A LAN-free backup avoids using a LAN to back up data, with the most common method being via a storage area network (SAN). Small backups can be done via removable media, but only large backups qualify as LAN-free. This improves network performance and recovery time, and increases security.
A local area network (LAN) is commonly used to back up data to a network and server, but a LAN-free backup avoids using a LAN. While there are several ways to perform a LAN-free backup, the most common method is via a storage area network (SAN), created to hold your data. A small backup of a few gigabytes (GB) or less can easily be done via removable media, but only a major backup qualifies as a LAN-free backup. In addition to keeping the network running smoothly, this can also shorten network recovery times if you need access to your backup data.
It’s both possible and common to use a LAN for a backup, but there are several problems with this process. Any data that needs to be backed up moves across the network and this generally slows down the performance and processing capabilities of the network. This temporarily weakens the network, increasing the chances of a crash and decreasing the amount of work users can do while backing up.
There are several approaches to perform a LAN-free backup, but the most common one uses a SAN. These networks are built and optimized to store information. This means that the SAN can easily acquire all the backup information if there is enough computer memory. The memory is not traversing the LAN, so network performance shouldn’t be affected during the backup.
Network users typically make small backups of local information on a single computer. This can be done using small, removable storage media, such as a CD or Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive. While these may qualify as backups in the smallest sense, only large backups that require a server or very large storage media can truly qualify as LAN-free backups, because the LAN usually cannot be restored with data stored in a CD or USB drive.
Improving the performance of a LAN is just one of the benefits of using LAN-free backup. Another benefit is that a LAN can usually be recovered much faster if it crashes and loses data. That’s because the LAN doesn’t have to worry about accessing information or anything; data rushes into the LAN to bring it back online. Storing the backup outside the LAN also increases security because if the LAN crashes, there is a chance that the archive will be lost if it was saved on the LAN.
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