iSCSI is a protocol that encapsulates SCSI commands in
TCP/IP enabling high performance SANs over standard networking technology
such as Gigabit Ethernet.
As iSCSI uses IP, it can be deployed over standard Ethernet
switches and routers, which cost substantially less than their FC (Fibre Channel)
counterparts, and IP packets can travel across alternative LAN topologies
just as easily.
The biggest benefit of iSCSI technology is that users
will be able to gain the benefits of SAN without having to invest in a separate
storage networking infrastructure.
If you already use FC, there’s probably no reason
to move to iSCSI just yet. That said, if you’re about to build a new
SAN, then iSCSI is a strong contender.
Many leading companies are offering iSCSI products today,
including Adaptec, Network Appliance, Cisco and Spectralogic.
