iSCSI Storage

ZStack allows you to add iSCSI storages. Without reaching to each host for making further configurations, ZStack automatically logs in to iSCSI, automatically scans and discovers disks, and automatically configures iSCSI connections. The entire process is convenient and quick. Specifically, iSCSI disks that can be correctly identified support the following usages:
  • iSCSI disks can be passed through directly to VM instances.
  • iSCSI disks can be added as Shared Block primary storages in shared block.

Add iSCSI Storage

In the navigation pane of the ZStack Private Cloud UI, choose Hardware > SAN Storage. On the iSCSI Storage page, click Add iSCSI Storage. On the displayed iSCSI Storage page, set the following parameters:
  • Name: Enter a name for the iSCSI storage.
  • IP Address: Enter an IP address for the iSCSI storage.
  • Port: Enter a port number for the iSCSI storage. Default value: 3260.
  • Cluster: Optional. Either select a cluster that you created or attach a cluster to the iSCSI storage after you add the iSCSI storage.
  • CHAP User Name: Optional. Enter a CHAP user name of the iSCSI storage if you configured the CHAP user name for the iSCSI storage.
  • CHAP Password: Optional. Enter a CHAP password of the iSCSI storage if you configured the CHAP password for the iSCSI storage.
Click OK to complete adding the iSCSI storage, as shown in Add iSCSI Server.
Figure 1. Add iSCSI Server


Then, the iSCSI storage is successfully added, as shown in Complete Adding iSCSI Storage.
Figure 2. Complete Adding iSCSI Storage


In the preceding picture, the content outlined in red is the iSCSI qualified name (IQN) of the iSCSI storage. One iSCSI storage supports multiple IQNs.

iSCSI Storage Operations

You can perform the following operations on an iSCSI storage:
  • Add: Add the iSCSI storage to ZStack.
  • Enable: Enable the iSCSI storage.
  • Disable: Disable the iSCSI storage. At this time, the iSCSI storage will be unavailable.
  • Attach cluster: Attach the iSCSI storage to a cluster.
  • Detach cluster: Detach the iSCSI storage to the cluster that you attached.
  • Synchronize data: Synchronize data in the iSCSI storage.
  • Delete: Exercise caution. Delete the iSCSI storage.
    Note:
    • Before you delete an iSCSI storage, make sure that you detach the iSCSI storage from a cluster. Detaching the cluster will cut off connections between hosts and the iSCSI storage.
    • LUN devices serve as primary storages. If you delete the iSCSI storage, primary storages will be disconnected.
    • LUN devices can be passed through to VM instances. If you delete the iSCSI storage, you will be at risk of losing data.

LUN Operations

  • Attach LUN to VM Instance: Pass through an iSCSI LUN to VM instances. One LUN can attach multiple VM instances, while one VM instance can attach multiple LUNs.
  • Detach LUN from VM Instance: Detach the iSCSI LUN from the VM instances.

Notice

ZStack not only allows you to add iSCSI LUNs as Shared Block primary storages, but also allows you to pass through iSCSI LUNs to VM instances. When you use the iSCSI LUNs, note that:
  • LUNs that have not attached VM instances can be added as Shared Block primary storages.
  • LUNs that are not added as primary storages can be attached to VM instances.
  • One LUN can attach multiple VM instances, while one VM instance can attach multiple LUNs.