The globalSAN iSCSI Initiator for macOS/OS X enables Mac computers to connect to practically any iSCSI storage target, using standard GbE or 10GbE hardware.

iSCSI Overview

iSCSI is a block-level protocol that enables the ability to implement a Storage Area Network (SAN) within an Ethernet/IP infrastructure. The protocol is extremely efficient and can therefore maximize the throughput of a well-designed Ethernet network. Read A Brief Introduction to iSCSI if you would like to learn more.

Sharing iSCSI volumes

If you plan to have multiple computers connecting to the same iSCSI volume, you will need management software (e.g. SANmp or Xsan) in place. Our SANmp sharing software enables multiple macOS and Windows computers to share a common pool of iSCSI and Fibre Channel storage. If you just need to share a common pool of iSCSI storage we recommend iSANmp, which is identical to SANmp, but enables iSCSI-only sharing.

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The Initiator’s GUI installs into the System Preferences utility. Watch the “how to” video for quick instructions on typical configurations.

Watch the globalSAN Video

In this short video we’ll demonstrate the entire process of setting up the globalSAN iSCSI Initiator for macOS. You can also check our Users’ Forums for quick answers to common questions about various targets.

 

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Advanced Features of the globalSAN Initiator

GUI and CLI

The initiator includes a GUI that installs into the System Preferences utility in macOS, and a Command Line Interface you can use for scripting initiator functions.

Persistent Targets

Choose which targets the initiator should connect to automatically on startup.

Connect before OS Login

The initiator services are available without logging into macOS. By using persistent targets you can enable your computer to automatically connect to targets on reboot, without a user login.

CHAP

CHAP enables you to login to targets that require a password.

Login Redirect

Login Redirect is used by some iSCSI targets as a High Availability feature.

Asynchronous Logout

Asynchronous Logout is a load balancing function used by some iSCSI targets to request Initiators to use a different physical network connection to the storage.

SLPv2 Discovery

SLP is a Service Location Protocol used for discovering iSCSI-related services.

MC/S (Multiple Connections per Session)

MC/S enables the initiator to combine several connections inside a single session for performance and failover purposes.

Xtarget Storage Server (licensed separately)

The Xtarget Storage Server is a component in globalSAN that enables you to transform your Mac into an iSCSI server.

Introducing globalSAN Xtarget Storage Server

Xtarget is a new (separately licensed) component of globalSAN — it enables you to transform your Mac into a powerful, amazingly fast iSCSI SAN storage server. Xtarget enables you to present the local storage you already own (Thunderbolt, FireWire, USB, etc.) over iSCSI!

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The benefit of Xtarget is that it enables you to quickly create a SAN using components you already own, thus saving time and money yet still getting the performance and workflow benefits of a typical SAN.

Start your free trial of Xtarget by clicking the “Get Activation Key” button on Xtarget’s License tab.