| Q1. |
Why should I use iSCSI? What are the benefits? |
| A1. |
iSCSI enables organizations to integrate low-cost Ethernet-connected servers (i.e. departmental, branch and remote servers) into Fibre Channel SANs by using the iSCSI protocol taking advantage of the underutilized storage in these servers.
Enabling Ethernet-based servers to leverage Fibre Channel SAN resources, thereby improving asset utilization. In many cases, hosts do not need the performance or reliability of Fibre Channel SAN but could still benefit from shared SAN resources and the management simplicity of a SAN infrastructure. The iSCSI integration leverages existing Ethernet infrastructure and staff knowledge to provide easier implementation and management
It also reduces costs by eliminating the need to purchase Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters (HBAs) in order for iSCSI servers to access Fibre Channel storage resources in the SAN.
This level of integration greatly reduces the expense of connecting low-cost servers to centrally managed storage in a SAN. |
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| Q2. |
Can my existing EVA support iSCSI? |
| A2. |
Yes. The HP StorageWorks EVA iSCSI Connectivity Option supports all existing HP StorageWorks Enterprise Virtual Array models, including the EVA3000 and EVA5000, the EVA4000, EVA6000 and EVA8000, and the new 4 Gb EVA4000, EVA6000 and EVA8000. The EVA iSCSI Connectivity Option can be added to an EVA already installed or installed with a new EVA. |
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| Q3. |
What are the primary uses of the HP StorageWorks EVA iSCSI Connectivity Option? |
| A3. |
The primary uses of the HP StorageWorks EVA iSCSI Connectivity Option are:
- Storage Consolidation: add departmental, branch and remote servers to the FC SAN via low-cost IP networks
- Large SAN scalability: ability to build larger, more modular storage networks via IP networks.
- Data Migration: Simplify and accelerate server and storage consolidation, equipment retirement and more.
- Opens benefits of SAN Applications: More servers can take advantage of server less backup, rapid disaster recovery, data snapshots, etc.
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| Q4. |
What are some of the customer problems this solution helps to address? |
| A4. |
Customer Problem: Proliferation of DAS Servers and SAN islands
Solution: The iSCSI Connectivity option allows servers to attach to EVA FC SANs, through IP networks, taking advantage of costs savings from centralized management
Customer Problem: Too expensive to attach some servers to existing FC SAN
Solution: The iSCSI Connectivity option provides a solution to attach these servers to an EVA FC SAN for about $100/port with centralized management
Customer Problem: Want to extract more ROI form existing FC SAN environment
Solution: The iSCSI Connectivity option extends EVA FC SAN solutions with integrated multi-protocol support, allowing customers to incorporate iSCSI servers without requiring additional storage array or software management packages.
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| Q5. |
Does the EVA iSCSI Connectivity Option support high availability configurations? |
| A5. |
Yes. Two hardware units may be implemented for high availability and redundant data paths. |
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| Q6. |
How do I manage the iSCSI devices on the EVA? |
| A6. |
The HP StorageWorks Command View EVA Software provides the capability to manage the EVA. This powerful tool provides an easy mechanism to manage both iSCSI and Fibre Channel configurations. Up to 16 EVA units in a SAN configuration by a single Command View EVA package. |
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| Q7. |
Can I purchase the new iSCSI Connectivity Option for EVA 4400 and use it with my existing EVA? |
| A7. |
The new iSCSI Connectivity Option for EVA4400 will only work with the EVA 4400. Purchase the existing EVA iSCSI Connectivity Option for all other EVA arrays. |
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| Q8. |
Since the new iSCSI Connectivity Option for EVA 4400 is less expensive than the current product, does it have limited capabilities? |
| A8. |
The only limitation in the new iSCSI Option for EVA 4400 is the number of iSCSI initiators - or the number of iSCSI hosts that can be connected. The current product supports up to 250 initiators, while the new product for EVA 4400 is limited to 16 initiators in the base product. |
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| Q9. |
What if I need more than 16 initiators for iSCSI on my EVA 4400? |
| A9. |
You can purchase 32 initiator license upgrades if you need additional initiators. |
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