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Using the TeraStation as an iSCSI Device
Introduction
What is iSCSI?
iSCSI is an abbreviation for Internal Small Computer Systems Interface, which is a standard that capsulizes SCSI com-
mands using TCP/IP protocol for enabling data transmission over the network (LAN). If connecting by Ethernet (LAN
cable) using iSCSI, the TeraStation is recognized as a computer or server local disk.
Enables installation at any location:
The TeraStation is recognized as a local disk in the same way as external hard drives, but because it uses a network con-
nection, the TeraStation does not need to be placed near the computer or server where it is used like external hard
drives.
Enables usage as a local drive:
Because the TeraStation is recognized as a local drive, OS standard functions and applications can be used without any
changes. (The NTFS format system from Windows can also be used.)
Because the data transmission system varies when used as NAS, some applications may not be supported.
Diff erences Between NAS and iSCSI
iSCSI usage procedure:
The server creates shared folders in the iSCSI-connected drive, and the computer accesses the shared folders of the serv-
er.
• The TeraStation can be used as a local drive from Windows Server. (Access from the client is performed by passing
through the server.)
•
Access restriction functions such as ActiveDirectory available in Windows Server can be used without any changes.
•
Because access is performed in block units, usage is also possible by software such as databases that are dependant
on the format system.
NAS usage procedure:
Both the server and computer directly access the shared folders in the NAS.
•
Shared folders can be easily created and used (separate server is not needed)
•
Direct access from the client is possible in fi le units (unique format system is used (XFS))
•
Support for automatic backups using self-backup function
Examination of Network Confi guration
The use of a Gigabit (1000BASE-T) environment is recommended when using an iSCSI hard drive. As much as possible,
please consider installing a Gigabit network environment for making the connections. (Maximum performance cannot
be realized in a 100BASE-TX network environment because the line transfer rates are slow.) The transfer rates also signifi -
cantly aff ect network traffi
c. It is recommended that the connections with the TeraStation use a dedicated network (iSCSI
network) that is separate from the network adapters used for the regular LAN.
