Meridian Data 16i manual Connection Overview, Cabling

Chapter 4

Subsystem Connection and Operation

4.1 Connection Overview

4.1.1Cabling

Following are the requirements on the type of cables used to connect the subsystem’s iSCSI host ports:

1.Gigabit Ethernet network cables.

2.Cat5e STP type cables or better performance types (important for meeting the requirements imposed by emission standards).

3.Straight-through Ethernet cables with RJ-45 plugs.

4.Use of cross-over cables can also automatically be detected and re-routed for a valid connection.

Connection:

1.Directly to iSCSI initiators or through Gigabit Ethernet switches.

2.To servers equipped with an iSCSI HBA, and then to client stations with an Ethernet NIC or iSCSI HBA.

3.The subsystem presents its logical capacity volumes through SCSI-like IDs and LUNs. These RAID volumes then appear as iSCSI targets through the network.

NOTE:

Even though iSCSI initiator software is a cost-effective way of building iSCSI SAN, software initiator adds additional workload to the server processor. It is recommended to apply iSCSI HBAs that come with TCP/IP offload engines in order to reduce overhead.

System Connection and Operation 4-1