Mutual CHAP

In addition to setting up target CHAP, you can set up mutual CHAP in which both the storage array and the iSCSI initiator authenticate each other. To set up mutual CHAP, configure the iSCSI initiator with a CHAP secret that the storage array must send to the host sever in order to establish a connection. In this two-way authentication process, both the host server and the storage array send information that the other must validate before a connection is allowed.

CHAP is an optional feature and is not required to use iSCSI. However, if you do not configure CHAP authentication, any host server connected to the same IP network as the storage array can read from and write to the storage array.

NOTE: When using CHAP authentication, you should configure it on both the storage array (using MD Storage Manager) and the host server (using the iSCSI initiator) before preparing virtual disks to receive data. If you prepare disks to receive data before you configure CHAP authentication, you lose visibility to the disks once CHAP is configured.

CHAP Definitions

To summarize the differences between target CHAP and mutual CHAP authentication, see the following table.

CHAP Type

Description

 

 

Target CHAP

Sets up accounts that iSCSI initiators use to connect to

 

the target storage array. The target storage array then

 

authenticates the iSCSI initiator.

Mutual CHAP

Applied in addition to target CHAP, mutual CHAP sets up

 

an account that a target storage array uses to connect to

 

an iSCSI initiator. The iSCSI initiator then authenticates

 

the target.

Step 5: Configure CHAP Authentication On The Storage Array (Optional)

If you are not configuring any type of CHAP, skip these steps and go to Step 7: Connect To The Target Storage Array From The Host Server.

NOTE: If you choose to configure mutual CHAP authentication, you must first configure target CHAP.

In terms of iSCSI configuration, the term Target always refers to the storage array.

Configuring Target CHAP Authentication On The Storage Array

1.From MD Storage Manager, click the iSCSI tab and then click Change Target Authentication. Select one of the CHAP settings described in the following table.

CHAP Setting

Description

 

 

None

This is the default selection. If None is the only selection, the storage array allows an

 

iSCSI initiator to log on without supplying any type of CHAP authentication.

None and CHAP

The storage array allows an iSCSI initiator to log on with or without CHAP

 

authentication.

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Dell MD3660I manual Configure Chap Authentication On The Storage Array Optional, Mutual Chap, Chap Definitions