What is iSCSI and how does it work in the context of storage networking?

iSCSI stands for Internet Small Computer System Interface. It is a protocol that allows the transmission of SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) commands over an IP network, typically Ethernet. It enables the connection of storage devices such as disk arrays, tape drives, and virtual tape libraries to servers over a network.In the context of storage networking, iSCSI works by encapsulating SCSI commands and data into IP packets, which are then transmitted over TCP/IP network. It allows storage devices to be accessed remotely as if they were directly attached to the server, providing block-level access to the storage resources.Here's a simplified step-by-step process of how iSCSI works in storage networking:Initiator and Target Discovery: The iSCSI initiator (client) discovers and establishes a connection with the iSCSI target (storage device). The initiator sends a discovery request to the network, which contains the IP addresses or domain names of the potential targets.Authentication and Login: Once the target is discovered, the initiator establishes a secure connection by authenticating itself to the target. This ensures that only authorized initiators can access the storage resources. The initiator then logs in to the target, establishing a session.SCSI Command Execution: After the login process, the initiator can send SCSI commands to the target, such as read, write, or inquiry commands. These commands are encapsulated into iSCSI packets and transmitted over the IP network. The target receives the commands, processes them, and sends back the appropriate responses.Data Transfer: If the SCSI command involves data transfer, the initiator and target negotiate the parameters for data transfer, such as block size and data direction. The data is then transferred over the IP network using TCP/IP.Logout and Session Termination: When the initiator no longer needs access to the storage resources, it can send a logout request to terminate the session. This ensures proper cleanup and release of resources on both the initiator and target sides.Overall, iSCSI provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for storage networking, allowing organizations to leverage existing IP networks for storage connectivity. It enables remote storage access, consolidation, and centralized management of storage resources.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using iSCSI for storage connectivity?

Advantages of using iSCSI for storage connectivity:Cost-effective: iSCSI utilizes existing Ethernet infrastructure, making it a more affordable option compared to Fibre Channel (FC) or other dedicated storage networks.Flexibility: iSCSI can be easily integrated into existing IP networks, allowing for flexible storage connectivity options. It can also be used over long distances, making it suitable for remote storage access.Scalability: iSCSI supports the use of multiple initiators and targets, allowing for easy expansion of storage capacity and connectivity as needed.Simplicity: iSCSI is relatively easy to set up and manage, especially compared to more complex storage protocols like FC. It uses standard TCP/IP networking, which is familiar to most IT professionals.Compatibility: iSCSI is compatible with various operating systems and can be used with both block-level and file-level storage.Disadvantages of using iSCSI for storage connectivity:Performance: While iSCSI offers good performance for most applications, it may not match the speed and low latency of dedicated storage networks like FC. This can be a limitation for high-performance, latency-sensitive workloads.Network dependence: Since iSCSI relies on IP networks, any network issues or congestion can impact storage performance. It is important to ensure a reliable and well-managed network infrastructure for optimal iSCSI performance.Security concerns: iSCSI traffic is transmitted over IP networks, which can be susceptible to security threats. Proper security measures, such as encryption and authentication, need to be implemented to protect data integrity and confidentiality.Complexity in large deployments: While iSCSI is relatively simple to manage in small to medium-sized deployments, it can become more complex and challenging to manage in large-scale environments with numerous initiators and targets.Limited distance: Although iSCSI can be used over long distances, it may not be as suitable as FC for extremely long-distance storage connectivity requirements.Overall, iSCSI is a cost-effective and flexible storage connectivity option, but it may not be the best choice for all scenarios, particularly those requiring high-performance or extensive security measures.

Does the NAS Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6 support iSCSI protocol? If yes, what are the key features and capabilities it offers for iSCSI connectivity?

Yes, the NAS Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6 does support the iSCSI protocol. Here are some key features and capabilities it offers for iSCSI connectivity:High Performance: The Dorado 5000 V6 provides high-speed data transmission and low latency, ensuring fast and efficient iSCSI connectivity.Scalability: It offers flexible scalability options, allowing users to expand storage capacity as per their requirements. This ensures that the system can handle growing data workloads.Data Protection: The Dorado 5000 V6 provides advanced data protection features for iSCSI connectivity, including RAID levels, snapshot, and remote replication. These features help in ensuring data integrity and availability.Virtualization Support: It is compatible with virtualized environments, allowing seamless integration with popular virtualization platforms like VMware, Hyper-V, and OpenStack. This enables efficient utilization of storage resources in virtualized environments.Quality of Service (QoS): The Dorado 5000 V6 supports QoS features for iSCSI connectivity, enabling users to prioritize critical workloads and allocate resources accordingly. This ensures that important applications receive the necessary bandwidth and performance.Management and Monitoring: The system provides a comprehensive management interface that allows users to monitor and manage iSCSI connectivity. It offers features like performance monitoring, capacity planning, and alerting to ensure smooth operation and proactive management.Overall, the Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6 offers a robust and feature-rich iSCSI connectivity solution, catering to the needs of modern data storage environments.

How to Fix and Recover a Faulty RAID Array in NAS Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6

Name: How to recover data from a Huawei
Uploaded: 2025-10-16T08:53:56+03:00
Description: How to recover data from a Huawei

Has your NAS Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

How to Fix and Recover a Faulty RAID Array in NAS Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6

Data Recovery Tool

Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Contents

Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
Key Information About the NAS Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

RAID Recovery™ 2.8

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

Download

Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID

Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.

This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.

Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like Huawei often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.

Is there a risk of data loss if a NAS Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6 device is physically damaged or stolen?

Yes, there is a risk of data loss if a NAS Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6 device is physically damaged or stolen. If the device is physically damaged, such as due to fire, water damage, or hardware failure, it can result in the loss of data stored on the device. Similarly, if the device is stolen, the data stored on it can be accessed by unauthorized individuals, potentially leading to data breaches or loss. It is important to have proper backup and security measures in place to mitigate these risks.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6 can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:

Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.

WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.
Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.
Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.

Go to view

How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were accidentally deleted from the network drive.

Go to view

How to recover data from a Huawei

OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6 has 32 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

RAID 0;
RAID 1;
RAID 5;
RAID 6;
RAID 50;
RAID 60;
JBOD;

NAS supports:

exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
NTFS / ReFS;
APFS / HFS+;
Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
VMFS / HikvisionFS;

How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images

This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:

Overwriting during the recovery process;
Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
User errors.

To create a disk image, follow these steps:

Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.
Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6 network-attached storage keeps OS Linux operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

Product	Operating system	RAID controller support	Supported file systems	Virtual RAID controller support	Data recovery from damaged RAID	File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery	Windows, Linux, MacOS	Yes, over 100 controllers	FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS	Yes	Yes	Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery	Windows	Yes, over 10 controllers	FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+	No	Yes	Yes
R-Studio	Windows, Mac, Linux	Yes, over 20 controllers	FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+	Yes	Yes	Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery	Windows, Mac, Linux	Yes, over 100 controllers	FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+	Yes	Yes	Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery	Windows	Yes, over 20 controllers	FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+	No	Yes	Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery	Windows	Yes, over 100 controllers	FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+	Yes	Yes	Yes

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3)

Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #

If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6, feel free to leave a comment!

Reply
Adrien Clerk 26.08.2023 02:48 #

Can data recovery from a NAS Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6 device be done if the device is showing signs of hardware failure?

Reply
- Hetman Software 26.08.2023 03:59 #
  Data recovery from a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6 can be challenging if the device is showing signs of hardware failure. However, it may still be possible to recover the data depending on the extent of the hardware failure and the specific circumstances.
  Here are a few steps you can take if you encounter hardware failure on a NAS device:
  Contact the manufacturer or a professional data recovery service: The manufacturer may have specialized tools or services to help recover data from their devices. Alternatively, professional data recovery services can assist in recovering data from a malfunctioning NAS device.
  Check for any backups: If you have a backup of the data stored on the NAS device, you can restore the data from the backup to another storage device.
  Attempt basic troubleshooting: Depending on the symptoms of the hardware failure, you can try some basic troubleshooting steps. For example, checking power connections, swapping out cables, or connecting the device to a different power source or computer.
  Seek assistance from IT professionals: If you have an IT department or professionals who manage your network and storage infrastructure, it is advisable to involve them in the recovery process. They may have experience with similar devices or can provide guidance on the best course of action.
  It's important to note that attempting data recovery on a failing device can potentially worsen the situation or cause further data loss. Therefore, it is recommended to consult professionals who specialize in data recovery to maximize the chances of successful recovery.
  Reply

Post comment

Updated:
16.10.2025 8:53

Evaluations:
6
/
Rating:

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

Questions and answers

What is iSCSI and how does it work in the context of storage networking?
iSCSI stands for Internet Small Computer System Interface. It is a protocol that allows the transmission of SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) commands over an IP network, typically Ethernet. It enables the connection of storage devices such as disk arrays, tape drives, and virtual tape libraries to servers over a network.
In the context of storage networking, iSCSI works by encapsulating SCSI commands and data into IP packets, which are then transmitted over TCP/IP network. It allows storage devices to be accessed remotely as if they were directly attached to the server, providing block-level access to the storage resources.
Here's a simplified step-by-step process of how iSCSI works in storage networking:
1. Initiator and Target Discovery: The iSCSI initiator (client) discovers and establishes a connection with the iSCSI target (storage device). The initiator sends a discovery request to the network, which contains the IP addresses or domain names of the potential targets.
2. Authentication and Login: Once the target is discovered, the initiator establishes a secure connection by authenticating itself to the target. This ensures that only authorized initiators can access the storage resources. The initiator then logs in to the target, establishing a session.
3. SCSI Command Execution: After the login process, the initiator can send SCSI commands to the target, such as read, write, or inquiry commands. These commands are encapsulated into iSCSI packets and transmitted over the IP network. The target receives the commands, processes them, and sends back the appropriate responses.
4. Data Transfer: If the SCSI command involves data transfer, the initiator and target negotiate the parameters for data transfer, such as block size and data direction. The data is then transferred over the IP network using TCP/IP.
5. Logout and Session Termination: When the initiator no longer needs access to the storage resources, it can send a logout request to terminate the session. This ensures proper cleanup and release of resources on both the initiator and target sides.
Overall, iSCSI provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for storage networking, allowing organizations to leverage existing IP networks for storage connectivity. It enables remote storage access, consolidation, and centralized management of storage resources.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using iSCSI for storage connectivity?
Advantages of using iSCSI for storage connectivity:
1. Cost-effective: iSCSI utilizes existing Ethernet infrastructure, making it a more affordable option compared to Fibre Channel (FC) or other dedicated storage networks.
2. Flexibility: iSCSI can be easily integrated into existing IP networks, allowing for flexible storage connectivity options. It can also be used over long distances, making it suitable for remote storage access.
3. Scalability: iSCSI supports the use of multiple initiators and targets, allowing for easy expansion of storage capacity and connectivity as needed.
4. Simplicity: iSCSI is relatively easy to set up and manage, especially compared to more complex storage protocols like FC. It uses standard TCP/IP networking, which is familiar to most IT professionals.
5. Compatibility: iSCSI is compatible with various operating systems and can be used with both block-level and file-level storage.
Disadvantages of using iSCSI for storage connectivity:
1. Performance: While iSCSI offers good performance for most applications, it may not match the speed and low latency of dedicated storage networks like FC. This can be a limitation for high-performance, latency-sensitive workloads.
2. Network dependence: Since iSCSI relies on IP networks, any network issues or congestion can impact storage performance. It is important to ensure a reliable and well-managed network infrastructure for optimal iSCSI performance.
3. Security concerns: iSCSI traffic is transmitted over IP networks, which can be susceptible to security threats. Proper security measures, such as encryption and authentication, need to be implemented to protect data integrity and confidentiality.
4. Complexity in large deployments: While iSCSI is relatively simple to manage in small to medium-sized deployments, it can become more complex and challenging to manage in large-scale environments with numerous initiators and targets.
5. Limited distance: Although iSCSI can be used over long distances, it may not be as suitable as FC for extremely long-distance storage connectivity requirements.
Overall, iSCSI is a cost-effective and flexible storage connectivity option, but it may not be the best choice for all scenarios, particularly those requiring high-performance or extensive security measures.
Does the NAS Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6 support iSCSI protocol? If yes, what are the key features and capabilities it offers for iSCSI connectivity?
Yes, the NAS Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6 does support the iSCSI protocol. Here are some key features and capabilities it offers for iSCSI connectivity:
1. High Performance: The Dorado 5000 V6 provides high-speed data transmission and low latency, ensuring fast and efficient iSCSI connectivity.
2. Scalability: It offers flexible scalability options, allowing users to expand storage capacity as per their requirements. This ensures that the system can handle growing data workloads.
3. Data Protection: The Dorado 5000 V6 provides advanced data protection features for iSCSI connectivity, including RAID levels, snapshot, and remote replication. These features help in ensuring data integrity and availability.
4. Virtualization Support: It is compatible with virtualized environments, allowing seamless integration with popular virtualization platforms like VMware, Hyper-V, and OpenStack. This enables efficient utilization of storage resources in virtualized environments.
5. Quality of Service (QoS): The Dorado 5000 V6 supports QoS features for iSCSI connectivity, enabling users to prioritize critical workloads and allocate resources accordingly. This ensures that important applications receive the necessary bandwidth and performance.
6. Management and Monitoring: The system provides a comprehensive management interface that allows users to monitor and manage iSCSI connectivity. It offers features like performance monitoring, capacity planning, and alerting to ensure smooth operation and proactive management.
Overall, the Huawei OceanStor Dorado 5000 V6 offers a robust and feature-rich iSCSI connectivity solution, catering to the needs of modern data storage environments.