iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) is a protocol that allows the use of the SCSI protocol over TCP/IP networks. It enables data storage over a network, providing access to storage devices such as hard drives, tape drives, and optical drives. In a Linux environment, iSCSI is commonly used for connecting servers to storage devices and creating storage area networks (SANs).
One important aspect of configuring iSCSI in Linux is establishing the iSCSI Qualified Name (IQN) for each initiator (client) and target (storage device). The IQN is a unique identifier that is used to connect initiators to targets in an iSCSI environment. It consists of several components, including the iSCSI name, date of assignment, and naming authority. The IQN format is typically displayed in the following format: iqn.yyyy-mm.namingauthority:identifier.
To set up iSCSI in Linux, you first need to install the necessary software packages, such as open-iscsi and iscsi-initiator-utils. Once installed, you can begin configuring the iSCSI initiator by editing the iscsi initiator configuration file (/etc/iscsi/initiatorname.iscsi) and entering the IQN for the initiator. This ensures that the initiator is uniquely identified when connecting to a target.
Next, you need to discover and log in to the iSCSI target. By using the iscsiadm command-line tool, you can search for available targets on the network and establish a connection to the desired target. During this process, you will need to specify the target's IQN, IP address, and port number. Once the connection is established, the target will appear as a block device on the initiator's system, allowing you to access and use the storage provided by the target.
In addition to configuring the initiator IQN, it is also important to set up the IQN for the iSCSI target. This involves configuring the target's iSCSI name, date of assignment, and naming authority in the target's iSCSI configuration file (/etc/iscsi/initiatorname.iscsi). By defining a unique IQN for the target, you can ensure that initiators can easily identify and connect to the target on the network.
Overall, the use of iSCSI IQNs in Linux is essential for establishing and maintaining connections between initiators and targets in an iSCSI environment. By correctly configuring the IQNs for both initiators and targets, you can ensure seamless communication and access to storage devices over a network. With proper setup and configuration, iSCSI provides a cost-effective and efficient solution for accessing and managing storage resources in a Linux environment.