LinuxDevices: Ethernet-based Network Storage — Reality or Pipe Dream?

“The basic problem in network storage today is how to implement
solutions that are cost effective and efficient but without using a
lot of new components and equipment. Implementing Storage Area
Networks today generally implies using Fibre Channel, however, a
lot of work is being done to try to use Ethernet instead for
network storage. But these new Ethernet solutions still seem a
little short.

“In this paper, we would like to first introduce some of the key
features of the new open source network storage protocol,
HyperSCSI, and how it is different from existing solutions. This
will be followed by benchmark and test results to show how
HyperSCSI is capable of using an existing Ethernet-based network
infrastructure, common-off-the-shelf hardware and well-established
storage technologies and turning that into a high-performance and
reliable network storage solution. Since specialized hardware and
custom software are not required for HyperSCSI, we believe this is
a step in the right direction to building cost effective and
efficient network storage solutions.

“Finally, we want to draw just one conclusion in our paper, that
the existing network infrastructure and technologies can be
successfully exploited to meet the requirements of network storage.
The lesson learned in the search for this answer is that one must
be ready to look for innovative new methods and perhaps, use
unconventional thinking to meet the requirements of network
storage. The resultant HyperSCSI protocol is proof of this…”

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