iSCSI

hwiscsi need iSCSI hardware initiator to function similar to HBA to access iSCSI storage over TCP/IP network instead of FC.

vmware also provide a software initiator for access iSCSI storage over TCP/IP network.

swiscsi requires more settings than hardware iSCSI:

• create a new VMkernel port for the physical NIC
• enable software iSCSI initiator
• If using multiple physical nic, then configure port binding
• If needed, enable Jumbo Frame, end to end (Kernel, switch)

Configuring Discover Address for iSCSI Initiator

• Dynamic Discovery
• Static Discovery (send target)

CHAP parameters for iSCSI Initiators

• CHAP (One-way or Mutual)
• Additional Parameter (Header Digest, Data Digest etc)

*Openfiler is a great tool to test out the functionality of iSCSI. It even has a VM version!