When iSCSI Met SATA

摘要

Adaptec is attempting to break new ground with its iSA1500 Storage Array, aimed at small-to-midsize businesses. The iSA1500 combines iSCSI technology with low-cost SATA (Serial ATA) disks to create a SAN solution that fits well within the budget of midsized operations. I tested a beta version in NETWORK COMPUTING'S Green Bay, Wisc., Real-World Labs~(~R), and found it to be like an uncut diamond: undeniably valuable, but rough around the edges. The iSA1500 connects to your LAN through one of two Gigabit Ethernet ports. Microsoft's iSCSI Services and the Adaptec Storage Manager (ASM) Agent are required to connect Windows-based hosts to the device. Adaptec recommends using an accelerated iSCSI HBA (Host Bus Adapter) to reduce CPU load from the prpcessor-intensive iSCSI protocol.