Dell PowerVault TL2000 Attachment Instructions

Also see for PowerVault TL2000: Getting started guide User guide Faq Quick start guide User guide

Contents

iSCSI for TL-Series Tape LibrariesEXECUTIVE SUMMARYTo supplement the growth in iSCSI SANs, Dell has introduced an iSCSI-to-SAS bridge cardfor the TL-series of tape libraries (Dell PowerVault TL2000 & TL4000). This offering allows acustomer to directly attach a tape backup target to their iSCSI 1Gb Ethernet SAN with little tono degradation in transfer speed, 90 MB/s in most cases. The following white paper exploresthe setup, configuration and considerations associated with implementing this solution.SECTION 1INTRODUCTIONThis white paper assumes a typical SMB environment with 5-10 Windows servers as an exam-ple of how to implement an iSCSI tape backup solution. The example SMB network incorpo-rates an iSCSI 1GbE SAN containing disk (primary/secondary storage) and tape (backup &archive) elements. The intent is to provide insight into the purchase decisions and setup con-siderations regarding the ISVs, server initiators, networks and storage target. Please note,there are many different variations – this is just one of them. The primary focus will centeraround the set up and configuration of an iSCSI network and perform back-ups to it.In our example network, at least one server will need to be attached to the backup elements.Depending on your backup window constraints and availability of existing servers during thattime, one of those might even be used. In general, the smaller the backup window, the greaterthe number of servers that are required to be connected to the backup elements. In the exam-ple here, the assumption is there are no backup window constraints (can backup overnight)and there is one server available (and necessary) to be connected to the disk and tape device.Now that the example network topology has been defined, let’s explore the benefits of aniSCSI SAN as compared to alternatives.Why might you choose iSCSI?Cost – iSCSI networks typically cost less to acquire and maintain than the equivalent FibreChannel versionEase of Installation – iSCSI networks only require the same basic networking skills used inmaintaining a standard IP network (cf., Fibre Channel)Scalability – One of the advantages over direct attach is the ability for ready expansion asbusiness needs grow.SECTION 24SEPTEMBER 2008iSCSI SANLANBack-up ServerServer Server Server ServerTL2000/TL4000withTL24iSCSIxSASMD3000i