Operation

To display information on iSCSI configuration and sessions, use show commands.

iSCSI optimization enables quality-of-service (QoS) treatment for iSCSI traffic.

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 self-

configuration of several key network configurations that enables optimization of the network for better

storage traffic throughput.

iSCSI optimization provides a means of monitoring iSCSI sessions and applying 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 VLT peers.

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.

• Automatic configuration of switch ports after detection of storage arrays.

• If you configured flow-control, iSCSI uses the current configuration. If you did not configure flow-

control, iSCSI auto-configures flow control.

• iSCSI monitoring sessions — the switch monitors and tracks active iSCSI sessions in connections on

the switch, including port information and iSCSI session information.

116

iSCSI Optimization