SMI Tutorial > SMI-S 1.1.0 Functionality > SNIA Profiles > Host Profiles > iSCSI Initiator Profile
The iSCSI Initiator Profile allows a Client to manage the combination of hardware and drivers on a host system that act as a client to a target SCSI device. This combination is called an iSCSI initiator. Using this Profile, a Client can do the following:
An iSCSI session is an active communication stream between an iSCSI initiator port and an iSCSI target port. An iSCSI session may consist of one or more TCP/IP connections. The TCP/IP connections are called iSCSI connections. SCSI commands and block data are encapsulated into packets and transported between the initiator and target via TCP/IP. This Profile allows a Client to retrieve information about the iSCSI sessions. For example, a Client can determine the current and maximum number of connections. A Client can also determine whether the data exchange is in one direction or both directions and the type of error recovery used. This Profile may optionally allow a Client to retrieve information about the iSCSI connection. For example, a Client can determine the parameters that were negotiated when the iSCSI connection was established such as whether header or data digest methods are used. A Client can also discover the authentication method used. iSCSI hardware consists of Ethernet ports. Such ports can come in a variety of hardware configurations. For example, a single add-in card may contain multiple Ethernet ports that can be used for iSCSI connections. Alternatively, the Ethernet ports that can be used for iSCSI connections may be integrated into a motherboard. Regardless, a Client can retrieve physical information about the iSCSI hardware. For example, a Client can retrieve the version or serial number. Additionally, a Client can retrieve product information about the iSCSI hardware. For example, a Client can retrieve the vendor name and an identification number (e.g., SKU). A Client can retrieve information about the software or firmware installed on iSCSI hardware. For example, a Client can retrieve the name of the manufacturer and the version number of the software installed on the iSCSI hardware. Optionally, a vendor can choose to expose additional software information such as a build number. The iSCSI Initiator Profile requires the following Subprofile that represent additional capability:
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