iSCSI is a new networking - data storage protocol that combines SCSI data blocks with Ethernet IP packets. SCSI commands are encoded in to Ethernet packets and then sent over Ethernet networks. When they reach their destination these packets are separated out using the off-load engine into Ethernet and SCSI commands and the data is then sent to the relevant device.
As iSCSI uses existing Ethernet switches, cables, routers the deployment costs are much lower than if you were to design a Fibre Channel SAN. Operating systems see iSCSI-connected devices as SCSI devices and are unaware that the SCSI device connected to the network resides across the room or across town.
- iSCSI is based upon existing industry standards, practises and applications that are known and understood by users
- iSCSI is a network storage protocol that encompasses block level SCSI data in a TCP/IP frame, thus allowing servers to access storage resources over an existing IP infrastructure
- iSCSI is a combination of SCSI and Ethernet technologies that have been around for more than 20 years and are fully tried and tested
- iSCSI is a cost effective way to build SAN’s at much lower cost point, giving users greater consolidation in their environment
- The iSCSI storage protocol is supported by 99% of the major storage vendors and endorsed by Microsoft, IBM and Cisco therefore it is an industry standard
- iSCSI is an OPEN architecture that enables an optimised and cost effective TCO to be achieved and your TCO is protected for the future
- Fibre Channel is a TIED architecture that can only see an increase in TCO in the future
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iSCSI Advantages
Utilise your existing network
- Traditional servers can be replaced by smaller cheaper low cost servers.
- Adding more storage, no longer needs the servers to be taken down for upgrades.
- Servers run more efficiently as they have less to manage internally.
- Use non-proprietary storage SATA, SAS, SCSI, FC etc.
- When replacing servers the data no longer needs to be backed up and restored. Just snapshot the data and re-mount the storage to the new server.
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Utilises all your disk storage and takes the guess work out of how much is required
- Reduced management costs, as additional disk space can be easily added to the servers
