Users Guide
iSCSI Optimization
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
• Default iSCSI Optimization Values
• iSCSI Optimization Prerequisites
• Configuring iSCSI Optimization
• Displaying iSCSI Optimization Information
Topics:
• iSCSI Optimization Overview
• Default iSCSI Optimization Values
• iSCSI Optimization Prerequisites
• Configuring iSCSI Optimization
• Displaying iSCSI Optimization Information
• Enable and Disable iSCSI Optimization
• Synchronizing iSCSI Sessions Learned on VLT-Lags with VLT-Peer
• Monitoring iSCSI Traffic Flows
• Information Monitored in iSCSI Traffic Flows
• Detection and Auto-Configuration for Dell EqualLogic Arrays
• Configuring Detection and Ports for Dell Compellent Arrays
• Application of Quality of Service to iSCSI Traffic Flows
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 enables the network switch to auto-detect Dell’s iSCSI storage arrays and triggers a self-configuration of
several key network configurations that enables optimization of the network for better storage traffic throughput.
iSCSI optimization also provides a means of monitoring iSCSI sessions and applying quality of service (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.
iSCSI session monitoring over virtual link trunking (VLT) synchronizes the iSCSI session information between the VLT peers,
allowing session information to be available in both the VLT peers. You can enable or disable iSCSI when you configure VLT.
iSCSI optimization functions as follows:
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iSCSI Optimization 509