Max ISCSI volumes

[UPservers]

I have a system with 8TB storage. Now i'd like to use DSS module from Open-E, but i have to use this DSS for 50-100 virtual machines. My question is: how many iscsi targets can i make, without losing major of preformance?

Thanks

[To-M]

Sorry to say we have not tested this large value of Targets. I would recommend that the Disk Controller have the capability to in-crease Cache write values. I would say that with this many Targets to make sure your CPU (min. use Dual Core as well) has large cache value as well above 1MB. Also look into bonding either with 802.3ad (you will need switch with LACP and PAgP) or Balance RR (no managed switch needed).

With DSS you can have hundreds of Targets assigned so this will not be a limitation with DSS. For this many connections I would recommend as much RAM as possible based on your motherboard specifications. You will need to test this and view the Statistics within DSS to understand the areas to increase performance. To view this go to STATUS -> hardware -> Function: Server statistics to view Load, Memory and NIC

[UPservers]

Thanks for the info, i have 1 question left. Do you think a TCP/IP offload (TOE) card will improve the performance?

THX

[To-M]

Open-E systems does not support TCP Offload Engine (TOE), although NIC with this function will be working properly and can be connect to server. According to performance, TOE is design for free CPU resources, so it does not improve performance much. For more information about TOE, please review this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TCP_Offload_Engine