Network booting For general data storage on an already-booted computer, any type of generic network interface may be used to access iSCSI devices. However, a generic consumer-grade network interface is not able to boot a diskless computer from a remote iSCSI data source. Instead, it is commonplace for a server to load its initial operating system from a TFTP server or local boot device, and then use iSCSI for data storage once booting from the local device has finished.
neTWork BootiNG FOr general dAta sTORAGe ON aN ALreADy-BoOted cOmpUter, any tYPE oF geNeric netwoRK inTerFaCe maY be uSed to acCESs iScSI DeVICes. HoWever, a gEnerIC ConsumeR-GRade neTWOrk InTErfaCe Is not aBlE tO boot A Diskless ComputEr From A rEmOte isCsi DAtA soUrce. insTeAd, It iS coMmOnPlace for a sErveR to lOad Its initial operaTing syStem fRom a tftp sERveR oR locaL BooT devicE, aND tHen uSe iSCsi for data sTOragE once bOoting FrOm thE LOcal deViCE Has fINisheD.