Users Guide
iSCSI Optimization
This chapter describes how to congure internet small computer system interface (iSCSI) optimization, which enables quality-of-service
(QoS) treatment for iSCSI trac. The topics covered in this chapter include:
• iSCSI Optimization
• Default iSCSI Optimization Values
• iSCSI Optimization Prerequisites
• Conguring iSCSI Optimization
• Displaying iSCSI Optimization Information
Topics:
• iSCSI Optimization Overview
• Default iSCSI Optimization Values
• iSCSI Optimization Prerequisites
• Conguring iSCSI Optimization
• Displaying iSCSI Optimization Information
• Enable and Disable iSCSI Optimization
• Synchronizing iSCSI Sessions Learned on VLT-Lags with VLT-Peer
• Monitoring iSCSI Trac Flows
• Information Monitored in iSCSI Trac Flows
• Detection and Auto-Conguration for Dell EqualLogic Arrays
• Conguring Detection and Ports for Dell Compellent Arrays
• Application of Quality of Service to iSCSI Trac 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-conguration of several key
network congurations that enables optimization of the network for better storage trac throughput.
iSCSI optimization also provides a means of monitoring iSCSI sessions and applying quality of service (QoS) policies on iSCSI trac. 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 congure VLT.
iSCSI optimization functions as follows:
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