Step by Step N5200 iSCSI Instructions, please

[cyberwolf42]

Can someone please post step-by-step instructions on how to get iSCSI on my N5200 (not Pro!)? I am presently on firmware version 1.00.10.

I have two primary uses for the Thecus N5200. First, as RAID-5 storage of critical files. Second, as a media server for my DLink DSM-520.

The main problem I have right now is that I have no reliable off-site online backup of the N5200 and I want to use a service like Mozy (a great service -- check out mozy.com/?code=K8UUPN if you are interested!) but Mozy Home can not backup network volumes. I believe iSCSI will solve this problem as it will appear as a fixed disk instead and therefore I will be able to back up my N5200 to Mozy's servers online.

I'm having trouble piecing together all of the information as it is scattered throughout many threads on this board.

Specific Questions I have include:
What firmware do I need?
Will my existing RAID-5 array and volumes remain in-tact during the firmware upgrade?
How do I mount the iSCSI volume(s) on my Windows XP Pro system?
Can more than one computer access the same volume at a time?
If I have an existing "share" on my N5200 can I use it as an iSCSI target or do I have to recreate it in some way?

Thank you in advance!

[termlk]

I think you really should do some reading on iSCSI and understand how it works exactly before you try playing around with the 5200, iSCSI is a different beast then your typical NAS.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISCSI

"What firmware do I need?"

Even though I believe one of the beta 5200 firmwares allowed iSCSI I don't think it will be released for this box ever because the iSCSI protocol takes a lot of CPU power...and that is a 'marketing feature' of the 5200 Pro. IMO

"Will my existing RAID-5 array and volumes remain in-tact during the firmware upgrade?"

Changing your firmware will not affect (or shouldn't)your existing RAID and volume configs.

"How do I mount the iSCSI volume(s) on my Windows XP Pro system?
"

To mount iSCSI volumes on a Windows XP machine you need to install the free MS iSCSI initiator, point it to your NAS, and "log in / mount" the iSCSI volume, then go into disk management and partition/format the iSCSI drive.

"If I have an existing "share" on my N5200 can I use it as an iSCSI target or do I have to recreate it in some way?
"

When you allocate space on your array, you allocate space for the RAID data, Target USB, and iSCSI target. If your current RAID is using 100% for just data then you will have to reconfigure and allocate some percentage as an iSCSI target. The iSCSI target and the standard SMB/CIFS shares are two completely different things that are not related. The advantage the 5200 Pro offers (at least right now with its firmware) is that you can have multiple RAID arrays with each array having space allocation for a different iSCSI target...so up to 5 iSCSI targets if you want.

[cyberwolf42]

Thanks, much appreciated!

Anyone want to buy an N5200BR? I may want to upgrade instead...!

I'm annoyed because the retailer I bought it from assured me that the N5200 would support multiple RAID arrays with a firmware update, and instead Thecus chose to create a new product out of it. @#$%@^!!!

[midknight]

where abouts are you located ?

[wolfpack]

I guess the iSCSI-function was avaible in N5200upgrade.2.00.00.11.bin
or
N5200upgrade.2.00.02.2.bin (I would prefer this one)

I saved both avaible for "further uses". :-)
So if you need one or both, contact me!

[cyberwolf42]

Midknight -- I'm in the Boston area.

Yup... GO RED SOX!!! Sorry, I had to... and I'm not even a big baseball fan! It's contagious around here!

Are you interested in buying the unit? I have to check on availability and pricing of the Pro version as well. Also as you consider what price to offer keep in mind that I have the BR version, the one with the gigabit switch built in.

[midknight]

well im in AU. shoot me a PM when you have made up ya mind on selling and the price you want. and go from there.