What are the pros and cons of iSCSI, FC, and FCoE in terms of performance, scalability, and cost?

If you are planning or managing a data center infrastructure, you need to consider the best way to connect your servers, storage, and switches. One of the key factors is the choice of storage networking protocol, which determines how data is transferred between devices. In this article, we will compare three common options: iSCSI, FC, and FCoE, and discuss their pros and cons in terms of performance, scalability, and cost.

1 What is iSCSI?

iSCSI stands for Internet Small Computer System Interface, and it is a protocol that allows servers to access storage devices over IP networks. iSCSI uses TCP/IP to encapsulate SCSI commands and data, and it can run on existing Ethernet infrastructure. iSCSI is widely used for SAN (storage area network) applications, especially in virtualized and cloud environments.

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2 What is FC?

FC stands for Fibre Channel, and it is a protocol that provides high-speed and low-latency data transfer between servers and storage devices. FC uses dedicated switches and cables, and it can operate at speeds up to 128 Gbps. FC is the traditional choice for SAN applications, especially for mission-critical and performance-sensitive workloads.

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3 What is FCoE?

FCoE stands for Fibre Channel over Ethernet, and it is a protocol that combines the benefits of FC and Ethernet. FCoE uses Ethernet as the transport layer, but preserves the FC protocol and features. FCoE enables the convergence of data and storage networks, reducing the number of adapters, cables, and switches required.

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4 iSCSI vs FC vs FCoE: Performance

One of the main criteria to compare iSCSI, FC, and FCoE is performance, which depends on factors such as bandwidth, latency, throughput, and reliability. FC generally offers the highest performance, as it is designed for storage networking and has low overhead and high efficiency. FCoE can achieve similar performance to FC, as it uses the same protocol and supports lossless Ethernet. iSCSI, on the other hand, may suffer from performance degradation due to TCP/IP overhead, network congestion, and packet loss.

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Burak Dağdeviren

Senior Solutions Architect at TAV Technologies | Architecting Seamless Airports
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Analyzing iSCSI, FC, and FCoE on performance grounds reveals distinct characteristics. FC emerges as the performance leader, tailored for storage networking with low overhead and high efficiency. FCoE mirrors FC's capabilities, leveraging the same protocol and embracing lossless Ethernet. In contrast, iSCSI faces potential performance challenges due to TCP/IP overhead, network congestion, and packet loss. This performance spectrum hinges on factors like bandwidth, latency, throughput, and reliability. The choice among these storage solutions demands a keen understanding of your specific needs in terms of performance.

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5 iSCSI vs FC vs FCoE: Scalability

Another criterion to compare iSCSI, FC, and FCoE is scalability, which refers to the ability to expand or shrink the storage network according to the demand and capacity. iSCSI has the advantage of scalability, as it can leverage the existing IP network infrastructure and support a large number of devices and connections. iSCSI also supports multi-pathing and load balancing, which can improve the availability and performance of the storage network. FC and FCoE have more limitations in scalability, as they require dedicated switches and cables, and have more complex zoning and configuration.

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6 iSCSI vs FC vs FCoE: Cost

The final criterion to compare iSCSI, FC, and FCoE is cost, which includes both the initial investment and the ongoing maintenance and operation costs. iSCSI has the lowest cost, as it can use standard Ethernet hardware and software, and does not require specialized skills or training. FC has the highest cost, as it requires expensive switches, cables, and adapters, and needs more expertise and management. FCoE has a moderate cost, as it can reduce the hardware and power consumption, but still needs compatible switches and adapters, and some FC knowledge.

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