2002 - cesnet

16 Storage over IP (iSCSI)The iSCSI technology described in the [SSC02] document encapsulates the SCSIcommunication into the IP protocol, thus allowing access to SCSI devices viaan existing network and consequent implementation of something known as astorage area network (SAN).This technology is now standardized and provided by first commercial manufacturers.One of these manufacturers are also Nishan Systems (Nishan IPS3300)and Cisco Systems (Storage router SN 5428), whose devices were tested.The project objective is to• test usability of Linux iSCSI implementations and first commercial devices(Nishan, Cisco)• test data throughput of individual solutions in comparison with a directlyconnected disk space• test mechanisms for authentication/authorization of operations within theiSCSI protocolThe experience gained within the project was described in three technical reports.16.1 iSCSI Technology UseUnlike the existing technologies of the file-oriented access to remote data, thistechnology is based on access to block devices. A connected remote device istherefore displayed as a common physical device with block access.The encapsulation of the SCSI protocol in the IP protocol brings new possibilitiesfor implementing a data storage infrastructure:• Creation of a shared technology for the data transfer and data storage – possibilityto utilize an iSCSI adapter using the Gigabit Ethernet or a TCP/IPstack.• Long-distance extensibility – using WAN and routers, the data storage networkcan be extended and used at any distance.• Various topology options – dedicated storage network, private network, orInternet use.• Support for the data storage consolidation to one place with unified technology– reduced prices for the management and maintenance.Because of this, iSCSI can be utilized, for example, for174 High-speed National Research Network and its New Applications 2002