A brief description of iscsi technology, Pre-setup steps – CRU RAX840-IR User Manual
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1. A Brief Description of iSCSI Technology
What is iSCSI?
iSCSI is a technology that allows a data storage device to be accessed over a TCP/IP network using
SCSI protocols. When your computer’s OS receives a request for data access, it generates a SCSI
command and then sends an IP packet across a network or direct ethernet connection. A software utility
known as an iSCSI Initiator is used to generate the SCSI commands. Such a utility must be installed on
the computer before it can access an iSCSI storage device.
What is the benefit of iSCSI?
An iSCSI storage device can be placed anywhere throughout a network, so the device can reside at a
great distance from the computer which accesses it. It is also a very fast connection when used on a
gigabit network, achieving speeds of 100MB/sec or more. The connection it uses (RJ45 – standard
ethernet port) is commonly found on desktop and laptop computers, so there is no need to purchase
potentially expensive host bus adapters to provide a connection.
What is iSCSI not?
iSCSI storage devices are not Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. They have no built-in server
capabilities and therefore cannot be accessed by more than one computer at a time. Multiple computers
can only access the data if the iSCSI device is first attached to a single computer which is then set up as
a server.
2. Pre-Setup Steps
2.1 Install iSCSI Initiator software on your computer.
This is a required step. Any
computer must have Initiator software installed before it can connect to an iSCSI device such as RAX-IR.
Both freeware and commercial software utilities are available for this purpose. Note: Initiator software is
not required for additional computers that share files with the host computer attached to RAX. In such a
scenario, the host computer acts as a server to the other computers. Only the computer directly
accessing RAX needs Initiator software.
Windows
Windows Vista and 7 already include the iSCSI software, no download is necessary.
If needed, users can download free Microsoft iSCSI Initiator software at the following URL:
Mac OS X
Studio Network Solutions makes globalSAN iSCSI initiator, a free-to-try utility for MacOS X, available
here:
ATTO Technologies also makes a commercial iSCSI Initiator for Mac:
Linux
Open-iSCSI initiator software is available for Linux users to download.
Website:
Readme: