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iSCSI

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Word of the Day

- iSCSI is Internet SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), an Internet Protocol (IP)-based storage networking standard for linking data storage facilities, developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). By carrying SCSI commands over IP networks, iSCSI is used to facilitate data transfers over intranets and to manage storage over long distances. The iSCSI protocol is among the key technologies expected to help bring about rapid development of the storage area network (SAN) market, by increasing the capabilities and performance of storage data transmission. Because of the ubiquity of IP networks, iSCSI can be used to transmit data over local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), or the Internet and can enable location-independent data storage and retrieval.

How iSCSI Works:

When an end user or application sends a request, the operating system generates the appropriate SCSI commands and data request, which then go through encapsulation and, if necessary, encryption procedures. A packet header is added before the resulting IP packets are transmitted over an Ethernet connection. When a packet is received, it is decrypted (if it was encrypted before transmission), and disassembled, separating the SCSI commands and request. The SCSI commands are sent on to the SCSI controller, and from there to the SCSI storage device. Because iSCSI is bi-directional, the protocol can also be used to return data in response to the original request.

iSCSI is one of two main approaches to storage data transmission over IP networks; the other method, Fibre Channel over IP (FCIP), translates Fibre Channel control codes and data into IP packets for transmission between geographically distant Fibre Channel SANs. FCIP (also known as Fibre Channel tunneling or storage tunneling) can only be used in conjunction with Fibre Channel technology; in comparison, iSCSI can run over existing Ethernet networks. A number of vendors, including Cisco, IBM, and Nishan have introduced iSCSI-based products (such as switches and routers).

Getting started with iSCSI

To explore how iSCSI is used in the enterprise, here is an additional resource:

iSCSI, FCoE or InfiniBand for storage networking?: Learn the benefits of iSCSI for small to medium-sized businesses , including how it compares to FCoE and InfiniBand.

Learn more about ISCSI SAN

Storage Decisions Session Downloads: Managing Storage Networks Track (Chicago 2009): This Storage Decisions Chicago 2009 track explores networked storage infrastructure trends and the implications of recent storage systems developments.
Storage Decisions Session Downloads: Storage Systems & Storage Management Track (Chicago 2009): This Storage Decisions San Francisco 2009 track examines traditional methods of operational data management, as well as compelling alternatives.
Data storage management in virtual server environments: What are the pros and cons of FC and iSCSI in virtual server environments? Find out what users are doing, and read our FAQ to determine your IT strategy.
Special Report: Direct-attached storage: Direct-attached storage (DAS) is thriving in the enterprise more than ever, and Exchange 2007 is the application leading the DAS revival.
Storage Decisions Session Downloads: Storage & Capacity Management Track (San Francisco 2008): This Storage Decisions San Francisco 2008 track examines traditional methods of operational data protection, as well as compelling alternatives.

LAST UPDATED:

30 Sep 2008

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More resources from around the web:

-	The IETF provides a statement of "iSCSI Requirements and Design Considerations."
-	SearchStorage.com has "A beginner's guide to iSCSI."
-	SearchStorage.com experts discuss real-world implementations of iSCSI in "What's the buzz on iSCSI?"
-	SearchStorage.com has an article, "iCSI SAN grows in the midmarket and enterprise."

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