Storage Solutions

Storage area network (SAN) Storage:

Storage area network (SAN) is a secure high-speed data transfer network that provides access to consolidated block-level storage. An SAN makes a network of storage devices accessible to multiple servers. SAN devices appear to servers as attached drives, eliminating traditional network bottlenecks

SAN solutions are available as two types:

  • Fiber Channel (FC): Storage and servers are connected via a high-speed network of interconnected fiber channel switches. This is used for mission-critical applications where uninterrupted data access is required.
  • Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) Protocol: This infrastructure gives the flexibility of a low-cost IP network.

Both provide advantages based on business requirements.

The advantages of SAN include:

  • Storage Virtualization: Server capacity is no longer linked to single storage devices, as large and consolidated storage pools are now available for software applications.
  • High-Speed Disk Technologies: An example is FC, which offers data retrieval speeds that exceed 5 Gbps. Storage-to-storage data transfer is also available via direct data transmission from the source to the target device with minimal or no server intervention.
  • Centralized Backup: Servers view stored data on local disks, rather than multiple disk and server connections. Advanced backup features, such as block level and incremental backups, streamline IT system administrator responsibilities.
  • Dynamic Failover Protection: Provides continuous network operation, even if a server fails or goes offline for maintenance, which enables built-in redundancy and automatic traffic rerouting.

Network attached storage (NAS):

Network attached storage (NAS) is a dedicated server, also referred to as an appliance, used for file storage and sharing. NAS is a hard drive attached to a network, used for storage and accessed through an assigned network address. It acts as a server for file sharing but does not allow other services (like emails or authentication). It allows the addition of more storage space to available networks even when the system is shutdown during maintenance.

NAS is a complete system designed for heavy network systems, which may be processing millions of transactions per minute. NAS provides a widely supported storage system for any organization requiring a reliable network system.

 

 

 

Direct Attached Storage (DAS):

Direct Attached Storage (DAS) is a dedicated digital storage device attached directly to a server or PC via a cable. Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA), Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), eSATA, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Serial Attached SCSI (SAS), and Fiber Channel are the main protocols used for DAS connections.

DAS creates data islands, because data cannot be shared with other servers.

A typical DAS device may be an internal or external hard disk drive. Depending on data criticality, disk drives may be protected with different levels of Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks (RAID). Modern DAS systems include integrated disk array controllers with advanced functionalities

DAS advantages include:

  • High availability.
  • High access rate due to Storage Area Network (SAN) absence.
  • Elimination of network setup complications.
  • Storage capacity expansion.
  • Data security and fault tolerance.