Chapter 4: Installing the Linux Drivers

Binding iSCSI Target to Broadcom NX2 iSCSI Transport Name

By default, the open-iscsi daemon connects to discovered targets using software initiator (transport name = 'tcp'). Users who wish to offload an iSCSI connection onto CNIC device should explicitly change the transport binding of the iSCSI node. This can be done using iscsiadm cli utility as follows:

iscsiadm --mode node --targetname iqn.2004- 06.com.broadcom:tg1 \

--portal 192.168.1.100 --op=update \

--name=node.transport_name -- value=${XPORT_NAME}

where XPORT_NAME=bcm570x-xxyyzz

xx- pci bus number of the NX2 device

yy- pci device number of the NX2 device

zz- pci function number of the NX2 device

Network interface to iscsi transport name binding can be obtained by executing the following.

dmesg grep “bnx2i: netif”

Sample output in a system with two NetXtreme II devices:

bnx2i: netif=eth1, iscsi=bcm570x-050000

bnx2i: netif=eth0, iscsi=bcm570x-030000

If you wish to switch back to use the software initiator, enter the following:

iscsiadm --mode node --targetname iqn.2004- 06.com.broadcom:tg1 \

--portal 192.168.1.100 --op=update \ --name=node.transport_name --value=tcp

Making Connections to iSCSI Targets

Refer to open-iscsi documentation for a comprehensive list of iscsiadm commands. This is a sample list of commands to discovery targets and to create iscsi connections to a target.

Adding static entry

iscsiadm -m node -p <ipaddr[:port]> -T iqn.2007- 05.com.broadcom:target1 -o new

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Allied Telesis AT-2872SX Binding iSCSI Target to Broadcom NX2 iSCSI Transport Name, Making Connections to iSCSI Targets

AT-2872SX specifications

The Allied Telesis AT-2872SX is a high-performance, versatile networking switch designed specifically for the demands of modern network environments. With its compact form factor and robust feature set, it serves as an ideal solution for businesses looking to enhance their network infrastructure with reliability and efficiency.

One of the standout features of the AT-2872SX is its support for both Ethernet and Fast Ethernet technology, making it a flexible choice for organizations that require diverse network speeds. This switch is equipped with two 1000BASE-SX Fiber ports, allowing it to provide high-speed connectivity over fiber optics. This is particularly beneficial for applications that demand high bandwidth and low latency, such as video conferencing and large data transfers.

The AT-2872SX comes with a user-friendly interface that simplifies configuration and management. It supports standard Network Management Protocols such as SNMP, enabling remote management and monitoring of the switch. This feature is crucial for IT departments that aim to maintain optimal network performance without the need for constant physical oversight.

Another significant characteristic of the AT-2872SX is its Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities. This technology allows administrators to prioritize network traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need without interruption. This is essential in multi-service networks where voice, data, and video traffic coexist.

In terms of security, the AT-2872SX offers multiple features to safeguard network integrity. It supports IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication, ensuring that only authorized devices can connect to the network. Additionally, it features VLAN support which segments traffic and enhances security by isolating sensitive data streams.

The hardware design of the AT-2872SX ensures durability and reliability, making it suitable for deployment in various environmental conditions. Its fanless operation not only provides silent performance but also contributes to reduced energy consumption, aligning with goals for sustainability in network infrastructure.

In conclusion, the Allied Telesis AT-2872SX switch stands out as a leading choice for organizations looking to bolster their network capabilities. Its comprehensive feature set, including high-speed fiber connectivity, robust management options, traffic prioritization, and built-in security measures, make it a valuable asset in any enterprise networking environment. As businesses increasingly rely on efficient and reliable networking solutions, the AT-2872SX remains a strong contender in the market.