iSCSI
DNF's iSCSI Products utilize the IP Protocol to enable block level storage cost-effectively.
iSCSI INTRODUCTION
iSCSI combines the flexible nature of IP networks with the block-level performance of fibre-attached storage to create an innovative class of IP SAN solutions. iSCSI is used to facilitate data transfers over intranets and to manage storage across long distances. The iSCSI protocol is among the key technologies expected to help bring about rapid development in the networked storage market, by increasing the capabilities and performance of data transmission. With DNF’s flexible IPBank solutions powered by DynamiX, administration, management and expansion are painless and allow small to medium businesses, workgroups, enterprises and other organizations to consolidate storage without investing in dedicated fibre channel networks or settling for the file-level sharing of NAS systems. IPBank Solutions are available in a variety of configurations based on RAID Certified serial ATA, SCSI, and fibre channel storage, allowing customers to choose between near-line storage applications, high performance configurations, and standard on-line storage configurations.
With hardware and software-based iSCSI initiators available for the major operating systems, and the built-in iSCSI support for Windows, creating an IP SAN has never been easier. On the host machines, iSCSI disks appear as a local volume; each volume can be shared based on read/write preferences set in the iSCSI management application.
iSCSI’s open and flexible nature allows it to integrate in a variety of environments, helps leverage existing IT infrastructure, and even breathes new life into existing storage resources. For example, existing fibre channel storage can be connected to iSCSI appliances, and this storage can be pooled over IP to machines not directly connected to the fibre infrastructure, allowing connections to remote sites as well as branch offices. Initial iSCSI deployments are targeted at small to medium-sized businesses, departmental workgroups or larger enterprises that are not locked into a Fibre Channel SAN environment. iSCSI is an affordable way to create short-haul or long-haul IP SANs from a number of direct-attached storage devices. In a datacenter, fibre channel SANs can connect directly with iSCSI SANs via iSCSI-to-Fibre Channel storage routers and switches.
By leveraging IP networks, implementation costs are lower than building a dedicated fibre infrastructure from scratch. iSCSI SANs can be deployed within LAN, MAN, or WAN environments. Cost savings are significant in any iSCSI SAN deployment, since the iSCSI SAN infrastructure relies on standard Gigabit Ethernet switches and/or IP routers. Ultimately, the ability to use existing network resources, support and administration with an iSCSI deployment reduces TCO.
With the growing demand and complexity of iSCSI implementations, Dynamic Network Factory specializes in creating custom solutions that meet the requirements of each individual situation. We can configure a product that is relevant to your exact needs, ranging from centralized backup solutions to disaster recovery, or high-performance application-specific storage. For more info call 800.947.4742 x210 or have us Contact You.
