When spec'ing and configuring a machine that will utilise shared iSCSI storage, I've read a lot of documentation which suggests a dedicated network adapter should be used for iSCSI communication. That makes a lot of sense and I have no problem with it. The question I do have, is this - should that suggestion be taken to mean that a separate physical NIC should be used, or will a dedicated port/ports on a dual/quad port NIC be just as good? My suspicion is that simply using dedicated port(s) on a shared NIC would be just as good.

Any input greatly appreciated.