FLASH STORAGE FOR ANY APPLICATION

ISCSI Storage Arrays

About 3 years ago, Internet Small Computer System Interface or iSCSI array storage emerged on the scene. Early iterations were viewed as a cheap, low-end option and an alternative to the more expensive Fibre Channel. That perception has since changed. Now, iSCSI SAN storage protocols have matured and support data snapshots, storage-management software, and “hot-swappable” components that can be switched out, often without causing downtime or disk failure. They also offer failover and redundancy support. In addition, more intelligence is being built into these devices, allowing easy administrative management, as there is no special training required. It is simple to deploy, as it does not require any specialized equipment or dedicated technicians to manage and monitor this type of network. These ongoing improvements provide centralized storage with a budget-friendly price tag, making them a popular choice for SMBs as well as larger business enterprises.

Two basic components allow iSCSI storage to work. First, there is an initiator, which is the hardware or software that sends data across the server. There is also a target, which is where the network is hosted and allows access to the users. Block-level data travels from the initiator to the target, where it is unpacked and utilized. The fact that they run on TC/IP networks allows flexibility and management that is simple in implementation, and they perform as well as other more sophisticated and expensive options. This expansion solution is widely supported by almost all popular operating systems, and it doesn’t require any special brands of hardware.

Simple to deploy, iSCSI storage servers have advanced functionality with great scalability, making them perfect for those seeking high-performance solutions, especially in more demanding environments. With centralized storage and resources, iSCSI makes it possible to set up a shared network where multiple servers and clients can access central resources as if the storage was a locally connected device. It is recommended to have a separate iSCSI network to prevent bottlenecks and server slowdowns.

The benefits are obvious. They cost less, are easy to set up and manage, are easy to adjust without disruptions, and have built-in management automation. However, their shared networking can cause speeds to slow and experience delays, making it less desirable to some industries.

If you are looking for solutions and don’t know which storage options are right for your business networks, reach out to AC&NC for a consultation. We have options to meet a wide variety of business needs. Let us know how we can help you find a great storage fit!