Installing a storage area network (SAN) on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS

System info: `uname -a` returns: Linux tech 3.13.0-24-generic #46-Ubuntu SMP Thu Apr 10 19:11:08 UTC 2014 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

A storage area network is implemented to access storage device from a remote machine in a way that it appears to be locally attached. This is implemented using Small Computer System Interface (SCSI).

A storage area network consists of:

1. Initiator (client)
2. Target (server)

Installation instructions:

Switch to super user. Use command: sudo -i or else use su root

sudo -i

A. Target installation on Ubuntu:

1. Install iscsitarget (iSCSI: Internet Small Computer System Interface)

apt-get install iscsitarget

     Checkout: http://iscsitarget.sourceforge.net/


2. Create a logical unit for storing data

dd if=/dev/zero of=/root/lun0 bs=1M count=1024

   (lun: logical unit number)
   We are creating a 1GB file (/root/lun0) for storing data on SAN.
   Run "man dd" for more information on dd command.


3. Enable iscsitarget by editing /etc/default/iscsitarget and setting ISCSITARGET_ENABLE to 'true'.

ISCSITARGET_ENABLE=true

4. Configure ISCSI by editing file: /etc/iet/ietd.conf

Target iqn.2014-04.localhost:target0
    Lun 0 Path=/root/lun0,Type=fileio
    initiator-address 127.0.0.1

    Add a new target that points to created lun0 file (/root/lun0)
    Check screenshot for reference.


5. Restart iscsitarget /etc/init.d/iscsitarget (start|stop|restart|...)

/etc/init.d/iscsitarget restart

B. Initiator configuration on Ubuntu:

sudo fdisk /dev/sdx

n

p

<enter>

w

    sudo fdisk /dev/sdX <---- In our case /dev/sdb is the virtual disk
    n (add new partition table)
    p (primary partition)
    <enter> (enter, enter, enter for default values)
    w (write table and exit)
 
    Check screenshot for reference.

6. Format and make a new file system using mkfs on first partition of the virtual disk (/dev/sdX1)

mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdX1

7. Mount the new partition for use:

mkdir /root/san

mount /dev/sdX1 /root/san

Check back on "Disks" utility. Your storage area network drive should be ready for use.