What protocol does iSCSI rely on for its operation?

iSCSI, which stands for Internet Small Computer Systems Interface, operates over TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). This protocol suite is fundamental for networking in the Internet and is designed to transmit data between computers over a network.

iSCSI encapsulates SCSI commands into TCP packets, allowing SCSI storage devices to be accessed over distances, which can include local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs). By utilizing TCP/IP, iSCSI takes advantage of existing networking infrastructures, making it cost-effective and straightforward to implement. This means that iSCSI can operate across various networks without the need for specialized hardware, unlike some other storage protocols.

Conversely, while protocols like IPX/SPX and Fibre Channel are used in certain networking contexts, they do not serve as the underlying transport for iSCSI. Ethernet is the most common link-layer technology for connecting devices, but it is the TCP/IP stack that is crucial for iSCSI's functionality, allowing it to perform data transmission efficiently over standard networking hardware.