Dell PowerVault 700N User Manual
Dell™ PowerVault™
Network Attached Storage
(NAS) Solution
iSCSI Deployment Guide
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of
your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if
instructions are not followed.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal
injury, or death.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
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May 2009 Rev. A00
Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Terms and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Before Setting Up the PowerVault Storage Solution as
an iSCSI Target
2 Setup Steps for Initiator-Target
Connection
PowerVault Storage System
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
iSCSI
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
iSNS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Best Practices for Setting Up the iSCSI Storage
Area Network
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Pre-Requisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Method 1 (Discovery Using Target Portals)
Configuring the Initiator (Host)
. . . . . . . 13
. . . . . . . . . . . 14
Configuring iSCSI Connection With the PowerVault
NAS Storage System
Creating the Target
Creating a Virtual Disk
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Log on - Configuring the Initiator-Target Connection
From Initiator (Host)
Method 2 (Discovery Using iSNS Server)
Pre-Requisites
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
. . . . . . . . 18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Configuring Settings From the Initiator
. . . . . . 18
Contents 3
3 Target Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Setting Up Target IP Addresses in the PowerVault™
NAS Storage Solution
Configuring Microsoft
Configuring iSCSI LUNs
Multiple Sessions
iSCSI Snapshots
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
®
iSCSI Software Targets . . 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Disconnecting/Cleaning Up iSCSI Devices
From Initiator
From Target
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
. . . . . . . 32
4 Configuring Secured iSCSI Connections
Using Challenge-Handshake
Authentication Protocol
CHAP vs IPSec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
One-Way CHAP Authentication
iSCSI Target Settings
iSCSI Initiator Settings
Mutual CHAP Authentication
Initiator Settings
Target Settings
Initiator Settings Continued
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
A Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
4 Contents
Initiator Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
General Tab
Discovery Tab
Targets Tab
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Advanced Configuration Details . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Enabling Multi-Path on the Initiator
Using the Advanced Option
. . . . . . . . 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Verifying the Properties of the Targets that
are Connected
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Installing and Configuring iSNS Server
Configuring the iSNS Server
. . . . . . . . . 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Best Practices for Efficient Storage Management
Storage Manager for SANs
LUN Management for iSCSI Subsystems
Known Issues
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . 50
. . . . . . 50
. . . 50
Contents 5
6 Contents
Introduction
This document provides information about configuring the
Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) Software Target on the
Dell™ PowerVault™ storage system as a block storage device.
iSCSI is a useful and relatively inexpensive way to provide storage for new
applications or to provide a network pool of storage for existing applications.
Dell and its storage partners provide a variety of storage solutions that can be
implemented easily. This document allows administrators and IT managers to
explore iSCSI technology and see actual deployment examples.
The following topics are discussed in the document:
• Quick install steps—Provides instructions about creating an iSCSI Target
and establishing connection with a Microsoft
• End-to-end iSCSI configuration:
– Detailed instructions on installing and configuring the Microsoft
iSCSI Initiator software and the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target
– Configuring the Initiator-Target connections
• Setting up secure iSCSI connections
• Microsoft iSNS server and other advanced configuration details
NOTE: In this document the iSCSI Initiator is referred to as the Initiator and the
iSCSI Software Target is referred to as the Target.
®
iSCSI Initiator
Introduction 7
Terms and Definitions
The following sections describe the terms used in this document.
PowerVault Storage System
Throughout this document, the term PowerVault storage system refers to the
individual storage unit. The term PowerVault storage solution refers to the
configuration of the server separately or together with the storage arrays.
iSCSI
iSCSI is a standard that carries SCSI commands through Transfer Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)—a protocol that enables transport of
block data over IP networks, without the need for a specialized network
infrastructure, such as Fibre Channel.
In the context of system storage, iSCSI enables any client/machine (Initiator)
on an IP network to contact a remote dedicated server (Target) and perform
block I/O on it just as it would perform on a local hard disk.
iSNS
Microsoft iSCSI Internet Storage Name Service (iSNS) is a service that
processes iSNS registrations, deregistrations, and queries through TCP/IP from
iSNS clients and also maintains a database of these registrations (similar to a
DNS server). A common use for Microsoft iSNS server is to allow iSNS clients
(Initiators and Targets) to register themselves and to query for other registered
iSNS clients. Registrations and queries are transacted remotely over TCP/IP.
You can download and install the iSNS server from the Microsoft Support
website at support.microsoft.com on a separate server that does not have
Microsoft iSCSI Initiator or Target installed.
NOTE: For details about installing and configuring the iSNS server, see "Appendix"
on page 39.
8 Introduction
Before Setting Up the PowerVault Storage Solution as an iSCSI Target
Before you set up your storage solution as an iSCSI Target, read this section
completely. You must consider features such as Ethernet settings and security
settings for iSCSI Targets.
Best Practices for Setting Up the iSCSI Storage Area Network
Table 1-1 provides information about configuring NICs (on Target) in
different models of iSCSI networks.
• You can configure redundant paths on Initiator (hosts). Microsoft
Multipath I/O (MPIO) is supported with Initiator version of 2.06 or later.
• You require two dedicated iSCSI NICs on the Target and Initiator for
efficient MPIO connection in the PowerVault storage solution.
• iSCSI NIC teaming is not supported.
• You can configure Initiators with one or two dedicated NICs for iSCSI
based on your requirement.
NOTE: Table 1-1 provides information about the iSCSI Target NIC
configuration. The optimal connection information is also provided as options.
You can configure the iSCSI NICs according to your network requirements.
Table 1-1. Using a Single PowerVault Storage Solution as a Target
Number of NICs Details Refer to Figure
4 NIC-1 and NIC-2 - Teamed NICs for public
network
NIC-3 - iSCSI dedicated traffic (subnet A)
NIC-4 - iSCSI dedicated traffic (subnet B)
3
NOTE: Use this
configuration if iSCSI
traffic has more
priority than file traffic.
NIC-1 - NIC for public Network
NIC-2 - iSCSI dedicated traffic (subnet A)
NIC-3 - iSCSI dedicated traffic (subnet B)
Figure 1-1
Figure 1-2
Introduction 9
• It is a good practice to have two ports dedicated for iSCSI. Configure each
NIC (or ports if you have a multiport NIC) on a separate subnet.
• Secured iSCSI is possible with Challenge-Handshake Authentication
Protocol (CHAP). For more information about CHAP settings, see
"Configuring Secured iSCSI Connections Using Challenge-Handshake
Authentication Protocol" on page 35.
Table 1-2. Worksheet
Options Host IP Target IP
iSCSI
NIC 1
NIC 2
NIC 3
NIC 4
Public
Other
iSCSI
Public
Other
iSCSI
Public
Other
iSCSI
Public
Other
NOTE: IQNs are the standard naming convention for identifying Targets and
Initiators and it is recommended that you use IQN as the identifier whenever
possible.
NOTE: It is recommended that you configure dedicated iSCSI NICs on
separate subnets and not on the public network.
10 Introduction
Figure 1-1. Redundant iSCSI Paths and NIC Teaming for Data Sharing With Four NICs
public network
optional iSNS
server
NOTE: For a detailed configuration of the iSCSI Target, see "Target Details" on
page 21.
host
(Initiator)
switch switch
PowerVault storage
system with NIC Teaming
for File sharing
public network
NIC Teaming
dedicated iSCSI
traffic
optional iSNS
server
Introduction 11
Figure 1-2. Redundant iSCSI Paths With Three NICs
public network
host (Initiator)
public network
iSCSI traffic
switch
PowerVault storage
system
optional iSNS
server
NOTE: For a detailed configuration of the iSCSI Target, see "Target Details" on
page 21.
switch
optional iSNS
server
12 Introduction
Setup Steps for Initiator-Target Connection
This section provides step-by-step instructions to set up an iSCSI Target and
establish connection from an Initiator. It is assumed that the user is familiar
with the following:
• Operations of iSCSI protocol
• iSCSI Initiator-Target connection information
®
• Install and setup of Microsoft
Target, and Microsoft iSNS server
Pre-Requisites
Before you set up the iSCSI Target, ensure that you perform the following steps:
1
Download the latest Microsoft iSCSI Initiator software from Microsoft
support website at
2
Install MS Software iSCSI Target on your storage system from the CD
provided.
3
Configure and assign the IP addresses for iSCSI network using the
"Worksheet" on page 10.
Before configuring iSCSI Targets, ensure that you perform the following tasks:
1
Create a few LUNs and reserve storage space to create virtual disks for
iSCSI Targets.
2
Right-click
NICs for iSCSI traffic (see Figure 3-1 "Creating iSCSI Targets" on page 23).
iSCSI Target
support.microsoft.com
iSCSI Initiator, Microsoft Software iSCSI
and install the Initiator (Host).
and select
Properties
to configure dedicated iSCSI
Method 1 (Discovery Using Target Portals)
To perform Target discovery, enter the IP address of one of the NICs of the
PowerVault storage system that is configured for iSCSI traffic in the Initiator
and thereby enabling the Initiator to discover all Targets of this Target server.
Setup Steps for Initiator-Target Connection 13
The following steps guide you through setting up an iSCSI Target and
establishing connection from an Initiator.
Configuring the Initiator (Host)
Log on from
Initiator setup Target setup
Initiator
Configure the Microsoft iSCSI Initiator with the IP address of the Target
server's information. To configure the Initiator:
1
Go to the system that has Microsoft iSCSI Initiator installed.
2
Click
Start→
Properties
3
Select
4
Add the IP address of one of the NICs on the PowerVault storage system
Programs→
→ Discovery
Add portal
Microsoft iSCSI Initiator→
iSCSI Initiator
tab.
.
that is configured for iSCSI traffic (see Figure 1-1).
5
Click OK.
Configuring iSCSI Connection With the PowerVault NAS Storage System
Initiator setup
Target setup
Creating the Target
1
From the PowerVault NAS appliance, select
Storage→
2
Select
MS Software Target
.
Microsoft iSCSI Software Target
The following options are displayed—
Snapshots
3
Select
option in the
4
Select the
5
The
Select
.
iSCSI Targets
Create iSCSI Target
and either right-click or select the
Actions
tab.
option.
Welcome to the Create iSCSI Target
Next
.
The wizard guides you through the process of Target creation.
14 Setup Steps for Initiator-Target Connection
Start→
icon.
iSCSI Targets, Devices
wizard screen is displayed.
Log on from
Initiator
Server Manager→
, and
More Actions
6
The
Create iSCSI Target
option. Enter a
Next
click
7
Click
Browse
Name
. The
iSCSI Initiators Identifiers
and select the IQN for the host that connects to the Target.
wizard displays the
and
Description
iSCSI Target Identification
(optional) for the iSCSI Target and
screen appears.
The host is listed only if step 1 in "Configuring the Initiator (Host)" on
page 14 was completed successfully.
NOTE: You must fill the IQN identifier field. You can type the Initiator IQN
identifier or use the Browse and Advanced options in the screen to add the
IQN identifier. For more information about the Browse option, see step 8.
For more information about the Advanced option, see step 9.
8
If you choose the
Browse
option, you can select the
IQN identifier
performing the following steps:
a
Select
Browse
b
The details for iSCSI Initiator list is displayed. You can type or select
and the
Add iSCSI Initiator
screen appears.
iSCSI Initiator from the list, enter the iSCSI Initiator Name, and
select
OK
. The
Identifiers
Select
9
If you choose the
IQN identifier
screen is populated with the value entered or selected.
Next
. Go to step 10.
Advanced
field in the
iSCSI Initiators
option, you can select the
IQN identifier
performing the following steps:
a
When you choose the
screen appears and displays the
b
The
Add/Edit Identifier
IQN, DNS Domain Name, IP address
IQN identifier
c
Type in the value or choose the value through the
then select
. Choose any one of the four options.
OK
The IQN identifier is displayed in the
and the fields
Address
IQN, DNS Domain Name, IP address
are populated.
.
Advanced..
option, the
Add
option. Select
Advanced Identifiers
Add
.
appears and provides four options namely—
, and
MAC Address
Browse
to add the
option, and
Advanced Identifiers
, and
MAC
by
by
screen
d
Select the populated value and select OK.
e
In the
iSCSI Initiator Identifiers
screen, the
populated with appropriate information. Click
alternate identifiers.
Setup Steps for Initiator-Target Connection 15
IQN identifier
Advanced
to view
field is
f
Select
Next
.
NOTE: IQNs work regardless of the DNS configuration. You can also specify the IP
address or MAC address of the Initiator regardless of DNS configuration.
The option of specifying a DNS domain name is built into the iSCSI Software Target
snap-in. While using DNS names, you must configure DNS correctly (including
forward and reverse lookup zones) and specify the fully qualified domain name
(FQDN) of the Initiator. If you are unable to connect the Target to the Initiator after
specifying the Initiator FQDN, run the nslookup InitiatorIP command on the target
server to verify if reverse lookup is enabled correctly.
If the nslookup command fails, it indicates that the DNS reverse lookup is not
configured. In such a case, reconfigure the Target to use the Initiator IQN, IP
address, or MAC address.
10
The
Completing the Create iSCSI Target
wizard appears. Click
Creating a Virtual Disk
1
Right-click the newly created Target and click
iSCSI Target
2
To create a file, choose the
. The
Create Virtual Disk
Browse
option, select a volume on the storage
array and type a file name with an extension
For example, create
storage array and
3
In the
Size
screen, choose the appropriate size from
free space
4
The
and click
Description
required and click
5
In the
Add
screen, select the Target name and click
6
The
Completing the Create Virtual Disk
Z:\vol1.vhd
vol1.vhd
Next
, where Z is the mounted volume from
is the filename. Select
.
screen may appear. Enter the virtual disk description, if
Next
.
Create Virtual Disk for
wizard appears. Select
.vhd
.
Next
.
Currently available
Next
.
wizard appears. Click
Next
Finish
Finish
.
.
.
CAUTION: If multiple hosts access the same Target, data corruption may occur.
For more information, see "Enabling Multi-Path on the Initiator" on page 45.
NOTE: You can create multiple VHDs on the same volume.
16 Setup Steps for Initiator-Target Connection
Log on - Configuring the Initiator-Target Connection From Initiator (Host)
Lo
Initiator setup Target setup
1
From the iSCSI Initiator (host), click
iSCSI Initiator
2
Refresh the screen. The PowerVault storage system Target device that you
→ iSCSI Initiator Properties→
Start→
Log on from
Initiator
Programs→
Targets
tab.
Microsoft
created in "Configuring iSCSI Connection With the PowerVault NAS
Storage System" on page 14 is displayed in the IQN name format.
3
In the
Log On to Target window
Enable multi-path
4
Click
Advanced
options.
. In the
Advanced Settings
, select
Logon, Automatically restore
window, select
General
select the following options from drop-down menu:
–
Local adapter
–
Source IP
Target Portal
–
5
In the
Advanced Settings
6
In the
Log On to Target
Ta r g et s
The
7
To accomplish Multipathing, you can use Microsoft MPIO to establish
—Microsoft iSCSI Initiator
—One of the host I/P addresses that is used for iSCSI traffic
—PowerVault storage solution's iSCSI IP address
window, click OK.
window, click OK.
tab displays the status of the Target as
Connected
.
multiple sessions from host to the same Target device. To establish
multiple sessions:
a
Go to the
b
Repeat step 1 to step 5.
c
Click
Ta r g et s
tab and select the Target that is
Advanced Settings
. In the
Target Portal
Connected
address, choose the
redundant host IP address and the IP address of the PowerVault storage
solution.
and
tab and
.
NOTE: During the iSCSI Initiator software installation, Microsoft MPIO is
already selected. MPIO is supported with Initiator version of 2.06 or later. You
require two dedicated iSCSI NICs in the Target and Initiator for efficient MPIO
connection. Multiple connections per session (MC/S) is not supported on the
PowerVault storage solution.
Setup Steps for Initiator-Target Connection 17
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