Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI) has become a popular protocol for establishing and managing connections between IP-based storage devices. Using iSCSI, you can link storage resources over IP networks, making them appear as locally attached drives. One significant advantage of this approach is the ability to centralize storage resources, thereby streamlining management and potentially saving costs.
In this post, we will walk through the steps required to configure a Windows Server as an iSCSI Target Server. This will allow the server to provide block-level storage to other iSCSI initiators on the network.
Steps to Configure Windows Server as an iSCSI Target
Install the iSCSI Target Server Role
Start by installing the necessary server role:
- Open Server Manager.
- Click on Manage and select Add Roles and Features.
- Proceed with the wizard until you reach the Roles section.
- Check File and Storage Services > File and iSCSI Services > iSCSI Target Server.
- Complete the installation.
Create an iSCSI Virtual Disk
After installing the role, you’ll need to create a virtual disk for your iSCSI target:
- In Server Manager, go to File and Storage Services > iSCSI.
- Under the iSCSI virtual disks area, select To create an iSCSI virtual disk, start the New iSCSI Virtual Disk Wizard.
- Choose the location where you want to store the virtual disk and define its size.
- Assign a name and description.
Create an iSCSI Target
After the virtual disk, the next step is creating an iSCSI target:
- In the same wizard, after creating the virtual disk, you’ll be prompted to create an iSCSI target. Select Create a new iSCSI target.
- Assign a target name.
- Add initiators (iSCSI clients) by specifying their iSCSI Qualified Name (IQN) or DNS name. This step will determine which clients can access the iSCSI virtual disk.
- Set up authentication if needed. While it’s optional, it’s recommended for security reasons.
Connect to the iSCSI Target from an Initiator
With the target set up, clients can now connect
- On the client machine, open iSCSI Initiator.
- In the Target tab, enter the IP address or DNS name of your iSCSI Target Server.
- Click on Quick Connect. If you’ve set up authentication, enter the necessary credentials.
- Once connected, the iSCSI disk will appear as a local disk on the initiator machine.
Initialize and Format the Disk
The first time an initiator connects to the iSCSI virtual disk, you’ll need to initialize and format it:
- On the client machine, open Disk Management.
- You should see the iSCSI disk as a foreign disk. Right-click and choose Initialize.
- Once initialized, right-click again and choose New Simple Volume. Follow the wizard to format and assign a drive letter.
Setting up an iSCSI Target Server on Windows Server is straightforward and offers a flexible solution for centralized storage needs. Remember always to keep security in mind, using authentication and firewalls to protect your storage resources. By understanding the process and the potential benefits, you can leverage iSCSI effectively in your IT environment.