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

iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) is a protocol that allows the transmission of SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) commands over IP networks. It enables the use of standard Ethernet networks to connect storage devices, such as disk arrays or tape libraries, to servers.In the context of network storage, iSCSI works by encapsulating SCSI commands and data into IP packets, which are then transmitted over TCP/IP networks. The storage devices, known as iSCSI targets, present themselves as SCSI devices to the servers, known as initiators, allowing them to access the storage resources as if they were directly attached.Here's a high-level overview of how iSCSI works:Initiator Discovery: The initiator (server) discovers available iSCSI targets (storage devices) on the network. This is typically done using either a manually configured target IP address or through a process called iSCSI Name Service (iSNS) or SendTargets.Session Establishment: Once the initiator has discovered the target, it establishes a session with the target. This involves negotiating parameters such as authentication, security, and data transfer settings.Login: After the session is established, the initiator logs in to the target using credentials (username and password) if required. This step ensures proper access control and security.Command and Data Exchange: Once logged in, the initiator can send SCSI commands to the target, such as read or write requests. These commands are encapsulated into iSCSI packets and transmitted over the IP network. The target processes the commands and returns the requested data or status information.Session Termination: When the data transfer is complete or the connection is no longer needed, the initiator terminates the session with the target. This involves a logout process to release resources and ensure proper closure.Overall, iSCSI provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for network storage, as it leverages existing Ethernet infrastructure and allows for the consolidation of storage resources. It enables servers to access remote storage devices as if they were locally attached, providing the benefits of centralized storage management and improved data availability.

Can you explain the benefits and advantages of using iSCSI for storage connectivity?

Certainly! iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) is a protocol that allows the transmission of SCSI commands over IP networks. It offers several benefits and advantages for storage connectivity. Here are some of them:Cost-effective: iSCSI leverages existing Ethernet infrastructure, making it a cost-effective solution compared to Fibre Channel (FC) or other specialized storage networks. It eliminates the need for separate cabling, switches, and host bus adapters (HBAs), reducing the overall infrastructure cost.Flexibility: iSCSI enables storage connectivity over long distances using standard IP networks, including LAN, WAN, and the internet. This flexibility allows organizations to centralize storage resources and easily scale their storage infrastructure as needed.Compatibility: iSCSI is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. It can seamlessly integrate with existing storage systems and supports a wide range of storage devices such as hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and tape libraries.Performance: While FC generally offers higher performance, iSCSI has significantly improved over the years and can deliver excellent performance for most applications. With advancements like jumbo frames and TCP/IP offload engines (TOEs), iSCSI performance can be further enhanced.Simplicity: iSCSI is relatively easy to set up and configure. It uses familiar networking concepts and tools, making it accessible to IT professionals with networking expertise. Additionally, iSCSI can be managed using standard network management tools, simplifying storage administration.Virtualization support: iSCSI is widely used in virtualized environments. It allows virtual machines (VMs) to directly access shared storage over the network, enabling features like live migration and high availability.Data protection: iSCSI supports various data protection features, including encryption, authentication, and access control. These features ensure the security and integrity of data during transmission and storage.Backup and disaster recovery: iSCSI simplifies backup and disaster recovery processes. It enables efficient data replication, snapshotting, and remote mirroring, allowing organizations to create reliable backup copies and quickly recover from data loss or system failures.Overall, iSCSI offers a cost-effective, flexible, and scalable solution for storage connectivity, making it a popular choice for many organizations.

Does the NAS QNAP TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP support iSCSI protocol and what are its capabilities in terms of iSCSI functionality?

Yes, the NAS QNAP TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP does support the iSCSI protocol. It offers a range of capabilities in terms of iSCSI functionality, including:iSCSI Target: The NAS can function as an iSCSI target, allowing you to create virtual disks on the NAS and present them as iSCSI LUNs to other devices on the network.iSCSI LUN Backup: You can perform scheduled backups of iSCSI LUNs to local or remote storage for data protection.iSCSI LUN Snapshot: The NAS supports taking snapshots of iSCSI LUNs for point-in-time recovery and data protection.iSCSI Thin Provisioning: You can allocate storage space to iSCSI LUNs dynamically, optimizing storage utilization.iSCSI MPIO and MC/S: The NAS supports Multipath I/O (MPIO) and Multiple Connections per Session (MC/S), allowing for increased bandwidth and redundancy in iSCSI connections.iSCSI LUN Mapping and Masking: You can control access to iSCSI LUNs by mapping them to specific iSCSI initiators and masking them from unauthorized initiators.iSCSI CHAP Authentication: The NAS supports Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP) for secure iSCSI connections.These features make the QNAP TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP a versatile and capable solution for implementing iSCSI storage in a network environment.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP: How to Recover Data When It Breaks

Name: How to recover data from a QNAP
Uploaded: 2024-05-28T17:59:04+03:00
Description: How to recover data from a QNAP

If your ⭐ NAS RAID array breaks, follow these steps to recover your data and get your system running smoothly.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS QNAP TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP: How to Recover Data When It Breaks

Data Recovery Tool

QNAP TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP.

Contents

Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

RAID Recovery™ 2.6

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

Download

Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?

Conventional hard disks keep user’s data by writing it to their surface in a consecutive way, and this is how an entire file is stored on a single hard disk. However, when data is written to a RAID system, a file is divided into several parts. Then these parts are written consecutively to all hard disks within such array. The size of such parts may range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so each file is stored on several hard disks at the same time.

Such approach helps to speed up read and write operations, and it is evident that saving two parts of a file having the size of 1 GB to two hard disks simultaneously is much faster than saving the same 1 GB of data to one hard disk. However, this peculiarity makes file recovery more complicated.

Various RAID levels store information in different ways. Additionally, manufacturers like QNAP also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.

Can the type of file system used on NAS QNAP TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP devices affect data loss risks?

Yes, the type of file system used on NAS QNAP TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP devices can affect data loss risks. The file system is responsible for organizing and managing data on the storage device, and different file systems have different features and capabilities that can impact data reliability and recovery.

Some file systems, such as NTFS (used in Windows) or ext4 (used in Linux), have built-in features like journaling that help protect against data corruption and improve data recovery in case of unexpected power outages or system crashes. These file systems are generally considered more robust and less prone to data loss.

On the other hand, file systems like FAT32 or exFAT are less reliable and have limited error-checking capabilities. They are more susceptible to data corruption and may not provide adequate recovery options in case of data loss.

When choosing a file system for NAS devices, it's important to consider the specific requirements and needs of your data storage. It's recommended to use a file system that provides features like journaling, data integrity checks, and efficient recovery mechanisms to minimize the risk of data loss.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP can be accessed over the network, you still need to take the hard disks out of the storage device and connect them to a Windows computer. Only in this case will the software be able to scan them properly. Here is what you should do:

Turn off the storage and disconnect it from the power supply.

WARNING! Before you start taking hard disks out of your NAS device, read the manual carefully. Incorrect actions may damage your network-attached storage and/or the hard disks within the RAID system.
Take the hard disks out of the NAS one by one, carefully removing them from their slots. Remember that the disks are extremely vulnerable: hitting or dropping them may result in serious physical damage.
Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
Remove the hard disks and connect them to the computer. In this video, we have explored what ports are used to connect hard disks, and what to do if there are not enough ports or connectors.

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How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP. The hard disks that make up the RAID contain technical information about the algorithm used to save files. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery reads this information and puts the damaged array together. Then you can open the disk and save your files. Also, you can recover the files accidentally deleted from the network drive.

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How to recover data from a QNAP

TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP has 24 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

RAID 50;
RAID 60;
RAID 6;
RAID 5;
RAID 10;
RAID 0;
RAID 1;
JBOD;

NAS supports:

ZFS;
EXT4;
EXT3;
exFAT;
FAT32 (External Disk Only);
NTFS (External Disk Only);
HFS+ (External Disk Read Only);

Safe recovery from disk images

This utility lets you save an entire copy of the disk to file and then work with this image instead of the actual disk. Such feature helps to protect data on the disk from:

Overwriting during the recovery process;
Loss resulting from bad sectors;
User mistakes.

To create an image, do the following:

Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
When the image creation wizard starts, you can choose to save the entire disk or select only a part of it. Specify the parameters and click Next.
At this stage, you need to choose a directory where to save the image. Choose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP.

Where are user’s files stored?

The QNAP TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP network-attached storage keeps QTS (QuTS hero) 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery

Product	Operating system	License type	RAID controller support	Supported file systems	Virtual RAID controller support	Data recovery from damaged RAID	File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery	Windows	Paid	Yes, over 100 controllers	FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+	Yes	Yes	Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery	Windows	Paid	Yes, over 100 controllers	FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+	No	Yes	Yes
R-Studio	Windows, Mac, Linux	Paid	Yes, over 200 controllers	FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+	Yes	Yes	Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery	Windows, Mac, Linux	Paid	Yes, over 1,000 controllers	FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+	Yes	Yes	Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery	Windows	Paid	Yes, over 20 controllers	FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+	No	Yes	Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery	Windows	Free	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 TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP, feel free to leave a comment!

Reply
James Bovey 15.09.2023 01:47 #

Can data recovery from a NAS QNAP TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP device be done if the disks have been reformatted?

Reply
- Hetman Software 15.09.2023 01:59 #
  If the disks in a NAS QNAP TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP device have been reformatted, data recovery can still be possible, but it may be more challenging and the success rate may vary depending on the specific circumstances. Here are a few points to consider:
  Stop using the NAS: As soon as you realize that data has been lost, it is crucial to stop using the NAS to prevent any new data from overwriting the old data.
  Seek professional help: It is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service or a specialized IT firm experienced in NAS recovery. They have the expertise and tools to handle complex data recovery scenarios.
  Check for backups: If you have a backup of your data, you can restore it without the need for data recovery. Always ensure regular backups of important data to avoid potential data loss situations.
  Type of reformatting: The success of data recovery may depend on the type of reformatting performed on the disks. If it was a quick format, there might be a higher chance of recovering some data compared to a full format or disk initialization.
  Time elapsed since reformatting: The longer it has been since the disks were reformatted and actively used, the higher the chances that some data may have been overwritten. Immediate action after data loss increases the likelihood of successful recovery.
  Remember, data recovery from a reformatted NAS can be a complex and time-consuming process. It is crucial to consult with professionals who can assess the situation, provide guidance, and attempt recovery using specialized techniques and tools.
  Reply

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Updated:
28.05.2024 17:59

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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 network storage?
iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) is a protocol that allows the transmission of SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) commands over IP networks. It enables the use of standard Ethernet networks to connect storage devices, such as disk arrays or tape libraries, to servers.
In the context of network storage, iSCSI works by encapsulating SCSI commands and data into IP packets, which are then transmitted over TCP/IP networks. The storage devices, known as iSCSI targets, present themselves as SCSI devices to the servers, known as initiators, allowing them to access the storage resources as if they were directly attached.
Here's a high-level overview of how iSCSI works:
1. Initiator Discovery: The initiator (server) discovers available iSCSI targets (storage devices) on the network. This is typically done using either a manually configured target IP address or through a process called iSCSI Name Service (iSNS) or SendTargets.
2. Session Establishment: Once the initiator has discovered the target, it establishes a session with the target. This involves negotiating parameters such as authentication, security, and data transfer settings.
3. Login: After the session is established, the initiator logs in to the target using credentials (username and password) if required. This step ensures proper access control and security.
4. Command and Data Exchange: Once logged in, the initiator can send SCSI commands to the target, such as read or write requests. These commands are encapsulated into iSCSI packets and transmitted over the IP network. The target processes the commands and returns the requested data or status information.
5. Session Termination: When the data transfer is complete or the connection is no longer needed, the initiator terminates the session with the target. This involves a logout process to release resources and ensure proper closure.
Overall, iSCSI provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for network storage, as it leverages existing Ethernet infrastructure and allows for the consolidation of storage resources. It enables servers to access remote storage devices as if they were locally attached, providing the benefits of centralized storage management and improved data availability.
Can you explain the benefits and advantages of using iSCSI for storage connectivity?
Certainly! iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) is a protocol that allows the transmission of SCSI commands over IP networks. It offers several benefits and advantages for storage connectivity. Here are some of them:
1. Cost-effective: iSCSI leverages existing Ethernet infrastructure, making it a cost-effective solution compared to Fibre Channel (FC) or other specialized storage networks. It eliminates the need for separate cabling, switches, and host bus adapters (HBAs), reducing the overall infrastructure cost.
2. Flexibility: iSCSI enables storage connectivity over long distances using standard IP networks, including LAN, WAN, and the internet. This flexibility allows organizations to centralize storage resources and easily scale their storage infrastructure as needed.
3. Compatibility: iSCSI is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. It can seamlessly integrate with existing storage systems and supports a wide range of storage devices such as hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and tape libraries.
4. Performance: While FC generally offers higher performance, iSCSI has significantly improved over the years and can deliver excellent performance for most applications. With advancements like jumbo frames and TCP/IP offload engines (TOEs), iSCSI performance can be further enhanced.
5. Simplicity: iSCSI is relatively easy to set up and configure. It uses familiar networking concepts and tools, making it accessible to IT professionals with networking expertise. Additionally, iSCSI can be managed using standard network management tools, simplifying storage administration.
6. Virtualization support: iSCSI is widely used in virtualized environments. It allows virtual machines (VMs) to directly access shared storage over the network, enabling features like live migration and high availability.
7. Data protection: iSCSI supports various data protection features, including encryption, authentication, and access control. These features ensure the security and integrity of data during transmission and storage.
8. Backup and disaster recovery: iSCSI simplifies backup and disaster recovery processes. It enables efficient data replication, snapshotting, and remote mirroring, allowing organizations to create reliable backup copies and quickly recover from data loss or system failures.
Overall, iSCSI offers a cost-effective, flexible, and scalable solution for storage connectivity, making it a popular choice for many organizations.
Does the NAS QNAP TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP support iSCSI protocol and what are its capabilities in terms of iSCSI functionality?
Yes, the NAS QNAP TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP does support the iSCSI protocol. It offers a range of capabilities in terms of iSCSI functionality, including:
1. iSCSI Target: The NAS can function as an iSCSI target, allowing you to create virtual disks on the NAS and present them as iSCSI LUNs to other devices on the network.
2. iSCSI LUN Backup: You can perform scheduled backups of iSCSI LUNs to local or remote storage for data protection.
3. iSCSI LUN Snapshot: The NAS supports taking snapshots of iSCSI LUNs for point-in-time recovery and data protection.
4. iSCSI Thin Provisioning: You can allocate storage space to iSCSI LUNs dynamically, optimizing storage utilization.
5. iSCSI MPIO and MC/S: The NAS supports Multipath I/O (MPIO) and Multiple Connections per Session (MC/S), allowing for increased bandwidth and redundancy in iSCSI connections.
6. iSCSI LUN Mapping and Masking: You can control access to iSCSI LUNs by mapping them to specific iSCSI initiators and masking them from unauthorized initiators.
7. iSCSI CHAP Authentication: The NAS supports Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP) for secure iSCSI connections.
These features make the QNAP TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP a versatile and capable solution for implementing iSCSI storage in a network environment.