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Table Of Contents
Release Notes for Cisco iSCSI Driver Version 3.1.1 for Microsoft Windows 2000
SN 5400 Series System Software Requirements
MDS 9000 Series System Software Requirements
Obtaining the iSCSI Driver and Updated SN 5400 Series System Software
Determining the iSCSI Driver Version
Installing iSCSI Driver Software
Uninstalling iSCSI Driver Software
Software Configuration Tips on the Cisco TAC Home Page
Obtaining Technical Assistance
Obtaining Additional Publications and Information
Release Notes for Cisco iSCSI Driver Version 3.1.1 for Microsoft Windows 2000
May 30, 2003
Note
You can find the most current documentation on Cisco.com. This set of electronic documents may contain updates and modifications made after the hard-copy documents were printed.
These release notes support Cisco iSCSI Driver version 3.1.1 for Microsoft Windows 2000 and Microsoft Windows XP.
For a list of software caveats that apply to version 3.1.1, see the "Caveats" section. The caveats are updated for every maintenance version and are located on Cisco.com and the Documentation CD-ROM.
Contents
These release notes describe the following topics:
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Introduction
The iSCSI Driver for Microsoft Windows 2000 and Microsoft Windows XP provides an IP host with the ability to access storage through an IP network. The iSCSI driver uses the iSCSI protocol to transport SCSI requests and responses over an IP network between the IP host and a Cisco SN 5400 or MDS 9000 Series system.
Architecturally, the iSCSI driver combines with the IP host's TCP/IP stack, network drivers, and network interface cards (NICs) to provide the same functions as a SCSI or a Fibre Channel adapter driver with a host bus adapter (HBA).
The iSCSI driver provides a transport for SCSI requests and responses for storage devices; however, instead of providing a transport for directly attached devices, the driver transports the SCSI requests and responses between the IP host and a Cisco SN 5400 or MDS 9000 Series system via an IP network. The SN 5400 or MDS 9000 Series system, in turn, transports SCSI requests and responses between it and the storage devices attached to it.
Once the iSCSI driver is installed and started, the IP host proceeds with a discovery process for storage devices.
A more technical description of the driver's design and its features can be found in the readme file that accompanies the iSCSI driver in the downloaded driver archive file.
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System Requirements
This section describes the system requirements for version 3.1.1 and includes the following information:
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Operating System Requirements
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If service pack 2 is installed, the following hotfixes are required:
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These hotfixes do not appear on the Microsoft Hotfix website; you must specifically request them.
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To obtain the hotfixes, call Microsoft customer support at 1-800-936-4900 (or any Microsoft customer support phone number) and request the hotfix for the specific Knowledge Base (KB) article (Q302895 or Q248720, Q318271, or Q307939). You will be asked to supply an e-mail address. You will receive an e-mail message with a link to an FTP site where you can download the hotfixes. The e-mail message will also contain a password that you will be prompted to enter when you open the hotfix files.
For additional information about the hotfixes, access the Microsoft website at http://www.microsoft.com and follow the support link to view KB article Q302895, Q248720, Q318271, and Q307939.
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SN 5400 Series System Software Requirements
The iSCSI Driver version 3.1.1 for Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP is interoperable with a Cisco SN 5400 Series system running software release 3.2.1 or later. This version of the driver is not interoperable with a Cisco SN 5400 Series system running software release 2.5.x or earlier.
MDS 9000 Series System Software Requirements
The iSCSI Driver version 3.1.1 for Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP is interoperable with a Cisco MDS 9000 Series system running SAN-OS Release 1.1(1) or later.
New and Changed Information
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See the readme file for additional information about all new features.
Installation Notes
This section describes how to obtain iSCSI driver software and upgrade an existing iSCSI driver installation, and includes the following information:
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Obtaining the iSCSI Driver and Updated SN 5400 Series System Software
Registered Cisco.com users can download the most current SN 5400 Series system software, Cisco iSCSI drivers, readme files, release notes and example configuration files from Cisco.com. In addition, information about driver compatibility and other relevant driver information is available on Cisco.com. You can access software and related information by following these instructions:
Step 1
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Configuration guides and release notes are available online. You can access online documentation by following these instructions:
Step 1
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Determining the iSCSI Driver Version
To determine the version of the iSCSI driver software installed on the IP host, open Control Panel and double-click the iSCSI Config icon. The lower left corner of the dialog box shows the version number of the iSCSI Config program and the title bar shows the operating system it is intended for. Click Status to show the version information of the iSCSI driver on the top line.
You can also verify version information by checking the file versions of these files:
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Follow these steps:
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Installing iSCSI Driver Software
Refer to the readme file that accompanies the iSCSI driver (in the downloaded driver archive file) for complete installation and configuration procedures.
Upgrading to a New Version
To upgrade to a new version of iSCSI driver software, follow these instructions:
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
See the readme file for additional information about installing and configuring the iSCSI driver software.
Uninstalling iSCSI Driver Software
To uninstall iSCSI driver software, follow these instructions:
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Important Notes
The iSCSI driver version 3.1.1 supports Cisco Network Boot, a product that allows you to initiate a boot of Microsoft Windows 2000 Server or Advanced Server on a computer without an attached disk drive.
With Cisco Network Boot, a computer without a directly attached disk drive uses iSCSI protocol via an iSCSI driver to boot from an iSCSI disk through an IP network and a Cisco SN 5400 Series system.
For more information on Cisco Network Boot, refer to the Cisco Network Boot Installation and Configuration Guide Release 2.1 and the associated release notes document. These documents are available as electronic document on Cisco.com and the Documentation CD-ROM.
Caveats
Caveats describe unexpected behavior or defects in iSCSI software versions. Severity 1 caveats are the most serious caveats; severity 2 caveats are less serious.
This document describes open and resolved severity 1 and 2 caveats and selected caveats of other severities:
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Within the sections, the caveats are sorted alphanumerically by caveat number.
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http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/Support/Bugtool/launch_bugtool.pl.
Open Caveats
There are no severity 1 or 2 caveats open against the iSCSI driver version 3.1.1. For a more complete list of caveats against this release, access Cisco.com as described in the section "Cisco.com" at the end of this document.
Resolved Caveats
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If the PXE NIC configuration is changed to DHCP or to an incorrect IP address after replication, the computer cannot be rebooted to correct the error. The computer hangs on the boot process.
Workaround: Use the Network Boot Administration Utility to overwrite the volume by replicating the original master volume. All data on the LUN will be lost. If there is data on the LUN that must be saved, access the LUN from another iSCSI client and backup the critical data.
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With a mix of iSCSI unsolicited data and r2t data writes on the same target session, data corruption may occur in data written to disk.
Workaround: None. This problem is resolved with iSCSI driver version 3.1.1.
Related Documentation
The following sections describe the related documentation available for the iSCSI Driver version 3.1.1 for Microsoft Windows 2000 and Microsoft Windows XP, and the Cisco SN 5400 and MDS 9000 Series systems. These documents consist of the iSCSI driver release notes and readme file, and the SN 5400 and MDS 9000 Series system hardware installation and software configuration guides.
The SN 5400 and MDS 9000 Series system hardware installation and software configuration documentation sets are available as printed manuals or electronic documents. The iSCSI driver readme file and example configuration file are available in electronic format, as part of the software download package. See the "Obtaining the iSCSI Driver and Updated SN 5400 Series System Software" section for details.
Release-Specific Documents
This Release Notes document is the only document specific to iSCSI Driver version 3.1.1 for Microsoft Windows 2000 and Microsoft Windows XP. It is located on Cisco.com and the Documentation CD-ROM.
Each release of SN 5400 and MDS 9000 Series system software includes an associated Release Notes document, which is also available as an electronic document on Cisco.com and the Documentation CD-ROM.
Hardware Documents
Refer to the appropriate SN 5400 or MDS 9000 Series system hardware installation guide for hardware installation procedures. The Cisco SN 5428 Storage Router Hardware Installation Guide provides hardware installation procedures for SN 5428 Storage Routers. The Cisco SN 5428-2 Storage Router Hardware Installation Guide provides hardware installation procedures for SN 5428-2 Storage Routers. These documents are available as printed manuals. They are also available as electronic documents on Cisco.com and the Documentation CD-ROM
Software Documents
Refer to the appropriate SN 5400 or MDS 9000 Series system software configuration guide for software configuration information. The Cisco SN 5428 Storage Router Software Configuration Guide Release 3.2 provides configuration information for SN 5428 Storage Routers. The Cisco SN 5428-2 Storage Router Software Configuration Guide Release 3.2 provides configuration information for SN 5428-2 Storage Routers. These documents are available as printed manuals. They are also available as electronic documents on Cisco.com and the Documentation CD-ROM.
For documentation on the SN 5400 Series system web-based GUI, refer to the SN 5400 Series system web-based GUI online Help system.
Service and Support
For service and support for a product purchased from a reseller, contact the reseller, who offers a wide variety of Cisco service and support programs described in "Service and Support" of Cisco Information Packet shipped with your product.
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For service and support for a product purchased directly from Cisco, use Cisco.com.
Software Configuration Tips on the Cisco TAC Home Page
A variety of Cisco SN 5400 Series system software and iSCSI driver installation, configuration and usage tips are available on the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) Web Site.
You can access "tech tips" by following these instructions:
Step 1
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Obtaining Documentation
Cisco provides several ways to obtain documentation, technical assistance, and other technical resources. These sections explain how to obtain technical information from Cisco Systems.
Cisco.com
You can access the most current Cisco documentation on the World Wide Web at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/home/home.htm
You can access the Cisco website at this URL:
International Cisco web sites can be accessed from this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/public/countries_languages.shtml
Documentation CD-ROM
Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in a Cisco Documentation CD-ROM package, which may have shipped with your product. The Documentation CD-ROM is updated monthly and may be more current than printed documentation. The CD-ROM package is available as a single unit or through an annual subscription.
Registered Cisco.com users can order the Documentation CD-ROM (product number DOC-CONDOCCD=) through the online Subscription Store:
http://www.cisco.com/go/subscription
Ordering Documentation
You can find instructions for ordering documentation at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/es_inpck/pdi.htm
You can order Cisco documentation in these ways:
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http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/ordering/index.shtml
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http://www.cisco.com/go/subscription
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Documentation Feedback
You can submit comments electronically on Cisco.com. On the Cisco Documentation home page, click Feedback at the top of the page.
You can email your comments to bug-doc@cisco.com.
You can submit your comments by mail by using the response card behind the front cover of your document or by writing to the following address:
Cisco Systems
Attn: Customer Document Ordering
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-9883We appreciate your comments.
Obtaining Technical Assistance
Cisco provides Cisco.com, which includes the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) Website, as a starting point for all technical assistance. Customers and partners can obtain online documentation, troubleshooting tips, and sample configurations from the Cisco TAC website. Cisco.com registered users have complete access to the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC website, including TAC tools and utilities.
Cisco.com
Cisco.com offers a suite of interactive, networked services that let you access Cisco information, networking solutions, services, programs, and resources at any time, from anywhere in the world.
Cisco.com provides a broad range of features and services to help you with these tasks:
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To obtain customized information and service, you can self-register on Cisco.com at this URL:
Technical Assistance Center
The Cisco TAC is available to all customers who need technical assistance with a Cisco product, technology, or solution. Two levels of support are available: the Cisco TAC website and the Cisco TAC Escalation Center. The avenue of support that you choose depends on the priority of the problem and the conditions stated in service contracts, when applicable.
We categorize Cisco TAC inquiries according to urgency:
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Cisco TAC Website
You can use the Cisco TAC website to resolve P3 and P4 issues yourself, saving both cost and time. The site provides around-the-clock access to online tools, knowledge bases, and software. To access the Cisco TAC website, go to this URL:
All customers, partners, and resellers who have a valid Cisco service contract have complete access to the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC website. Some services on the Cisco TAC website require a Cisco.com login ID and password. If you have a valid service contract but do not have a login ID or password, go to this URL to register:
http://tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do
If you are a Cisco.com registered user, and you cannot resolve your technical issues by using the Cisco TAC website, you can open a case online at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/support/index.html
If you have Internet access, we recommend that you open P3 and P4 cases through the Cisco TAC website so that you can describe the situation in your own words and attach any necessary files.
Cisco TAC Escalation Center
The Cisco TAC Escalation Center addresses priority level 1 or priority level 2 issues. These classifications are assigned when severe network degradation significantly impacts business operations. When you contact the TAC Escalation Center with a P1 or P2 problem, a Cisco TAC engineer automatically opens a case.
To obtain a directory of toll-free Cisco TAC telephone numbers for your country, go to this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/687/Directory/DirTAC.shtml
Before calling, please check with your network operations center to determine the level of Cisco support services to which your company is entitled: for example, SMARTnet, SMARTnet Onsite, or Network Supported Accounts (NSA). When you call the center, please have available your service agreement number and your product serial number.
Obtaining Additional Publications and Information
Information about Cisco products, technologies, and network solutions is available from various online and printed sources.
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http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_catalog_links_launch.html
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http://www.cisco.com/go/packet
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http://www.cisco.com/go/iqmagazine
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http://www.cisco.com/en/US/about/ac123/ac147/about_cisco_the_internet_protocol_journal.html
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http://www.cisco.com/en/US/learning/le31/learning_recommended_training_list.html
This document is to be used in conjunction with the documents listed in the "Related Documentation" section.
Copyright © 2003 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
