A network share accesses data at the file level (SMB, NFS, or AFP), which is ideal for sharing data among multiple workstations. However, certain working environments require faster transfer rates than file level access can provide. To meet these demands, your LaCie NAS supports the creation of iSCSI targets (Internet Small Computer System Interface). As opposed to network shares, iSCSI targets offer enhanced performance by accessing data at the block level. The NAS can also experience lower demand on its CPU when iSCSI is employed since the data is written directly to the volume. Shares that read and write data at the file level require more processing due to IP and networking protocols.
In addition to requiring faster transfer rates, many professional applications are optimized for use with local storage. Potential compatibility issues with standard network volumes include sharing data and network file formats. Therefore, LaCie NAS iSCSI targets mount on a workstation as local volumes. A workstation that connects to an iSCSI target is called an iSCSI initiator.
The iSCSI initiator must format the LaCie NAS's iSCSI target in a non-network file system, such as NTFS, HFS+, or FAT32. For example, an administrator allocates all or a portion of a RAID volume (RAID 1, RAID 5, SimplyRAID, etc.) to an iSCSI target. A workstation on the same network as the LaCie NAS becomes an iSCSI initiator. Therefore, upon first mounting the iSCSI target, the iSCSI initiator is prompted to format the disk, as would happen with standard local storage (direct-attached storage, or DAS).
An administrator can allocate up to 8TB to an iSCSI target.
The performance offered by an iSCSI target is ideal for applications that use larger files, such as graphics, photos, and video or, multiple small files in quick succession, as found with professional audio programs. It is possible to boost performance even higher by:
For further information on RAID configurations, go to 5big NAS Pro: About RAID Modes. See Network for details on bonding.
In general, an iSCSI target is meant to be used by a single iSCSI initiator. Once the iSCSI initiator disconnects from the iSCSI target, another initiator on the network can connect to it.
Advanced SAN clusters can be configured to manage multiple iSCSI targets and share them among workstations on the network. When adding a LaCie NAS iSCSI target to a SAN cluster, the administrator should choose Multiple sessions in the iSCSI target's advanced parameters.
Unless it is properly administered by a SAN cluster, sharing iSCSI targets can lead to high levels of corrupted data.
Follow the directions below to create an iSCSI target:
The Storage page provides the iSCSI target status:
Choose the i tooltip next to the green circle to view the IP address of the workstation that has connected to the iSCSI target.
Advanced parameters for an iSCSI target may be changed following its creation.
To review the definitions of the parameters, see Create an iSCSI target.
IQN stands for iSCSI Qualified Name. The IQN field represents the:
The Option window allows you to revise the prefix for the naming authority.
A workstation on the network can connect to the LaCie NAS's iSCSI target by acting as an iSCSI initiator. While it is not possible to list the directions on how to become an iSCSI initiator for every operating system or third-party application, you should note the following:
The steps below demonstrate a single connection to an iSCSI target using a Windows 7 workstation as the initiator. For the example, a CHAP has been configured on the iSCSI target only. Configurations will vary but you can review the instructions below and make adjustments for your operating system and network.
The iSCSI target will appear in Computer/My Computer as a local disk.
A LaCie NAS iSCSI target can be managed by a server that supports the Internet Storage Name Service (iSNS). Certain iterations of Windows Server include the iSNS feature. A server that supports iSNS can manage multiple iSCSI targets on the network, thus saving time for each iSCSI initiator. For example, rather than searching the network for an iSCSI target, the initiator can look for a connection in a single location, the iSNS server. The iSNS server keeps tabs on all the iSCSI targets on the network, thus allowing the initiator to connect to one that is available.
Configure iSNS on your network server then review the instructions below to add your LaCie NAS iSCSI target.
Enable iSNS server and enter its IP address:
The steps below demonstrate a single connection to an iSNS server using a Windows 7 workstation as the initiator. Configurations will vary but you can review the instructions below and make adjustments for your operating system and network.