User's Manual

7
2 Features
2.1 What is iSCSI?
iSCSI (internet SCSI) is a protocol that encapsulates SCSI (Small Computer System
Interface) commands and data in TCP/IP packets for linking storage devices with
servers over common IP infrastructures. By using iSCSI, you can supply high
performance SANs (Storage Area Networks) using standard IP networks like LAN,
MAN, WAN or the Internet.
iSCSI solutions are based on a separate operating system and often also on a special
hardware. Typically, this operating system allows operating iSCSI technology.
iSCSI solutions allow users to add additional disk devices to existing networks quickly,
easily, and cost-efficiently.
iSCSI is a client-server architecture. Clients of an iSCSI interface are called "initiators".
Initiators issue iSCSI "commands" to request services from components, logical units,
of a server known as a "target". The "device server" on the logical unit accepts iSCSI
commands and processes them.
2.2 Description of the functions
Open-E iSCSI is one of the easiest ways of implementing an iSCSI technology in your
network. Through its simple architecture; it is a flash memory with an IDE interface and
Open-E iSCSi as its operating system, Open-E iSCSI can be used with all x86 PCs
containing an IDE controller. Older computers may also be used.
To begin working with Open-E iSCSI, all you need to do is to assign an IP address to
the iSCSI Target, either automatically through an existing DHCP server or by assigning
it manually. All other settings are handled via a web front-end, which can be easily
accessed through the IP address of Open-E iSCSI using the encrypted https protocol.
Open-E iSCSI allows users of client stations to delegate disk devices and aggregation
and form iSCSI Targets and their local mounting from any site in the network.
2.3 Why Open-E iSCSI?
Often, storage in network environments is expanded the following way: File servers
have to be shut down in order to install additional drives. In the next step, they need to
be reconfigured. It is tedious work data often has to be copied manually onto larger
drives, consuming a lot of time and money.
With Open-E iSCSI, you can:
• Consolidated storage and backups for multiple servers.
• Improve data availability and efficiency.