iSCSI — Internet SCSI
Definition
A storage networking protocol that encapsulates SCSI commands in TCP/IP packets, allowing block-level storage access over standard Ethernet networks.
Context & Usage
iSCSI provides SAN functionality without dedicated Fibre Channel infrastructure. Servers run iSCSI initiators (built into Windows Server, Linux, ESXi); storage arrays present iSCSI targets. Typically uses 10/25 GbE networks. Common deployment: VMware vSphere ESXi hosts connecting to Dell EMC PowerStore, NetApp AFF, or Pure Storage FlashArray via iSCSI. Cheaper and easier than Fibre Channel but with slightly higher latency.
Examples
- ESXi host connected to PowerStore via dual 25 GbE iSCSI paths
- Windows Storage Server presenting iSCSI targets
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