protocol and reference implementation code into open source. HyperSCSI is a new storage protocol
designed for the transfer of SCSI data and commands over networks. The current protocol release runs on
Ethernet-based networks.
“Our engineers’ work on HyperSCSI demonstrates that using Ethernet for high performance storage
networking is indeed viable and secure,” said Professor Chong Tow Chong, Director for DSI. “HyperSCSI is
designed to be extremely flexible. In this way, it can meet the network storage needs of various diverse
technology fields, from consumer electronics to enterprise storage systems.”
DSI, a research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), has been
working on the HyperSCSI project for over two years. Unlike other network storage protocols based on
Ethernet, HyperSCSI does not use TCP/IP as a foundation for communications. While this may run counter
to convention, it has in fact allowed HyperSCSI to achieve high throughput without the need for complex
and expensive hardware add-ons. Intrinsic advantages of bypassing TCP/IP include immunity to hacking via
the Internet, simplicity and plug-and-play functions, making HyperSCSI easy to use for developers and
users.
Benchmarks conducted by the DSI using common off-the-shelf hardware demonstrate that HyperSCSI can
achieve 100MB/s sustained data throughput using a 2GB size data set. There was no requirement for
customized hardware, device drivers, accelerator chips or proprietary software. In another
demonstration, HyperSCSI was used to display smooth DVD video played directly from a standard DVD drive
over an 802.11b Wireless LAN network.
Not limiting itself to just IDE and SCSI hard disk drives, HyperSCSI also supports optical, tape and
even removable USB drives. DSI has successfully used HyperSCSI for CDRW recording and tape drive backup
over the network. It is compatible with Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet (with and without Jumbo frames)
and 802.11b Wireless LAN. The present version of HyperSCSI also includes built-in 128-bit encryption.
Some of the application areas in which HyperSCSI is currently being tested include data backup and
recovery, storage for high performance computing clusters and grids, wireless network storage, home
network storage, personal area network storage and Ethernet-based storage area networks.
Upcoming developments for HyperSCSI include multi-channel support, in-band management and wider
platform support. Ultimately, HyperSCSI will help to provide cheaper and more efficient storage
solutions to both enterprises and ordinary consumers.
The HyperSCSI protocol has been recognised by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE) and assigned the Ethertype Number #889a.
For further information or to view HyperSCSI’s protocol specifications, reference code and
benchmarking results, please visit http://nst.dsi.a-star.edu.sg/mcsa/hyperscsi/.
About Data Storage Institute
A national research institute under the Agency for Science, Research and Technology, Data Storage
Institute is ranked among the top six storage R&D centers worldwide. DSI aims to achieve excellence in
research with a dynamic research culture and stay relevant to industry in the provision of technology
solutions to industrial partners. Collaborating closely with academia and industry in research and
manpower training, its core competencies are consolidated under the five major research divisions of
Head, Media and Materials; Mechanical, Electronics System Design; Optical Technology, Network Storage
Technology and Technology Support. For more information, please refer to http://www.dsi.a-star.edu.sg.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Loo See Mei / Angeline Chua
Porter Novelli Convergence Group
Phone: +65-6330-6222
Fax: +65-6339-9337
Email: angeline.chua@porternovelli.com
For technical enquiries, please contact:
Patrick Khoo
MCSA Group, NST Division DSI
Phone: +65-6874-8413
Fax: +65-6777-2053
Email: KHOO_Beng_Teck@dsi.a-star.edu.sg
Category:
- Open Source
