The iSCSI is a different way to implement SAN storage; instead of using a dedicated network stack FC, iSCSI relies on the standard TCP/IP stack. Like FC protocols, there are two different leading roles—the initiator (at host side) and the target (at storage side). Also, of course, the fabric, that is a traditional Ethernet network (maybe with new protocols, such as datacenter bridging (DCB)).
ESXi can be one of the following iSCSI initiator types:
- Software iSCSI adapter: Use one or more VMkernel network interfaces and the virtual switches to manage the entire iSCSI traffic. With the software iSCSI adapter, you can use iSCSI technology without purchasing specialized hardware.
- Dependent hardware iSCSI adapter: VMware manages ...
