CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005)Server Hardware Installation and ManagementMedium
A server administrator is configuring a new server that requires high-performance, low-latency shared storage accessible by multiple servers over an Ethernet network. The solution needs to present storage as block-level devices to the servers. Which storage protocol should the administrator choose?
- AiSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface)
- BSMB (Server Message Block)
- CFTP (File Transfer Protocol)
- DNFS (Network File System)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface)
iSCSI is a block-level storage protocol that allows servers to access storage over an Ethernet network as if it were locally attached, making it suitable for high-performance shared storage in virtualized environments.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. SMB is also a file-level protocol primarily used for sharing files, printers, and serial ports between nodes on a network, especially in Windows environments.
- C. FTP is a file transfer protocol used for transmitting files between client and server, not for presenting shared storage as block devices.
- D. NFS is a file-level protocol, meaning it shares files and folders, not block-level storage, and is typically used for general file sharing.
iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface)
A storage networking standard that allows block-level data transfer between servers and storage devices over standard TCP/IP networks, making it a common choice for Storage Area Networks (SANs).
- Provides block-level access.
- Uses standard Ethernet (TCP/IP).
- Cost-effective alternative to Fibre Channel.
- Commonly used for virtualized environments and SANs.
Memory trick: iSCSI Integrates Storage Conveniently into Server Infrastructure.