What is iSCSI/HD?
iSCSI/HD allows owners of high definition capable hardware and software to access their media across an IP network.
What are the requirements for iSCSI/HD today?
A server acting running iSCSI Target mode running Linux v2.6 with an HD capable optical drive.
A client that is capable of HD media playback, has a GigE network connection, and can speak iSCSI.
Has iSCSI/HD been tested over IPv6?
Yes, both IPv4 and IPv6 sessions have been tested and are stable.
Has iSCSI/HD been tested over wireless networks?
Yes, bandwith requirements currently max out draft 802.11n wireless hardware, and hence causes the playback to be a just a little bit slow with iSCSI/HD over wireless. However, with the proper tuning and software player buffering logic, this can soon be a reality.
Final 802.11n (ie: not draft) wireless hardware will most likely help here to achieve the few extra Mbit this takes for smooth playback on currently available software. More on this as final 802.11n hardware launches..
How does Linux/iSCSI fit into this prototype..?
A modern Linux v2.6 kernel, supporting a wide and diverse array of architectures, allows storage objects to be exported across target mode IP storage networks. For this prototype, win32 iSCSI/HD initiators are used for decoding iSCSI storage object traffic.
What about iSCSI/HD playback on Linux..?
This currently does not exist. However, HD capable software decoders on an open platform will eventually provide an increased amount of flexibility for allowing different system platforms to access storage objects and their associated logical units across Ethernet and IP networks.
Leading support for Linux on x86_64 virtualization is another location where iSCSI/HD will eventually allow greater flexibility for owners of HD capable hardware and software. More on this topic as things unfold..
