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LIO (SCSI target)
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<p>The Linux-IO Target (LIO) is an <a href="/facts/Open-source_software/HzTaB8E9">open-source</a> Small Computer System Interface <a href="/facts/SCSI_target/dAuwXvS5">(SCSI) target</a> implementation included with the <a href="/facts/Linux_kernel/dlkduHuA">Linux kernel</a>.[<i>better source needed</i>] </p><p>Unlike initiators, which begin sessions, LIO functions as a target, presenting one or more <a href="/facts/Logical_unit_number/6FkUxbw6">Logical Unit Numbers</a> (LUNs) to a <a href="/facts/SCSI_initiator_and_target/dAuwXvS5">SCSI initiator</a>, receiving SCSI commands, and managing the input/output data transfers. </p><p>LIO supports a wide range of storage protocols and transport fabrics, including but not limited to <a href="/facts/Fibre_Channel_over_Ethernet/F6aokxVE">Fibre Channel over Ethernet</a> (FCoE), <a href="/facts/Fibre_Channel/C7C0yreb">Fibre Channel</a>, <a href="/facts/IEEE_1394/XYdQlxfy">IEEE 1394</a> and <a href="/facts/ISCSI/oxaQpYBc">iSCSI</a>. </p><p>It is utilized in several <a href="/facts/Linux_distribution/0vVl4N4f">Linux distributions</a> and is a popular choice for cloud environments due to its integration with tools like <a href="/facts/QEMU/s6utqULJ">QEMU</a>/<a href="/facts/Kernel-based_Virtual_Machine/d6eSuTuK">KVM</a>, <a href="/facts/Libvirt/9YwAkRsr">libvirt</a>, and <a href="/facts/OpenStack/bAfb8KVQ">OpenStack</a>. </p><p>The LIO project is maintained by <a href="/facts/Datera/rRPb97u6">Datera, Inc.</a>,[<i>dubious – discuss</i>] a Silicon Valley-based storage solutions provider. On January 15, 2011, LIO was merged into the <a href="/facts/Linux_kernel/dlkduHuA">Linux kernel mainline</a> with version 2.6.38, which was officially released on March 14, 2011. Subsequent versions of the Linux kernel have introduced additional fabric modules to expand its compatibility. </p><p>LIO competes with other SCSI target modules in the Linux ecosystem. The <a href="/facts/SCST/B40fo8Gf">SCSI Target Framework</a> (SCST) is a prominent alternative for general SCSI target functionality, while for iSCSI-specific targets, the older iSCSI Enterprise Target (IET) and SCSI Target Framework (STGT) also have industry adoption. </p>