Guide to Installing and Utilizing iSCSI Target for Storage Server Configuration

Setting up an iSCSI Target is a straightforward way to configure a network-based storage server. This setup allows remote devices to access and utilize storage over a TCP/IP network. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing and configuring an iSCSI Target on your storage server, so please stay with us until the end.

How to Install and Use iSCSI Target for Configuring Your Storage Server

1. Install the iSCSI Target server
2. Configure the iSCSI Target server
3. Configure the iSCSI Initiator

Let’s get started with this guide.

1] Install the iSCSI Target Server

Windows Servers come equipped with a built-in feature known as the iSCSI Target Server Role. This role enables your Windows Server to function as a centralized storage provider, which we will enable now. Here’s how to do it:

1. Launch Server Manager, navigate to the Manage tab, select Add Roles and Features, and click Next.
2. From the Select Installation Type window, choose the Role-based or feature-based installation option, and proceed by clicking Next.
3. Select a server from the server pool where the iSCSI Target will be installed, then click Next.
4. In the Select Server Roles section, expand File and Storage Services, then expand File and iSCSI Services. Check the box next to iSCSI Target Server, and hit Next.
5. In the Features window, simply click Next to finalize the installation. Once completed, click Close.

Wait for the installation to complete; once done, move on to the next step.

2] Configure the iSCSI Target Server

After the feature is installed, the next steps involve configuring the iSCSI Target Server. We will set up a server that provides block-level storage over a network using the iSCSI protocol. Please follow the steps below to configure the iSCSI Target server:

1. Create an iSCSI target folder in any directory or partition of your choice.
2. Open Server Manager, click on File and Storage Services from the dashboard, and select the iSCSI option.
3. To create an iSCSI Virtual Disk, click on the link labeled “To Create an iSCSI virtual disk, start the New iSCSI Virtual Disk Wizard.” Alternatively, you can also go to the Tasks menu and select New iSCSI Virtual Disk.
4. In the next window, click on Select by volume, select Type a custom path, and browse to the folder created earlier.
5. Once the path is entered, hit the Next button, give the virtual disk a name, add a description, and click Next again.
6. Specify the size of the iSCSI virtual disk and choose one of the three options for managing and allocating the storage, depending on your requirements.
7. Click Next. Next, we will configure the iSCSI Target, so select New iSCSI Target.
8. Input the Target name and description, press Next, and then click Add to specify the iSCSI initiators. Choose Enter a value for the selected type in the Add Initiators ID window.
9. From the Type drop-down menu, select IP Address, add the initiator IP Address, and click OK.
10. Next, we need to configure CHAP (Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol) for enhanced security between the iSCSI target and initiators. Choose either option and click Next.
11. Finally, review the configuration and complete the Wizard by clicking the Complete button.

Your iSCSI virtual disk will now be created, and the target is ready for use.

3] Configure the iSCSI Initiator

After configuring the iSCSI target on the server, the next step is to configure the client (iSCSI Initiator). The iSCSI Initiator is responsible for establishing a connection to the iSCSI Target, enabling a client to access its storage resources.

Here’s how to set up the iSCSI Initiator:

1. Open Server Manager, navigate to the Tools bar, select iSCSI Initiator, and confirm by clicking Yes to the prompt.
2. In the iSCSI Initiator Properties window, go to the Targets tab, enter the IP Address of the iSCSI target server, and press Quick Connect to discover the target.
3. Once the target is discovered, select it and click Connect.
4. The next step involves setting up authentication. Click on the Advanced option, check the CHAP box, and enter the credentials.
5. Press Enter and OK to finish the connection process.
6. After connecting, the iSCSI disk should appear in Disk Management. However, it may show as offline and uninitialized, so right-click on it and choose Online.
7. Next, right-click on it again and select Initialize Disk.
8. Finally, right-click on the unallocated space of the new disk, select New Simple Volume, and follow the New Simple Volume Wizard to assign a drive letter, format the volume, and label it.

After formatting, your disk will be ready for use.

How Do I Add an iSCSI to My Server?

To add iSCSI to your server, first install the iSCSI Target server, create a storage volume, and define it as a Target server. Then, configure the network settings to allow initiators to connect.

What Is the Difference Between iSCSI Target and Initiator?

The iSCSI Target is the storage device (server) that provides storage resources over a network, while the iSCSI Initiator is the client that connects to the Target to access and utilize that storage as if it were physically attached. In essence, the Targets provide storage, and the Initiators leverage it.

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