Product: EnhanceTech TS800 IP
Supplier: EnhanceTech
MSRP: $1,800 (without hard drives)
Author: Bill
Date: February 10, 2010

The EnhanceTech TS800 IP is an enterprise-level solution for iSCSI attached storage. Resembling a full-size ATX case, the TS800 contains three gigabit network controllers, an on-board computer and web server, a RAID controller capable of level 6 arrays, and a hot-swap backplane with room for 8 SATA drives. The novel aspect here is the use of the iSCSI standard, essentially using an existing TCP/IP network infrastructure to pass packets of data that mimic a more traditional SAS solution. Part of this process is specialized software on the client end to attach the device as a volume.

Packaging

Packaging such a large device (35 pounds without drives, almost 50 pounds with 8 drives) is not a graceful process. Extensive amounts of foam padding kept the enclosure and drives secure in their large cardboard box. Included are keys for the drive trays and a serial cable for terminal configuration.

Hardware

The device is sturdy, and feels like an ATX-format case. A rear fan is removable for cleaning, and is engineered well. Present on the rear face are the three RJ-45 ports (Config, LAN1 and LAN2), the power supply, and an LCD display with push buttons. This control panel allows the configuration of the “Config” port, through which the web-server can be accessed to configure the iSCSI and hardware operations.

The front face contains eight bays for hot-swappable SATA trays. These trays lock securely, and slide in easily.

Configuration

This is an enterprise-level device, and the amount of flexibility given within the web interface can be overwhelming to newcomers. Initially, you must configure the web server using the back of the device (or a serial connection and terminal). Once the web-server has a suitable TCP/IP configuration, you can connect to it over the “config” port.

Inside the web interface, there are hundreds of options scattered over numerous categories. Abbreviations and acronyms are everywhere, and are not explained well in the documentation. In setting up the drive, I had to contact technical support numerous times, but bear in mind that I did not have experience with these devices before.

The basic process is to partition and initialize physical disks, assign them to a physical unit, attach that to a user data volume (with your choice of RAID configuration), and finally attach that to a logical unit. None of this is automated, and you will be alerted by two-character abbreviations to your mistakes (IT, WR, and FR). This disk configuration process was frustratingly tedious and the web interface was buggy and unresponsive at times. More attention to automation and interface design would have made this product more accessible.

After setting up the logical unit, you will need to allow the iSCSI system to access it. Two separate iSCSI adapters are present, and each can access logical units simultaneously. Furthermore, you can specify user accounts on the iSCSI systems to control client access to the volumes. Once everything is configured, you can connect to the device over the LAN1 and/or LAN2 interfaces.

iSCSI Initiation

iSCSI is not readily understood by today’s operating systems. Linux has a kernel module, but Windows and Mac users will have to download and install an intermediate piece of software known as an “initiator.” On my MacBook Pro, I downloaded the freely available GlobalSAN iSCSI Initiator and got to work. My understanding of the nuances of iSCSI is limited where it exists, but the basic procedure is to specify the IP address and port of the “target” and authenticate where appropriate.

Performance

I formatted the drive using Mac OSX’s Disk Utility as HFS+ partitions and tested read/write performance using XBench. To eliminate network latency, I connected my computer to the device using a piece of crossover cable. I tested the device using a RAID 60 configuration and a simple stripe. In testing the RAID 60, two drives were removed while streaming video without failure or interference in transferring data. Reinserting the drives does not automatically rebuild the array, and using the configuration interface to re-span the array to the new drives was quite complicated.

Conclusions

Overall, the device should satisfy the needs of an enterprise-level storage situation. My guess is however, that while those professionals will understand how to use the device, they will be frustrated with its interface and operation when compared to other solutions. This type of storage solution fits into a niche market, but there are alternatives. Data Robotics has released a Drobo product with dual iSCSI interfaces, and affords excellent setup and configuration methods at a premium price (nearly double that of the TS800). This target audience, who will be doing their homework on how to spend such a large sum of money, will not overlook the difficulties of the TS800.

Pros

+ Solid, robust construction
+ Highly capable hardware

Cons

- Complex setup and maintenance
- Poor documentation
- Price

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Tags: EnhanceTech, iSCSI, TS800 IP