In general, the maximum frame size used on the iSCSI network is configured only at each initiator iSCSI HBA. This setting affects the frame size used by both storage and virtual Ethernet over the iSCSI network. The target iSCSI HBAs negotiate an MTU that is compatible with initiators using TCP/IP protocol. In contrast to the 9000 byte jumbo frames provided in IXS and IXA attached servers, initiator iSCSI HBAs default to a smaller frame size that can be transported in a standard 1500 byte Ethernet frame.

If the iSCSI network is capable of a larger frame size, you can configure an initiator iSCSI HBA to use a larger frame size. The MTU setting can affect performance, especially virtual Ethernet performance. For information to help you decide which MTU value to use, see iSCSI network.