A storage area network (SAN) is a network of disk arrays, tape libraries, or optical jukeboxes connected by switches. SANs simplify storage device administration, allow multiple servers to access a single SAN, and are designed for disaster recovery. They have their own file system and can be connected through Fiber Channel or iSCSI technology.
A storage area network (SAN) is a network of disk arrays, tape libraries, or optical jukeboxes connected by network switches. Disks are attached to servers such that the disks appear locally attached. Disk arrays can be housed in a remote data center, completely separate from the servers to which they are attached.
The storage component of a storage network can be disk arrays, tape libraries, or optical jukeboxes. Disk arrays are storage devices that contain multiple hard drives connected to a central controller. Tape libraries are devices that contain one or more tape drives and tape cartridges. Tapes are loaded into tape drives by a robot. Optical jukeboxes are similar to tape libraries but instead of using tape drives and tape cartridges, they use optical drives and optical discs.
Most storage area networks are connected by Fiber Channel switches and use the Fiber Channel protocol to carry Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) commands over the network. The switches are connected using twisted pair copper cables or fiber optic cables. This type of cabling must be installed separately from your normal network infrastructure.
Storage area networks can also be connected through an Internet Protocol-based (IP-based) technology called the Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI). An iSCSI solution can connect storage devices over a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or the Internet. Unlike Fiber Channel networks, iSCSI networks do not require any special cabling. Instead, they use your existing network infrastructure.
A storage area network has its own file system. This file system allows files on the SAN to be accessed by multiple servers using different operating systems. The file system is programmed to minimize file storage and retrieval time. It also simplifies network management and allows you to scale network components independently.
Using a storage network simplifies the administration of storage devices. Multiple servers can access a single SAN. These servers can be set up to boot directly from the SAN, allowing you to switch servers quickly. No need to move cables and storage devices to switch between servers.
Storage area networks are designed for disaster recovery. The network can span multiple remote locations. SANs also have built-in data replication. This data replication keeps the SAN available even if one disk or an entire disk array fails.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
