PowerConnect iSCSI Optimization
August 6, 2012 in Networking, Storage
One of the questions I see a lot is how to configure our PowerConnect switches for iSCSI optimization. First let’s talk a little about what this actually does within the switch itself.
iSCSI optimization provides the following features:
- Ability to assign a specific QoS profile to the iSCSI flows
- Display of iSCSI session details (connections, initiator, target, and so on)
- Identification of (self-discovered) iSCSI sessions
- Identification of iSCSI session termination
- Identification of non-active iSCSI sessions
Another cool feature of this is it will auto detect EqualLogic arrays automatically reconfigure the switch to enhance storage traffic flows. The PowerConnect switch uses LLDP to discover EQL devices on the network. When the switch detects a EQL array, the following actions occur:
- An MTU of 9216 is enabled on all ports and port-channels, if it is not already enabled.
- Spanning-Tree portfast is enabled on the interface identified by LLDP.
- Unicast storm control is disabled on the interface identified by LLDP.
I am currently working on a video to show how to set this up on a PowerConnect 5548 7048P, but the procedure is the same on all PowerConnect switches that support iSCSI optimization.
* Update – video completed. (btw, what do you think of the opening/closing)
IPM
Hi Dennis,
I thought the 5548 and 5524 were not suitable for use with EqualLogic despite their built in EqualLogic features. This is certainly the message I am getting from the Eql storage guys we work with?
Cheers
Barry
Hey Barry,
Those switches are not on the compatibility matrix even though they have the options for the iSCSI optimization. However the steps to enable this are the same. I am trying to find a PowerConnect 7048, but the 5548 is all I have currently.
Dell specifically recommended a couple of 5548s for our iScsi EQL SANs – After seeing your comments above I am becoming a little nervous, although we didn’t purchase yet – should I be worried or are they OK?
When were they recommended? They have recently been replaced by the 7k series.
They recommended them this week – to replace our current 24’s
According to the Compatibility Matrix these are validated, but on the depreciated list. They are good switches, but if you can swing it, I would go with the 7xxx series:
http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/storage/w/wiki/2661.equallogic-compatibility-matrix.aspx