Whitepaper: Intel's Overview of ReadyNAS/ReadyDATA Storage

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ReadyData Key Features and Benefits
ReadyDATA offers many benefits for businesses looking to build a
more efficient storage infrastructure.
•Scalability. ReadyDATA accommodates 4-TB drives, for a maximum
capacity of 48 TB on a single ReadyDATA 5200. With expansion
trays, it’s possible to add as many as 48 additional drives, bringing
total capacity to 240 TB. ReadyDATA also works with virtually all
third-party software and hardware suppliers.
•Flexibility.ReadyDATA supports industry-standard file-sharing
protocols, including iSCSI, CIFS, and NFS. It also provides full
virtualization support in order to connect physical storage on
multiple virtual LANs and virtual adapters. It’s then possible to
configure options independently—including IP settings, virtual
LAN tagging, and performance throttling—for each virtual adapter.
•Performance.With 10 gigabit Ethernet (GbE) connectivity,
organizations can deploy fast drive options and hybrid storage
configurations. ReadyDATA supports SATA, SAS, and SSDs along
with data tiering. What’s more, these devices offer low latency and
fast response times. It’s possible to load balance storage protocols
using a virtual networking stack in order to deliver throughput of up
to 20 GbE.
•Continuousprotection.ReadyDATA lets IT administrators establish
specific data recovery points on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis. This
feature allows organizations to roll back to any previous snapshot.
•Manageability.Central administration and cloud-managed site-
to-site replication deliver a high level of IT efficiency and help
organizations adhere to internal governance and external regulatory
requirements.
NETGEAR’s End-to-End Security Model
Security takes center stage for every organization. NETGEAR®
ReadyDATA™ and ReadyNAS™ devices are fully integrated with
Microsoft Active Directory* so that IT administrators can assign
privileges across an organization.
ReadyNAS and ReadyDATA Replicate software enables
IT administrators to create on-demand virtual private
connections between ReadyNAS or ReadyDATA units. Setup
is not complicated, as can be the case with traditional VPN
applications. Simply add ReadyNAS or ReadyDATA devices to a
virtual network, and the devices appear to be on the same LAN
once connected.
In 95 percent of connections, there is a direct connection
between your units. In the few cases where a direct connection
cannot be formed, NETGEAR relay servers create the
connection. Regardless of whether you have a direct or relayed
connection, your data is safe and fully encrypted as it passes
across the Internet and between systems using our end-to-end
security model. Only the endpoints can decode the data.
Using NETGEAR Replicate Software
To form a connection between ReadyNAS or ReadyDATA
units, both devices need to be registered with the NETGEAR
Replicate server. Each device uses its unique MAC address as
its username, which is available in your Replication network.
The connection process can be managed remotely from any
web browser
ReadyNAS replication is file-based, while ReadyDATA replication
is block-based. The Replicate portal can manage ReadyNAS
and ReadyDATA devices simultaneously, however, replication
between ReadyNAS and ReadyDATA is not supported.
Once these devices are registered, they log into and form an
SSL connection with the Replicate server. Replicate servers
are then used to form a control channel and route control
messages between devices. The control channel is used to
route end-to-end control messages between ReadyNAS
or ReadyDATA units. For example, one ReadyNAS might be
requesting to connect to another ReadyNAS. In this case, a
control message will flow from the caller through the Replicate
Servers to the callee. The receiving ReadyNAS can then choose
to accept or decline the incoming connection request and send
a response back to the caller over the same control channel. If
the ReadyNAS allows the connection, setup begins.
During the connection setup phase, NETGEAR’s patented
NAT traversal technique is used to setup a direct peer-to-peer
connection between ReadyNAS or ReadyDATA units so no
port-forwarding or dynamic DNS is required. The connection
setup phase requires the use of our Replicate server but, once
the peer-to-peer connection is formed, data travels directly
between ReadyNAS or ReadyDATA devices. As part of the
connection setup, 3-DES keys are exchanged, which are only
shared between the endpoints so the data flowing between
the devices is protected by end-to-end encryption.