What does HBA stand for in a storage context?

In the context of storage, HBA stands for "Host Bus Adapter." The host bus adapter is a crucial component that connects a server (the host) to the storage devices or storage area network (SAN). It serves as the interface between the server's internal buses and the external storage network, enabling communication and data transfer between them.

The host bus adapter can manage various types of storage protocols such as Fibre Channel, iSCSI, or SAS and plays a critical role in determining the performance and capabilities of the storage architecture. Understanding the function of an HBA is essential for optimizing connectivity to storage solutions and ensuring data is transmitted efficiently and reliably. Recognizing this definition clarifies why Host Bus Adapter is the correct terminology in the context of storage.