What do storage access protocols define?

Storage access protocols are essential for defining the methods by which data can be transferred and how different storage systems can connect and communicate with one another. These protocols establish the rules and standards necessary for ensuring effective data exchange between storage devices and host systems, which can include servers or applications.

Common storage access protocols include iSCSI, NFS, and SMB, among others. Each of these protocols facilitates various types of data operations, such as reading, writing, and managing data stored in different environments, ensuring interoperability and efficient data transactions across diverse systems.

Understanding these protocols is critical for ensuring that storage infrastructure functions correctly, as they impact performance, compatibility, and overall system architecture. In contrast, the other choices do not focus on the direct mechanics of data transfer and connectivity, which is the primary role of storage access protocols.