CRU RAX840-IR User Manual
RAX™840-IR Quick Start
Guide
Revised March 3, 2012
This guide covers the essentials for getting your product up and running. For more comprehensive
technical information, see the full User Manual, available for download at cru-dataport.com.
Table of Contents
1. About iSCSI Technology 2
2. Pre-Setup Steps 2
2.1 iSCSI Initiator software 2
2.2 RAX-IR accessories 3
2.3 Hard Drive Installation 3
2.4 Tips for Rack Mounting RAX 3
3. Setting up Your RAX 3
3.1 Connecting to your network (or computer) for configuration 3
3.2 Using a web browser to access the GUI 3
3.3 Using the GUI to configure the RAID. 5
3.4 Manually Creating a Usable RAID Set
3.5 Manually Creating a Virtual Disk 7
3.6 Manually Attaching a Logical Unit 8
3.7 Quick Installation 8
3.8 Connecting to your network (or computer) for data access 9
3.9 Accessing RAX Using iSCSI Initiator Software 9
3.10 Creating volumes over 2TB in size 9
4. Usage with Mac and Windows Operating Systems
5. Warnings and Notices
6. Technical Specifications
5
10
12
13
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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:
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=18986
Mac OS X
Studio Network Solutions makes globalSAN iSCSI initiator, a free-to-try utility for MacOS X, available
here:
http://www.studionetworksolutions.com/support/faq.php?pi=11&fi=51
ATTO Technologies also makes a commercial iSCSI Initiator for Mac: http://www.attotech.com/xtend.html
Linux
Open-iSCSI initiator software is available for Linux users to download.
Website: http://www.open-iscsi.org/
Readme: http://www.open-iscsi.org/docs/README
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2.2 Check the accessories with your RAX-IR. Please contact CRU if any parts are missing or
damaged. The box should contain the following items:
Accessories Quantity
Ethernet Cables 2
Power Cables 2
Packet of Keys 1
Manual and Warranty Info 1
2.3 Hard Drive Installation
a) Pull the ejection handle on the TrayFree
bay to open the bay door.
b) Insert a bare SATA hard drive into the bay.
Make sure it is label-side to the left with the
SATA connection on the drive inserted first.
c) Shut the bay door.
d) You can optionally secure each bay door. Doing so is not necessary to operate RAX.
NOTE: If any of the drives are inaccessible after
powering on the unit, try the following steps:
1. Turn off the power.
2. Remove the drive(s) in question.
3. Reinsert the drive(s).
4. Turn on the power.
Insert an RAX Key into its key lock and turn it 90 degrees clockwise.
2.4 Tips for mounting RAX840-IR
Use a support system to mount the unit. RAX840-IR requires slide rails or other support
system to be rack-mounted. The front mounting brackets will not allow the unit to be mounted
without additional support.
Operating temperature: Ensure that the unit is mounted in a room that is kept below 40° C (104°
F) and that the unit receives proper air flow.
Make sure that the unit is level before securing it into place.
Connections: Do not overload the supply circuit when connecting the equipment and ensure that
the unit is properly grounded.
3. Setting up Your RAX
The steps below explain how to get your RAX ready to use. If you purchased your RAX pre-configured,
you may skip step 3.
3.1 Connecting RAX to your network (or computer) for configuration.
a) Plug an ethernet cable into the “Config GUI” port on the rear of RAX.
b) Connect the other end of the ethernet cable to your network. Usually, this means plugging it
into a router or hub. In an office environment, you may have a network jack built into your office
wall. If a network connection is not available, you can connect the ethernet cable directly to an RJ45
(ethernet) port on your computer.
c) Connect the power cables to the rear of the RAX and to a grounded electrical outlet.
d) Turn on the RAX unit’s power using the switches on the rear panel and on the front of the unit..
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3.2 Using a web browser to access the GUI (Graphical User Interface).
3.2.1 If you are connected to a DHCP-enabled
network
On DHCP networks, a new IP address is dynamically
assigned to RAX’s Config GUI port as soon as the
network detects it. You can determine this address by
checking the LCD interface on the front of RAX. It will
appear in this format: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx. Simply type this
IP address into a web browser on your computer. This will access RAX’s GUI, which you will use to
configure the unit.
3.2.2 If you are connected to a static network
a) Check your computer’s IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. Mac users can find this information in
System Preferences Network.
To do this in Windows, open Network and Sharing Center in the Control Panel (Also called “View Network
Status and Tasks” under the “Network and Internet” category). On the left pane, select “Change adapter
settings”. Right-click on your network (likely called Local Area Connection) and select Properties. On the
new window that opens, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click the Properties button.
Your computer’s IP address, subnet mask, and gateway will be displayed.
b) On the RAX LCD interface, press ENT and then scroll up or down to Change IP Setting. Press ENT.
Not sure what type of network you
have? If the IP address displayed on the
LCD starts with 169.254 this indicates
that the network is probably not DHCPenabled. Use the instructions for a static
network.
c) Scroll up or down to find Static. Press ENT.
d) Change the IP address to closely match what your computer is using. Or, if you are on a business
network, have your IT administrator assign you an IP address. The IP address you select must NOT be in
use by another device.
For example, if your computer's IP address is 192.168.0.9, you might change the RAX’s IP to
192.168.0.7. On smaller networks, each of the first three octets must be the identical to your
computer’s IP address! When changing the IP address you'll notice that a box flashes over the digit to
be changed. While the digit is selected, press ▲ (Up) or ▼ (Down) to change it. Press ENT to move to
the next digit.
e) After the IP address is set, enter the subnet mask address exactly as it is shown on your computer’s
TCP/IP settings.
f) Next, enter the gateway address exactly as it is shown on your computer’s TCP/IP settings.
g) Confirm the settings change. To confirm, press ▲ (Up) for “yes” and then press ENT again.
h) Type the RAX’s new IP address into a web browser on your computer. This will access the RAX’s GUI,
which you will use to configure the unit.
3.2.3 If you are connected directly to a computer
The instructions are similar to those for a static network (see paragraph above), except that your
computer will not have IP address assigned if it’s not a part of a network. Since the RAX and your
computer must have similar IP addresses, you will assign an IP address to your computer based on the
default IP address of RAX.
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