What is SAN (Storage Area Network)? | Exploring the Power of SAN

SAN (Storage Area Network) is a unique network that connects servers, disk arrays, and media libraries. It uses fiber channel technology and iSCSI to work.

This network helps store and find data quickly. Plus, it gives fast and trustworthy access to shared storage resources.

What is a SAN Storage?

The SAN structure connects elements quickly, securely, and reliably. Its low-level access mode distinguishes it from other network storage modes.

The SAN environment traffic is like fixed storage systems like ATA, SATA, and SCSI. Even though most systems lack physical SCSI interfaces, they use the SCSI protocol to access data on the system.

One prominent feature of these systems is the ability to minimize transmission medium response time. Thus, many servers connect to the same disk group, ensuring optimal repository system use and backups.

SANs configured with fiber optic cables offer more advantages. These devices can reach distances of 10 km or more without the need for routers. Depending on computer system performance, data transmission rates can reach Gigabit speeds.

One of the other advantages is that they have more connections, allowing servers and storage devices to connect to the system many times. This results in improved data transfer rates and system scalability. In this way, users can configure redundant paths to increase fault tolerance.

Fiber Optic Network

An optical channel is a closed, structured mechanism. It helps send information quickly and reliably. You don’t need to worry about how or where to send the information.

SCSI and HIPPI channel protocols connect devices. These include disk drives, printers, and tape drives.

Fiber combines the best features of channels and networks. It provides a hardware-based standard for an intelligent channel. The track combines the advantages of a way and the technologies of a LAN. It is in a single input/output interface.

Users use this innovative channel for high-speed transmission of various popular protocols such as FDDI, SCSI, HIPPI, IP, and ATM. It provides excellent flexibility in network design.

Thus, Fiber cables allow one to take advantage of all these technologies. They realize the use of built-in protocols that work with copper cables up to 100 meters or fiber optic cables up to 10 kilometers or more.

One of the best-known examples of using storage areas is fiber. SAN allows the creation of a storage LAN independent of the servers. Unlike the traditional arrangement, each server has an integrated hard disk drive.

High-speed connections like fiber are configured to create an SAN structure. These connections allow fast data transfer between servers and storage devices. As a result, a SAN LAN forms. It combines high-speed connections, efficient data transfer, and many devices.

Fiber cables enable long-distance data transfer. It allows the safe placement of repository devices, which is crucial for disaster recovery.

Components of a SAN Network

Servers

A storage network connects servers with any operating system, allowing access to storage. The LAN recognizes shared disks as local system devices. Servers connect to the SAN via fiber cables.

Storage

Storage devices are the foundation of SAN. They outsource the repository and distribute its functionality. Tape drives, libraries, robots, and RAID connect directly to the fiber network.

RAID systems prioritize data availability and security. Additionally, they support redundant and hot-swappable devices.

Controllers connect to the SAN network. They use SCSI buses or internal connections via fiber ports to access the RAID’s interior fabric.

Controllers perform RAID-type parity and redundancy functions. They also manage access to volumes or LUNs. Additionally, they maintain control of the system if their partners fail.

Connectors

Different connectors help fiber connections go further. Some examples are MIA adapters, GBIC interface converters, and extenders. The SCSI bridge connects SCSI devices to a Fiber Channel LAN.

SAN Application Areas

SAN applications enhance IT systems performance. They improve management and scalability as well.

When servers and storage systems share a LAN, they offer three ways to transfer data. These include between server and repository, between servers, or between units.

SAN enables direct data transfer between servers and storage systems. Although SAN has various applications, its main areas of usage are as follows:

Central Management

Users can configure devices separately, grouping them apart from servers for customization. It allows storage management with a RAID system and many servers.

Connecting all devices within the same LAN infrastructure allows network-specific global management techniques.

Data Sharing

Assigning each storage unit to a single server improves device usage. Administrators can configure the SCSI protocol and operating system software for such cases.

Data Protection

Data protection allows tape drives to connect. It excludes network data from copying into a SAN. Also, it applies data protection techniques between two remote units. Additionally, it offers the ability to make copies from remote locations to server disk or tape.

Usability

A SAN system enables many servers to access the same data volume. Users can achieve this in various ways, depending on the topology and configuration of the system.

Continuity

A SAN system can reach long distances. Users can route it over wide-area LANs. Additionally, it supports disaster recovery solutions for continuity.

Advantages of Storage Area Networks

How a SAN system performs depends on the type of network it uses. We can increase its bandwidth if we want to make it work better. It means upgrading the fiber infrastructure and access connections to make them faster.

The system’s capacity can expand limitlessly. It can reach hundreds of terabytes. It completely separates from user traffic. Also, it allows many computers on the LAN to share the system without affecting performance.