iSCSI (Internet SCSI) is the standard protocol for
encapsulating SCSI command into TCP/IP packets and enabling I/O block
data transport over IP networks. iSCSI can be used to build IP-based
Storage Area Networks (SANs). The simple, yet powerful technology can
help provide a high-speed, low-cost, long-distance storage solution for
Web sites, service providers, enterprises and other organizations.
The
iSCSI target resides on a host where StarWind has been installed.
StarWind is a software iSCSI target solution, which supports various
kinds of physical devices and virtualization.
The iSCSI client is
called initiator. With an iSCSI initiator, it is possible to access
different iSCSI target devices. There are a lot of iSCSI initiator
implementations for different operation systems. The communication
between an iSCSI target and an iSCSI initiator is done over a
TCP/IP-based network (a local network or the Internet).
The use
of the iSCSI protocol is a revolution in storage applications. With an
iSCSI initiator a remote device appears as it was a local one - there
is no difference for applications. The effect is to provide
geographical independence to the person using the initiator. There are
far-reaching consequences of this: The use of familiar network
technology and management reduces training and staff costs, and
increases stability and reliability of an organization's infrastructure.
-
iSCSI is scalable over long distance or in a Local Area Network (LAN),
enabling remote data replication and disaster recovery.
- A user can access the same desktop wherever in the world they are -- the age of the thin client is here.
- Standard firewall and security measures can be used to protect an organization's data.
- There is no need to have large trunks of dark fibre or other
communications infrastructure deployed, with accompanying contract and
SLA management.
- An organization could place all of its disk space in
purpose-built co-located premises, rather than in expensive office
space.
- Centralized backup of all the storage within an organization is now a reality.
- An organization's security need not be compromised by the theft
of a laptop, for example, since no confidential data need be stored on
the thin client.
- Existing SAN installations can be incorporated in new iSCSI
networks by utilizing gateway technology to bring iSCSI and Fibre
Channel (FC) devices into the same network.
- iSCSI greatly reduces the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) - existing networking and storage resources can be used.
- iSCSI storage needs can be outsourced to storage brokers, for
such advantages as co-located storage for disaster recovery and storage
on-demand provision.
- iSCSI latency is based on that of TCP/IP, so standard data
compression techniques and traffic-shaping techniques will optimize
throughput.
