HS San

[Chris Miller]

Well, after much long discussion with my supervisors and fellow techies, we have decided to try the setup using the 6 port nic, and the network switch, and the free software. If it fails, we can use it as an NAS until next yere where we will purchase better software and such. We do have ALOT of time this summer and will just tinker with the system for a while. We will try Free NAS, Open Filer, and many more. If they all fail, we have two more options, and if they fail we will go to plan B, GIANT NETWORK DRIVE. We need “something” which will work fpr next school year, a network drive will not be able to log/ capture to, but we have a totally seperate plan for that.

Mr. Geier, I apologize about our phone conversation earlier, my cell phone died on me and I could not use the other phone, for it was being used. Thank you for your help again!

Thanks to everyone so far for the help. Once we get thsi approved, I will post back and discuss any issues we come across (I am aware everyone is predicting MANY issues, but who knows? It could (1% chance) work on the first try (ok more like .25% chance) time will tell.

[Sean Oneil]

Chris,

I admire what you’re doing because I’ve been there and done that. But you’re not listening. I’ll repeat what Chris Blair and I have both said. You cannot share an iSCSI “server” (it’s actually not a server, it’s called a “target”) without having a copy of MetaSAN on each Macintosh computer. MetaSAN is expensive, more than what you sound like you want to pay. It requires activation, so you can’t pirate it and use one license on all machines (not accusing you of considering that, I’m just saying). It also requires an additional ethernet port in all your Macs, and an additional switch dedicated for MetaSAN’s metadata traffic.

[Chris Miller] “The only issue I see now is in the iSCSI access software for the MAcs themselves. Ideas? Does Apple make any free add-ons for it, like Microsoft does for Windows XP/Vista.”

No Apple does not provide one. SNS does, it’s called GlobalSAN, as I though you already figured out. And I’ll say it again, it doesn’t work with Openfiler. On top of that I can tell you it doesn’t work with FreeNAS iSCSI either. You’ll spend hours setting it up, you might be able to connect to the iSCSI target. Then when you format the disk as HFS it will crash both machines. Or if it does work the performance will be horrific (like 5MB/s). These are the kinds of issues you can look forward to. Look at the SNS fourms.

ATTO also makes an iSCSI imitator for the Mac, but it’s not free. And who knows what that one works with.

[Chris Miller] “The guys at small tre also reccomended using Open-E as a server software. IT is not as pricey as others and may be able to get an educational discount.”

Last I checked GlobalSAN does actually work with Open-E. But you’re still making a giant mistake going down this path, and again you seem completely oblivious to the fact that you need MetaSAN to run any shared iSCSI system.

Again, I’ve been down this path so i understand what you’re going though. The difference is that I did this in 2005-6 using old PCI-X equipment that was otherwise collecting dust. It’s 2009 and there are now cheaper and/or better options. A DIY iSCSI setup is the absolute last thing I would tell anyone to do. If it has to be DIY, then just turn a Mac w/ a CalDigit card into an AFP file server. I would even recommend DIY fibre channel before suggesting DIY iSCSI (Open-E allows fibre channel target, and it actually does work). iSCSI is a mess with standards nobody adheres to. And it’s totally unreliable in any Macintosh environment unless you are using a turnkey solution from people who specialize in video post production. And when you add up all the costs, it’s barely cheaper than fibre channel (which is vastly better).

Sean

[Chris Miller]

Sean,
Ok, I got your post, I am sorry if I seemed like I was ignoring the posts… It happens with little sleep.

I apologize for calling the target a server… I call alot of things servers, routers, boxes etc because it is habit XD.

Here is what I see
Software wise, we got issues. We need MetaSAN on each Mac.I never considered pirating though, I HATE PIRATES (digital and peg leg).

Well… The plan is due mid next week…

Here is what I see:
We need a nic or two in each Mac
We need MetaSAN on each Mac

Questions:
What software do we put on the target (server)?
If I go the route of Fiber, (recently found out we can get free fiber cables and junction boxes (maybe))would this be cheaper or easier or both?
Should I just scrap the plan and make a big file server?

[Matt Geier]

Chris,

Certainly glad to help you. I think at this point all of us here are trying to save you problems and money in the long term. 🙂

I would have called back except I failed to capture your phone number. (You would think I never forget do this since I’m the sales guy….but honestly, it was a pleasure helping you!) 🙂

When you get ready to change things, give me a call and I can help you again!

Matt

[Chris Miller]

Hi all,
Just as an update, I posted my proposal to the SD a few weeks ago and am waiting on a reply… the budget is frozen at the moment so it will take a bit… WIll keep youy all posted, and will post the entire setup soon. Thanks for the help from you all earlier.