What You Can Do With iSCSI Storage

One of the benefits of iSCSI is its flexibility. iSCSI storage can be used in many different ways.

Shared Storage for Server Virtualization

Server virtualization is a technology that enables users to run multiple operating systems concurrently on a single physical server. Each of the operating systems is running in its own virtual server, which enables more efficient utilization of hardware resources and provides flexibility and cost-savings. Virtual servers residing on iSCSI storage that is shared by multiple physical servers can be migrated rapidly between the physical servers because only the virtual machine's configuration and state information needs to be migrated. In this regard, iSCSI has a clear advantage over internal DAS storage, which cannot be shared with other physical servers, and external DAS, which may lack the flexibility of iSCSI to accommodate multiple physical servers.

Figure 6: Shared Storage for Server Virtualization

Scalable Storage

Additional storage can easily be added by simply attaching more iSCSI targets to the switch, and the server system doesn't need to be shutdown.




Figure 7: Scalable Storage

Consolidated Storage

Figure 8: Consolidated Storage

Each server is allocated its own dedicated storage. Consolidated storage is more efficient, secure, and easier to manage.

Direct-Attach Storage (IP-DAS)

Figure 9: IP-DAS

iSCSI is used instead of SCSI or Fibre Channel DAS. Using the motherboard's Ethernet port and free iSCSI initiator software eliminates the need to buy an expensive SCSI or Fibre Channel HBA or motherboard.