Cisco Systems MDS 9000 Presenting Fibre Channel Targets as iSCSI Targets, Dynamic Mapping

Models: MDS 9000

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Chapter 35 Configuring iSCSI

Configuring iSCSI

Presenting Fibre Channel Targets as iSCSI Targets

Dynamic mapping—automatically maps all the Fibre Channel target devices/ports as iSCSI devices. Use this mapping to create automatic iSCSI target names.

Static mapping—Manually create iSCSI target devices and map them to the whole Fibre Channel target port or a subset of Fibre Channel LUNs. With this mapping, you must specify unique iSCSI target names.

Static mapping should be used when iSCSI hosts should be restricted to subsets of LUs in the Fibre Channel targets and/or iSCSI access control is needed (see the “iSCSI Access Control” section on page 35-19). Also, static mapping allows configuration of transparent failover if the LUs of the Fibre Channel targets are reachable by redundant Fibre Channel ports (see the “Transparent Target Failover” section on page 35-38).

The IPS module or MPS-14/2 module does not import Fibre Channel targets to iSCSI by default. Either dynamic or static mapping must be configured before the IPS module or MPS-14/2 module makes Fibre Channel targets available to iSCSI initiators.

Dynamic Mapping

The iSCSI target node name is created automatically using the iSCSI qualified name (IQN) format. The iSCSI qualified name is restricted to a maximum name length of 223 alphanumeric characters and a minimum length of 16 characters.

The IPS module or MPS-14/2 module creates an IQN formatted iSCSI target node name using the following conventions because the name must be unique in the SAN:

IPS Gigabit Ethernet ports that are not part of a VRRP group or PortChannel use this format:

iqn.1987-05.com.cisco:05.<mgmt-ip-address>.<slot#>-<port#>-<sub-intf#>.<Target-pWWN>

iqn.1987-05.com.cisco:05.vrrp-<vrrp-ID#>-<vrrp-IP-addr>.<Target-pWWN>

iqn.1987-02.com.cisco:02.<mgmt-ip-address>.pc-<port-ch-sub-intf#>.<Target-pWWN>

Cisco MDS 9000 Family Configuration Guide

OL-6973-03, Cisco MDS SAN-OS Release 2.x

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Cisco Systems MDS 9000 setup guide Presenting Fibre Channel Targets as iSCSI Targets, Dynamic Mapping

MDS 9000 specifications

Cisco Systems MDS 9000 series is a line of storage networking switches designed to address the unique demands of enterprise-level data centers. These switches provide high-performance solutions for connecting various storage devices, including traditional disk arrays, solid-state drives, and tape libraries. The MDS 9000 series is built for scalability, high availability, and advanced security, making it an ideal choice for organizations looking to optimize their storage infrastructure.

One of the standout features of the MDS 9000 series is its support for Fibre Channel and FICON protocols, which enable seamless integration with various storage technologies. This versatility is crucial for organizations that may be using a mix of applications and storage performance requirements. The switches support multiple speeds, including 1G, 2G, 4G, 8G, and even 16G Fibre Channel rates, ensuring that they can adapt to evolving storage needs.

The MDS 9000 is known for its advanced features in terms of management and automation. Cisco provides intelligent automation capabilities to enhance operational efficiency. Features like Flow Vision and intelligent network services allow for deep visibility into storage environments, enabling administrators to monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and optimize resource allocation effectively. This level of visibility helps organizations to mitigate risks and ensure data availability.

Security is another paramount consideration for the MDS 9000 series. The switches are equipped with a range of security features, including role-based access controls, encryption technologies, and zoning options. These capabilities help safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry regulations, making the MDS 9000 a trusted choice for enterprises dealing with critical data.

The architecture of the MDS 9000 series is designed for high availability and resiliency. With redundant power supplies and cooling systems, these switches minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation. Additionally, they offer advanced features like non-disruptive software upgrades, which eliminate the need for scheduled outages during firmware updates.

In summary, the Cisco Systems MDS 9000 series offers a robust set of features tailored for enterprise storage networking. Its support for various protocols, intelligent management capabilities, and high availability characteristics make it a preferred choice for organizations seeking to optimize their storage infrastructure for both current and future needs. By investing in the MDS 9000 series, businesses can enhance their operational efficiency, ensure data security, and maintain a competitive edge in today's data-driven landscape.