Equallogic As Direct Network Drive

Troubleshooting

In scenarios where you need to utilize a Dell EqualLogic storage array as a shared network resource, it’s important to understand that EqualLogic arrays are inherently designed as block storage devices, operating within a Storage Area Network (SAN). To effectively convert SAN storage to Network Attached Storage (NAS), you will need to deploy an intermediary server that interfaces with the EqualLogic array via the iSCSI protocol.

Configuring a Server to Share EqualLogic Storage

The server you configure will act as a bridge between the block storage of the EqualLogic array and your network clients by providing file-based access. Depending on your operating system, you’ll have different protocols available for sharing these resources:

  • Windows Server: Utilize the Windows server to establish a connection with the EqualLogic storage using the iSCSI Initiator. Once connected, you can configure shared folders using the Server Message Block (SMB)/Common Internet File System (CIFS) protocol to enable Windows-compatible network sharing.
  • Linux Server: Connect to the EqualLogic storage using an iSCSI initiator like Open-iSCSI. You can then export the mounted storage through Network File System (NFS) or SMB/CIFS for Linux and Windows clients, respectively.

Steps to Setup iSCSI Connection

  1. Install iSCSI Initiator: Ensure that your server has an appropriate iSCSI initiator installed. For Windows, this can be accessed through the administrative tools. In Linux, you may use Open-iSCSI.
  2. Discover and Connect to the Target: Use your iSCSI initiator to discover the target by its IP address. Ensure that the necessary access controls are configured on the EqualLogic management interface.
  3. Format and Mount the Storage: Once the storage is connected, format the volume with a compatible filesystem and mount it as a drive on your server.

Network File Sharing Configuration

With the storage now accessible as a local drive, set up network sharing based on your server’s operating system:

  1. For Windows – Configure SMB/CIFS: Utilize the ‘File and Storage Services’ role to create shared folders. Assign appropriate permissions and ensure that your network clients can access the shares.
  2. For Linux – Configure NFS/SMB: Edit the export settings in /etc/exports for NFS or configure Samba settings in /etc/samba/smb.conf. Apply network-specific permissions and restart the respective services to enable sharing.

Properly configuring this setup allows you to leverage the robust block storage capabilities of the Dell EqualLogic array while providing flexible file-based access to your network clients. For more detailed configuration guidelines, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base and related iSCSI and file system deployment documentation.

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