EonStor DS B12/B24 Series
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iSCSI-Host RAID Connections
Ethernet cable requirements:
Ethernet cables are user-supplied. Cat5e shielded STP type network
cables or better performance types (important for meeting the
requirements imposed by emission standards).
Straight-through Ethernet cables with RJ-45 plugs.
Use of cross-over cables can also be automatically detected and
re-routed for a valid connection.
Connection types:
Directly to iSCSI initiators (software or hardware) or via Gigabit
Ethernet switches.
To servers equipped with iSCSI HBA – preferably a hardware TOE
(TCP/IP Offload Engine) card, and then to client stations with an
Ethernet NIC or iSCSI HBA.
The system presents its logical volumes through SCSI-like IDs and
LUNs. These RAID volumes then appear as iSCSI targets through the
network.
NOTE
Even though iSCSI initiator software is a cost-effective way of building an
iSCSI SAN, software initiator adds additional workload to the server CPU. It is
recommended to apply iSCSI HBAs that come with TCP/IP offload engines in
order to reduce overhead.
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Network & Host Connection Topologies
The iSCSI host ports connect to Ethernet network devices and iSCSI initiators
that comply with the IETF iSCSI standard (RFC 3720). Network connection of
the iSCSI ports is flexible. The use of network connecting devices, subnet,
Name Servers, or iSCSI management software can vary from case to case. In
the following sections, configuration diagrams will be provided to illustrate the
possible uses of the EonStor DS system in an iSCSI network.
