Storage area network (SAN)

Definition

A storage area network (SAN) is a dedicated high-speed network that provides access to consolidated block-level storage. It connects servers to shared storage devices, enabling efficient data management and storage scalability. SANs facilitate fast data transfer, reduced latency, and improved performance for applications that require rapid access to large amounts of data.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SANs are designed to enhance data accessibility by allowing multiple servers to access a pool of storage resources seamlessly.
2. They typically operate at high speeds, often using Fibre Channel or iSCSI technologies to facilitate quick data transfers.
3. One of the key benefits of SANs is their ability to improve application performance by minimizing latency and optimizing data flow.
4. SANs support scalability, enabling organizations to add more storage resources without disrupting ongoing operations.
5. Data redundancy and backup solutions are easier to implement in a SAN environment, enhancing data protection and recovery processes.

Review Questions

• How does a storage area network (SAN) improve data management in an enterprise environment?
  • A storage area network (SAN) enhances data management by providing centralized access to storage resources, which streamlines operations and simplifies administration. With multiple servers connected to a shared pool of storage, organizations can easily allocate and manage resources based on demand. This centralization reduces the complexity of managing individual storage units while improving overall efficiency and data accessibility across the organization.
• Compare and contrast a SAN with Network Attached Storage (NAS) in terms of performance and use cases.
  • While both SAN and NAS provide solutions for data storage, they serve different purposes. A SAN operates at the block level, delivering higher performance and lower latency for applications requiring rapid access to large volumes of data. In contrast, NAS functions at the file level, making it more suitable for general file sharing among users. SANs are often preferred for database applications and virtualization environments where performance is critical, whereas NAS is ideal for everyday file access and media storage.
• Evaluate the role of technologies like Fibre Channel and iSCSI in enhancing the functionality of SANs.
  • Technologies such as Fibre Channel and iSCSI play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of storage area networks (SANs) by providing high-speed communication links between servers and storage devices. Fibre Channel offers dedicated bandwidth with low latency, making it an excellent choice for demanding environments requiring consistent performance. On the other hand, iSCSI leverages existing IP networks, providing flexibility and cost-effectiveness by allowing organizations to build SANs using standard Ethernet infrastructure. Both technologies contribute to the overall effectiveness of SANs in meeting diverse storage needs.

Related terms

Network Attached Storage (NAS): A file-level storage architecture that allows multiple users to retrieve data from centralized disk capacity.

Fibre Channel: A high-speed network technology primarily used to connect storage devices in a SAN environment, allowing for efficient data transfer.

iSCSI: A protocol that enables the transmission of SCSI commands over IP networks, allowing SANs to utilize existing Ethernet infrastructure.