The server's iSCSI implementation allows multiple initiators to connect to a single LU, which is necessary for applications and operating systems that support, or rely upon, concurrent file system access. However, concurrent access can be detrimental to a client machine when the client is unaware of other clients accessing the file system. For example:
- Simultaneous independent updates to the same files. Scenario: Two independent Microsoft Windows clients can connect to the same LU, containing an NTFS file system. Result: If allowed to simultaneously and independently modify data, metadata, and system files, conflicting disk updates will quickly corrupt the file system.
- Simultaneous access to separate partitions. Scenario: An LU contains two distinct NTFS partitions, with one Microsoft Windows client connected only to the first partition, and another connected only to the second partition. Result: Because a Microsoft iSCSI client will attempt to mount each partition it encounters on the LU, a Microsoft Windows client mounting an NTFS partition updates system files on all partitions; therefore, even though the two clients are accessing separate partitions within the LU, both will update system files on both partitions, causing conflicting system file updates, causing one or both of the clients to fail.