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: oThe 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.