Netstor NR760A-IP User manual

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Preface
About this user’s manual
This user’s manual is the introduction to Netstor’s NR760A-IP2 / NR340A-IP2 /
NR330A-IP4 iSCSI GbE RAID storage solution and it aims to help users know the
operations of the disk array system easily. Information contained in this user’s
manual has been reviewed for accuracy, but not for product warranty because of the
various environments/OS settings. Information and specification will be changed
without further notice. For any updated information, please visit
http://www.netstor.com.tw and your contact windows.
Copyright@2011, Netstor Technology Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
Thank you for using Netstor Technology, Inc. products; if you have any questions,
please e-mail to “[email protected]”. We will answer your question as soon as
possible.

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Product description
Panel layout
1. Power LED
2. Mute button
Reset for buzzer beeping
3. Status LED
Normal –green; failure –red (HDD failure, fan stops, temp. over 55℃, or
power supply failure)
4. Access LED
HDD no access – no light; HDD accessing – flashing green

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5. LCD (liquid crystal display)
6. ESC (Escape) (control panel button)
7. ▲(Up) (control panel button)
8. ENT (Enter) (control panel button)
9. ▼(Down) (control panel button)
10.HDD power LED white - power on indicator
11.HDD status LED flashing blue – busy (HDD accessing) indicator
12.Power cord receptacle
13.GbE 1
14.GbE 2
15.GbE 3
16.GbE 4
17.RJ45 Ethernet port for management
18.Console
19.RS-232 for connection UPS
Disk Installation
Install each hard drive into the drive trays and
fasten the HDD using the supplied HDD screws.
System Connection
1. Connect GbE 1 (available from NR760A-IP2, NR340A-IP2, NR330A-IP4), GbE
2 (available from NR760A-IP2, NR340A-IP2, NR330A-IP4), GbE 3 (available
from NR330A-IP4), GbE 4 (available from NR330A-IP4) to GbE switching
ports for data transmission.
2. Connect RJ45 to Ethernet port for management.

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Table of contents
Chapter 1 RAID Introduction
1.1 Features……………………………………………………………………………………………………… P1
1.2 Terminology………………………………………………………………………………………………… P2
1.3 RAID levels………………………………………………………………………………………………… P4
1.4 Volume relationship diagram……………………………………………………………………… P4
1.5 iSCSI concepts…………………………………………………………………………………………… P5
1.6 Deployment……………………………………………………………………………………………… P7
Chapter 2 Getting started
2.1 Before starting…………………………………………………………………………………………… P9
2.2 Management methods………………………………………………………………………… P9
2.2.1 Serial console……………………………………………………………………………… P9
2.2.2 Remote control – secure shell……………………………………………… P10
2.2.3 LCM…………………………………………………………………………………………… P10
2.2.3.1 System buzzer………………………………………………………… P13
2.2.3.2 LED…………………………………………………………………………… P13
2.2.4 Web GUI………………………………………………………………………………… P13
Chapter 3 Web GUI guideline
3.1 Web GUI hierarchy……………………………………………………………………………… P15
3.2 Login………………………………………………………………………………………………………… P16
3.3 Quick installation……………………………………………………………………………………… P19
3.4 Volume creation wizard…………………………………………………………………………… P19
3.5 System configuration…………………………………………………………………………… P21
3.5.1 System setting…………………………………………………………………………… P22
3.5.2 IP address…………………………………………………………………………………… P23
3.5.3 Login setting………………………………………………………………………………… P23
3.5.4 Mail setting………………………………………………………………………………… P24
3.5.5 Notification setting……………………………………………………………………… P25
3.6 iSCSI configuration………………………………………………………………………………… P26
3.6.1 Entity property……………………………………………………………………………… P27
3.6.2 NIC………………………………………………………………………………………………… P27
3.6.3 Node……………………………………………………………………………………………… P30
3.6.4 Session…………………………………………………………………………………………… P31
3.6.5 CHAP account………………………………………………………………………………… P32
3.7 Volume configuration……………………………………………………………………………… P32

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3.7.1 Physical disk…………………………………………………………………………………… P33
3.7.2 RAID group…………………………………………………………………………………… P36
3.7.3 Virtual disk…………………………………………………………………………………… P40
3.7.4 Snapshot (optional)……………………………………………………………………… P45
3.7.5 Logical unit…………………………………………………………………………………… P48
3.7.6 Example………………………………………………………………………………………… P49
3.8 Enclosure management………………………………………………………………………… P53
3.8.1 SES configuration………………………………………………………………………… P54
3.8.2 Hardware monitor……………………………………………………………………… P55
3.8.3 Hard drive S.M.A.R.T. support………………………………………………… P56
3.8.4 UPS……………………………………………………………………………………………… P57
3.9 System maintenance…………………………………………………………………………… P58
3.9.1 System information…………………………………………………………………… P59
3.9.2 Upgrade………………………………………………………………………………………… P59
3.9.3 Reset to factory default…………………………………………………………… P60
3.9.4 Import and export……………………………………………………………………… P61
3.9.5 Event log………………………………………………………………………………………… P61
3.9.6 Reboot and shutdown………………………………………………………………… P62
3.10 Logout…………………………………………………………………………………………… P62
Chapter 4 Advanced operations
4.1 Volume rebuild……………………………………………………………………………………… P63
4.2 RG migration and moving…………………………………………………………………… P65
4.3 VD extension…………………………………………………………………………………………… P67
4.4 QSnap (optional)……………………………………………………………………………………… P68
4.4.1 Create snapshot volume……………………………………………………………… P68
4.4.2 Auto snapshot………………………………………………………………………………… P70
4.4.3 Rollback…………………………………………………………………………………………… P71
4.4.4 QSnap constraint…………………………………………………………………………… P71
4.5 Disk roaming……………………………………………………………………………………………… P74
4.6 VD clone (optional)…………………………………………………………………………………… P74
4.7 MPIO and MC/S………………………………………………………………………………………… P82
4.8 Trunking and LACP…………………………………………………………………………………… P84
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting
5.1 System buzzer………………………………………………………………………………………… P86
5.2 Event notifications…………………………………………………………………………………… P86
5.3 How to get support………………………………………………………………………………… P93

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Appendix
A. Compatibility list……………………………………………………………………………………… P96
B. Microsoft iSCSI initiator…………………………………………………………………………… P98

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Chapter 1 RAID Introduction
1.1 Features
Netstor iSCSI series is a high-performance RAID solution including the
following models:
•NR760A-IP2: Desktop 8 bay iSCSI (Host) to SATA II/III (Disk) RAID storage
•NR340A-IP2: 2U 8 bay iSCSI (Host) to SATA II/III (Disk) RAID storage
•NR330A-IP4: 3U 16 bay iSCSI (Host) to SATA II/III (Disk) RAID storage
Netstor iSCSI storage solution features:
• 2/4 ports GbE NIC ports with load-balancing and fail-over for high availability.
• iSCSI jumbo frame support.
• RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 3, 5, 6, 10, 30, 50, 60, and JBOD ready.
• SATA II/III drive backward-compatible.
• One logic volume can be shared by as many as 32 hosts.
• Host access control.
• Configurable N-way mirror for high data protection.
• On-line volume migration with no system down-time.
• HDD S.M.A.R.T. enabled for SATA drives.
• Global/dedicated cache configurable by volume.
With proper configuration, Netstor product can provide non-stop service with a
high degree of fault tolerance by using RAID technology and advanced array
management features. Should you have any question, please feel free to contact
your local sales representative or directly send email to [email protected]
iSCSI GbE enclosure connects to the host system via iSCSI interface. It can be
configured to any RAID level. The controller provides reliable data protection for
servers and RAID 6. RAID 6 allows two HDD failures without producing any
impact on the existing data. Data can be recovered from the existing data and
parity drives. (Data can be recovered from the rest disks/drives)
Netstor’s iSCSI solution is the most cost-effective disk array controller with
completely integrated high-performance and data-protection capabilities which
meet or exceed the highest industry standards, and the best data solution for
small and medium business (SMB) users.

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1.2 Terminology
Knowing the following terms helps you with the understanding of the using of the
iSCSI enclosures.
•Part 1: Common

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•Part 2: iSCSI

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1.3 RAID levels
1.4 Volume relationship diagram
The below graphic is the volume structure which Netstor has designed. It
describes the relationship of RAID components. One RG (RAID group) consists of
a set of VDs (Virtual Disk) and owns one RAID level attribute. Each RG can be
divided into several VDs. The VDs in one RG share the same RAID level, but may
have different volume capacity. All VDs share the CV (Cache Volume) to execute
the data transaction. LUN (Logical Unit Number) is a unique identifier, in which
users can access through SCSI commands.

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Figure 1.4.1
1.5 iSCSI concepts
iSCSI (Internet SCSI) is a protocol which encapsulates SCSI (Small Computer
System Interface) commands and data in TCP/IP packets for linking storage
devices with servers over common IP infrastructures. iSCSI provides high
performance SANs over standard IP networks like LAN, WAN or the Internet.
IP SANs are true SANs (Storage Area Networks) which allow several servers to
attach to an infinite number of storage volumes by using iSCSI over TCP/IP
networks. IP SANs can scale the storage capacity with any type and brand of
storage system. In addition, it can be used by any type of network (Ethernet,
Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet) and combination of
operating systems (Microsoft Windows, Linux, Solaris, Mac…etc.) within the SAN
network. IP-SANs also include mechanisms for security, data replication,
multi-path and high availability.
Storage protocol, such as iSCSI, has “two ends” in the connection. These ends
are initiator and target. In iSCSI, we call them iSCSI initiator and iSCSI target.
The iSCSI initiator requests or initiates any iSCSI communication. It requests all
SCSI operations like read or write. An initiator is usually located on the host side

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(either an iSCSI HBA or iSCSI SW initiator).
The target is the storage device itself or an appliance which controls and serves
volumes or virtual volumes. The target is the device which performs SCSI
command or bridge to an attached storage device.
Figure 1.5.1
The host side needs an iSCSI initiator. The initiator is a driver which handles the
SCSI traffic over iSCSI. The initiator can be software or hardware (HBA). Please
refer to the certification list of iSCSI HBA(s) in Appendix A. OS native initiators or
other software initiators use standard TCP/IP stack and Ethernet hardware, while
iSCSI HBA(s) use their own iSCSI and TCP/IP stacks on board.
Hardware iSCSI HBA(s) provide its own initiator tool. Please refer to the vendors’
HBA user manual. Microsoft, Linux, Solaris and Mac provide iSCSI initiator driver.
Please contact Netstor for the latest certification list. Below are the available
links:
1. Link to download the Microsoft iSCSI software initiator:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=12cb3c1a-15d
6-4585-b385-befd1319f825&DisplayLang=en
2. In current Linux distributions, OS built-in iSCSI initiators are usually available.
For different kernels, there are different iSCSI drivers. Please check Appendix

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A for iSCSI initiator certification list. If user needs the latest Linux iSCSI
initiator, please visit Open-iSCSI project for most update information.
Linux-iSCSI (sfnet) and Open-iSCSI projects merged in April 11, 2005.
Open-iSCSI website: http://www.open-iscsi.org/
Open-iSCSI README: http://www.open-iscsi.org/docs/README
Features: http://www.open-iscsi.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl/Roadmap
Support Kernels:
http://www.open-iscsi.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl/Supported_Kernels
Google groups:
http://groups.google.com/group/open-iscsi/threads?gvc=2
http://groups.google.com/group/open-iscsi/topics
Open-iSCSI Wiki: http://www.open-iscsi.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl
3. ATTO iSCSI initiator is available for Mac.
Website: http://www.attotech.com/xtend.html
4. Solaris iSCSI initiator
Version: Solaris 10 u6 (10/08)
1.6 Deployment
Please refer to the following topology and have all the connections ready.
Figure 1.6.1

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1. Setup the hardware connection before power on servers. Connect console
cable to console port, Ethernet cable to management port, and GbE cables to
GbE (iSCSI data) ports in advance.
2. If an iSNS server is installed, then the iSNS server is served as dual controller
system.
3. Power on NR760A-IP2 / NR340A-IP2 / NR330A-IP4 first, and then power on
hosts and iSNS server.

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Chapter 2 Getting Started
2.1 Before starting
Before starting, prepare the following items:
1. Check “Certification list” in Appendix A to confirm the hardware setting is
fully supported.
2. Read the latest release note before upgrading. Release note accompany with
release firmware.
3. A server with a NIC or iSCSI HBA.
4. CAT 5e, or CAT 6 network cables for management port and iSCSI data ports.
Recommend CAT 6 cables for best performance.
5. Prepare storage system configuration plan.
6. Management and iSCSI data ports network information. When using static IP,
please prepare static IP addresses, subnet mask, and default gateway.
7. Gigabit LAN switches. (recommended) Or Gigabit LAN switches with
VLAN/LCAP/Trunking functions. (optional)
8. CHAP security information, including CHAP username and password.
(optional)
9. Setup the hardware connection before power on servers and Netstor iSCSI
storage. Connect console cable, management port cable, and iSCSI data port
cables in advance.
2.2 Management methods
There are four management methods to manage Netstor iSCSI storage,
described inthe following:
2.2.1 Serial console
Use console cable (NULL modem cable) to connect from console port of Netstor
iSCSI enclosure to RS 232 port of management PC. Please refer to figure 1.6.1.
The console settings are on the following:
Baud rate: 115200, 8 data bit, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control.
Terminal type: vt100
Login name: admin
Default password: 1234

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2.2.2 Remote control – secure shell
SSH (secure shell) is required for administrators to login from a remote location.
The SSH client software is available at the following web site:
SSHWinClient WWW: http://www.ssh.com/
Putty WWW: http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/
Host name: 192.168.0.154 (Please check your DHCP address for this field.)
Login name: admin
Default password: 1234
Tips:
Netstor iSCSI storage only support SSH for remote control. For using SSH, the IP
address and password are required for.
2.2.3 LCM
There are four buttons to control Netstor LCM (LCD Control Module), including:
▲(up), ▼(down), ESC (Escape), and ENT (Enter).
After booting up the system, the following screen shows management port IP and
model name:
Figure 2.3.1.1
Press “ENT”, the LCM functions “Alarm Mute”, “Reset/Shutdown”, “Quick Install”,
“View IP Setting”, “Change IP Config” and “Reset to Default” will rotate by
pressing ▲ (up) and ▼(down).
When there is WARNING or ERROR occurred (LCM default filter), the LCM shows
the event log to give users more detail from LCD panel.
The following table is function description of each item.
192.168.XX.XX
IP Storage

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•LCM operation description:

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•The following is LCM menu hierarchy.
Caution:
Before power off, it is better to execute “Shutdown” to flush the data from
cache to physical disks.

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2.2.3.1 System buzzer
The system buzzer features are listed below:
1. The system buzzer alarms 1 second when system boots up successfully.
2. The system buzzer alarms continuously when there is an error occurred. The
alarm will be stopped after the error is cleared or the alarm is muted.
3. The alarm will be muted automatically when the error is cleared.
E.g., when RAID 5 is degraded then the alarm rings immediately, user
changes/adds one physical disk for rebuilding. When the rebuilding is done,
the alarm will be muted automatically.
2.2.3.2 LED
For Netstor iSCSI enclosure, there are two LEDs in front of the enclosure, and two
LEDs on the HDD tray.
The two LEDs in front of the enclosure are Status LED and Access LED. For
Status LED, when LED shows green, it means normal; when LED shows red, it
means HDD failure, fan stops, temperature over 55℃, or power supply failure.
For Access LED, when LED shows no light, it means there is no access to the
HDD; when LED shows flashing green, it means the HDD is being accessed.
As for the two LEDs on HDD tray, one is the HDD power LED: when LED shows
white, it means the HDD is connected and powered on; and the other one is the
HDD status LED: when LED shows flashing blue, it means the HDD is being
accessed.
2.2.4 Web GUI
Netstor iSCSI storage support graphic user interface (GUI) to manage the
system. Be sure to connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the RJ45 Ethernet
management port on rear of the iSCSI enclosure, and the other end of the
Ethernet cable to the switch that links to management computer. The default
setting of management port IP is DHCP and DHCP address displays on LCM; user
can inspect LCM for IP first, then open the browser and type the DHCP address:
(The DHCP address is dynamic and user may need to check every time after
reboot.) When DHCP service is not available, controllers use zero configuration
(Zeroconf) to get an IP address.