Data Storage Made Easy with iSCSI SAN

This article gives a basic description of what iSCSI and iSCSI storage is, how it is used, and how it works. The article describes how the data is sent, consolidated, saved, secured, and often times restored from this internet based data delivery and management system.

The modern world is full of computer-managed information and data that people now rely on for nearly every aspect of life. Storing and sharing this data is integral for everything to run smoothly. An Internet Protocol (IP) based storage network that links data storage facilities is Internet Small Computer System Interface Storage Area Network known as ISCSI SAN. For over ten years, the iSCSI storage system standard allows parties to transfer data over intranets and to manage this stored data remotely over local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) or the Internet. This data may be physically located in a data center. It can remotely be accessed from servers around the hosts’ networks. Data can be stored using the Internet Storage Name Service (iSNS). Administrators, also called clients or initiators, use SCSI commands to the iSCSI SAN over Internet Protocol networks. The iSCSI SAN system uses TCP ports that allow different hosts to consolidate and manage the data.

The great advantage of iSCSI storage is that it is done without any dedicated cable, allowing for the remote sharing and run over the IP structure already in place. The stored information can appear to a user as if it were located on a disc or drive on a single host computer. iSCSI emulates high performance local buses over groups of networks, creating the SAN. Not only is iSCSI important for sending and storing data to a central iSCSI SAN, it is also an important way to organize the different resources and to consolidate the data. This iSCSI storage method is more effective and efficient because it is does not require changes to hardware or hard discs. The changes are made to the SAN stored data.

This remote backup site for data is important as a method to recover from problems. Storage can be moved over the iSCSI in the way that regular information is sent over a network. This is important for any business or personal use. Any physical damage such as flooding or surges can be avoided and any accidental changes to the original data can be undone to restore the original. In some cases, a network can actually be used for booting from the network.

Security is one reason some users prefer to avoid using iSCSI SAN. However, the most current systems have the latest security. Authentication is used and the SAN can be managed with logical network isolation. However, adding more security levels can also slow down performance. Administrators must be cautious and follow all procedures to ensure their data is kept within their chosen network, just as with any information sent over the internet. Sending, consolidating, saving, restoring, securing data to an off-site location are all important aspects of the iSCSI system.