Computer Hardware
iSCSI
Definition
iSCSI (Internet Small Computer Systems Interface) is an IP-based storage networking standard for linking data storage facilities. It allows clients to send SCSI commands over TCP/IP networks, making it possible for servers to access block-level storage as if it were a local device.
Why It Matters
iSCSI allows companies to build Storage Area Networks (SANs) using standard, affordable Ethernet hardware instead of expensive and specialized Fibre Channel equipment. This has made high-performance shared storage much more accessible.
Contextual Example
A small business can set up an iSCSI SAN using their existing Ethernet switches, allowing their servers to access a centralized storage array for high performance and easy management.
Common Misunderstandings
- iSCSI is a popular alternative to Fibre Channel for building SANs.
- It provides block-level access, just like Fibre Channel, which is different from the file-level access of a NAS.