Iscsi Optimization; Iscsi Optimization Overview - Dell Force10 MXL Blade Configuration Manual

iSCSI Optimization

iSCSI optimization is supported on the MXL 10/40GbE Switch.
This chapter describes how to configure internet small computer system interface (iSCSI) optimization,
which enables quality-of-service (QoS) treatment for iSCSI traffic. The topics covered in this chapter
include:
•

iSCSI Optimization Overview

• Default iSCSI Optimization Values
• iSCSI Optimization Prerequisites
• Configuring iSCSI Optimization
• Displaying iSCSI Optimization Information
iSCSI Optimization Overview
iSCSI is a TCP/IP-based protocol for establishing and managing connections between IP-based storage
devices and initiators in a storage area network (SAN).
iSCSI optimization provides a means of monitoring iSCSI sessions and applying QoS policies on iSCSI
traffic. When enabled, iSCSI optimization allows a switch to monitor (snoop) the establishment and
termination of iSCSI connections. The switch uses the snooped information to detect iSCSI sessions and
connections established through the switch.
iSCSI optimization allows you to reduce deployment time and management complexity in data centers. In
a data center network, Dell EqualLogic and Compellent iSCSI storage arrays are connected to a converged
Ethernet network using the data center bridging exchange protocol (DCBX) through stacked and/or
non-stacked Ethernet switches.
On the MXL Switch, iSCSI optimization functions as follows:
• Auto-detection of EqualLogic storage arrays—The switch detects any active EqualLogic array directly
attached to its ports.
• Manual configuration to detect Compellent storage arrays where auto-detection is not supported.
• Automatic configuration of switch ports after detection of storage arrays.
• iSCSI monitoring sessions—The switch monitors and tracks active iSCSI sessions in connections on
the switch, including port information and iSCSI session information.
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