Data-Center iSCSI Russ Fellows March 8, 2010 Technology Insight Series Building next generation storage networks Eva lua t o r Gr oup
Copyright 2010 Evaluator Group, Inc.
Data Center iSCSI – Building next generation storage networks Executive Summary Information Technology has moved into an exciting new phase that allows the Data Center to separate application workloads from the underlying hardware, delivering better utilization, faster application deployment and workload balancing. Data centers have a mix of applications; some require dedicated systems, although a growing number of applications are able to leverage dynamic next generation infrastructure.
Data-Center iSCSI – Building next generation storage networks Current server technology supports multi‐core processors, each capable of running 10 or more virtual systems simultaneously. This can result in over 1,000 virtual systems running in one rack, driving a massive increase on the network interfaces in virtual environments.
Data Center iSCSI – Building next generation storage networks Virtualized applications often impose different I/O workloads than more traditional compute stacks. The new virtualized environment requires a dynamic networking infrastructure that is flexible and cost effective, while providing high performance and availability. All too often debates have centered on the merits of one technology or protocol compared to another.
Data-Center iSCSI – Building next generation storage networks Industry Trends Driving iSCSI Adoption iSCSI Today The current level of maturity allows iSCSI to compete for new data‐center storage build‐outs, while industry trends are driving increased interest. Due to the ability to deploy an iSCSI SAN without dedicated hardware equipment, its growth has been particularly strong with small and mid‐sized businesses.
Data Center iSCSI – Building next generation storage networks I/O Consolidation There are several trends driving the need for faster networking, including multi‐core CPU’s, server virtualization and an increased use of networked storage. Today’s multi‐core processors allow data center designers to consolidate logical infrastructure onto fewer physical systems through server virtualization. This has driven a corresponding requirement for greater I/O along with the move to virtual servers.
Data-Center iSCSI – Building next generation storage networks Over the next few years, new FC SAN deployments will continue, in particular for large server and storage installations. However, new FC SAN deployments will become more difficult to justify each year. FC storage will remain a significant part of many environments for over a decade, but are likely to diminish as networks converge on Ethernet, and protocols such as iSCSI, NFS, CIFS and FCoE are all able to utilize a converged Ethernet network.
Data Center iSCSI – Building next generation storage networks integrated into the operating system. This removes the need for proprietary software that can add complexity to the OS driver and management tools utilized. Intel Ethernet Server Adapters also include a number of hardware features that accelerate iSCSI traffic and improve data processing on multicore processor‐based servers. Intelligent hardware offloading delivers iSCSI performance that exceeds other iSCSI interface alternatives.
Data-Center iSCSI – Building next generation storage networks Support for iSCSI has been included in NetApp products for more than six years. NetApp has consistently led the industry in support for new storage connectivity and protocol options. This broad support for protocols, coupled with the consistent manner in which protocols and connectivity are managed has helped to reduce the management burden imposed by some competing iSCSI vendors.
Data Center iSCSI – Building next generation storage networks Summary The current generation of iSCSI products has evolved significantly since the iSCSI standard was ratified over six years ago. During that time, performance, efficiency and security concerns have all been addressed. The current generation of Ethernet infrastructure can deliver results for both small and large companies alike.
