About Isns Server Functionality; Example Scenario - Cisco MDS 9000 series Configuration Manual

Chapter 4 Configuring iSCSI
S e n d d o c u m e n t a t i o n c o m m e n t s t o m d s f e e d b a c k - d o c @ c i s c o . c o m

About iSNS Server Functionality

When enabled, the iSNS server on the Cisco 9000 Family MDS switch tracks all registered iSCSI
devices. As a result, iSNS clients can locate other iSNS clients by querying the iSNS server. The iSNS
server also provides the following functionalities:
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Example Scenario

The iSNS server provides uniform access control across Fibre Channel and iSCSI devices by utilizing
both Fibre Channel zoning information and iSCSI access control information and configuration. An
iSCSI initiator acting as an iSNS client only discovers devices it is allowed to access based on both sets
of access control information.
OL-19525-01,Cisco MDS NX-OS Release 4.2(1)
iSNS profile ABC
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
5 minutes input rate 112 bits/sec, 14 bytes/sec, 0 frames/sec
5 minutes output rate 0 bits/sec, 0 bytes/sec, 0 frames/sec
1935 packets input, 132567 bytes
4 multicast frames, 0 compressed
0 input errors, 0 frame, 0 overrun 0 fifo
1 packets output, 42 bytes, 0 underruns
0 output errors, 0 collisions, 0 fifo
0 carrier errors
Allows iSNS clients to register, deregister, and query other iSNS clients registered with the iSNS
server.
Provides centralized management for enforcing access control to provide or deny access to targets
from specific initiators.
Provides a notification mechanism for registered iSNS clients to receive change notifications on the
status change of other iSNS clients.
Provides a single access control configuration for both Fibre Channel and iSCSI devices.
Discovers iSCSI targets that do not have direct IP connectivity to the iSCSI initiators.
Figure 4-23 provides an example of this scenario.
Cisco MDS 9000 Family NX-OS IP Services Configuration Guide
iSNS
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