Understanding how hosts connect to storage systems

Understanding connection options

Hosts can connect to block storage using Internet small computer systems interface (iSCSI) or Fibre Channel protocol (FCP) networks. To connect to iSCSI networks, hosts can use standard Ethernet network adapters (NICs), TCP offload engine (TOE) cards with software initiators, or dedicated iSCSI HBAs. To connect to FCP networks, hosts require Fibre Channel host bus adapters (HBAs).

What iSCSI Host Support Kits are

A Host Support Kit includes support software and documentation for connecting a supported host to an iSCSI network. The support software includes programs that display information about storage, and programs to collect information needed by customer support to diagnose problems. Depending on the host operating system, you may need to download iSCSI initiator software. You may choose to use an iSCSI HBA instead of a software initiator.

Separate kits are offered for each supported host operating system. In some cases, different versions of the support kit are available for different versions of the host operating system.

The documentation included with the Host Support Kits describes how to set up an iSCSI connection to your storage system. It includes the commands and procedures for the particular host operating system. You should use the support kit documentation along with this guide to set up and manage your iSCSI network.

What FCP host attach kits are

An FCP host attach kit includes support software and documentation for connecting a supported host to an FCP network. The support software includes programs that display information about storage, and programs to collect information needed by NetApp to diagnose problems. The attach kit may include a host bus adapter (HBA) and drivers, or you may obtain an HBA separately. Attach kits are offered for each host operating system. In some cases, different versions of the attach kit are available for different versions of the host operating system.

The documentation included with the host attach kits describes how to set up an FCP connection to your storage system. It includes the commands and procedures for the particular host operating system. You should use the attach kit documentation along with this guide to set up and manage your FCP network.

Downloading files and documentation

You can download iSCSI and FCP documentation from the NOW^TM (NetApp on the Web) site at http://now.netapp.com/NOW/knowledge/docs/san/.

You can download support and attach kit software from the NOW site at http://now.netapp.com/NOW/cgi-bin/software.

Be sure to check the Compatibility and Configuration Guide for NetApp's FCP and iSCSI Products to verify that your host operating system version, and HBA model and firmware, are qualified to work with your Data ONTAP version and storage system platform.