Understanding iSCSI Technology and Deployment

iSCSI stands for Internet Small Computer Systems Interface. It enables the transport of block-level storage data over IP networks. This facilitates data transfers over intranets and manages storage over long distances.

iSCSI is commonly used in SANs (Storage Area Networks). It's ideal for businesses needing a cost-effective storage solution, distant data replication, or leveraging existing network infrastructure without specialized hardware.

Unlike FC (Fibre Channel), iSCSI uses standard ethernet equipment, reducing costs. It's suitable for small to medium-sized businesses wanting SAN benefits without the expense of FC.

iSCSI is widely implemented in virtualized environments. It's compatible with many virtualization platforms, simplifying management and enabling efficient use of storage resources across virtual machines.

While iSCSI is economical, it's sensitive to network performance. To maximize efficiency, ensure proper network configuration, dedicated VLANs, and consider TCP offload engines to reduce CPU load.

Fibre Channel traditionally held the advantage in speed and reliability, but iSCSI has narrowed this gap with 10GbE and beyond. Assess your performance needs against budget constraints when choosing.

iSCSI continues to evolve with developments like iSER (iSCSI Extensions for RDMA) which enhance performance. It's becoming an increasingly viable option for demanding environments and large-scale implementations.