Apple Releases Xsan 2.1.1 Updates

[MacRumors]

Apple today released a pair of updates for Xsan, their enterprise-class storage area network (SAN) solution.

Xsan 2.1.1 FileSystem Update (26 MB)

The 2.1.1 update is recommended for all systems running Xsan 2. This update includes general file system fixes, as well as specific fixes for:

- file system performance and reliability
- Access Control List verification and correction
- volume reliability during metadata controller failover scenarios
- upgrading from Xsan 1.4

Xsan 2.1.1 Admin Update (4.2 MB)

The 2.1.1 update is recommended for all systems running Xsan 2. This update includes general administration fixes for remotely administering, configuring and maintaining Xsan deployments, and includes specific fixes for:

- using SAN Setup Assistant to configure volumes, LUNs and affinities
- changing a computer between client and metadata controller roles
- listing computers connected to the SAN
- visually displaying when LUNs have been truncated

For detailed information on these updates, see Apple's About the Xsan 2.1.1 Update document.

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[Doodledoo]

I've never really understood Apple's forays into the server market, but good for them. I hope the tech in this software trickles down to becoming a part of OS X eventually

 

[dr_lha]

I've never really understood Apple's forays into the server market, but good for them. I hope the tech in this software trickles down to becoming a part of OS X eventually

I'm very happy for it. Their server systems are cheap (believe it or not), extremely easy to manage and work great in mixed environments with Macs.

If I get my way I'll be buying a rack of 5 Xserves soon.

 

[backdraft]

iSCSI Support

Interesting I'm looking into Final Cut Server and setting up XSAN

Its too bad XSAN doesn't support iSCSI, AFAIK.

Though I'm not too sure if iSCSI would have more overhead then fiber since its on the TCP/IP stack. Cost wise iSCSI is cheaper. Not too sure if Promise RAID works with iSCSI at all.

MetaSan looks interesting though I'm not sure would it work with Final Cut Server

http://www.tiger-technology.com/article.php?story=MetaSAN

I'm not convince Promise RAID is the best SAN out there either.

ATTO has a nice iSCSI bridge: http://www.attotech.com/ipbridge2700RD.html

Also an iSCSI Initiator Xtend SAN: http://www.attotech.com/xtend.html

Any suggestions? Fiber all the way? or an iSCSI solution? Which SAN/RAID is best? XSAN or MetaSAN?

Thanks!

 

[ChrisA]

Though I'm not too sure if iSCSI would have more overhead then fiber since its on the TCP/IP stack.

Is it really using TCP/IP or just IP? TCP does add overhead but is it used?

Either way will likely be using fiber. Either for the SAN or for iSCSI over Ethernet over gigabit fiber. The advantage of fiber over copper is the maximum length allowed for the cables. With fiber you can locate the server equipment and the disk arry far from the work area and not consume "premium space"