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A storage area network (SAN) is a specialized, high-speed network that connects servers to storage devices, typically used by enterprises for business-critical applications that require high throughput and low latency.
SANs centralize block storage, allowing organizations to store data in a shared pool, enabling consistent data protection, security and disaster recovery practices.
In a SAN storage area network, data is stored in logical units known as LUNs (Logical Unit Numbers), which are blocks of storage provisioned from a shared storage pool. Servers view these LUNs as local disk storage, partition and format them, and use them to store data—just like with local storage. SANs are designed to offer high availability and resilience, easily withstanding multiple component or device failures.
Storage area networks (SANs) are ideal for supporting performance-sensitive, business-critical applications. Common SAN use cases include:
There are distinct differences found when comparing SAN vs. NAS, both provide centralized network storage but differ in how they manage data and the protocols they use. A SAN is block-level storage typically used for performance-critical applications, while NAS (Network Attached Storage) is file-based and focuses on ease of use, scalability, and lower cost. NAS vs SAN storage is often contrasted based on performance and complexity:
There are several protocols used in storage area networks to connect servers and storage devices:
Both SAN and NAS offer centralized storage solutions, but their use cases and performance needs differ:
When choosing between SAN vs NAS storage, consider factors such as performance, scalability, ease of management, and total cost of ownership (TCO).
The backbone of any storage area network (SAN) is its architecture. A SAN architecture typically consists of:
A well-designed SAN network is critical for ensuring data availability and maintaining performance, even during component failures.
When considering SAN storage, it’s important to evaluate the storage area network price, as costs can vary based on performance, capacity, and scalability requirements. While high-performance solutions like all-flash SANs offer greater speed and lower latency, they come at a higher cost. However, for businesses needing reliable performance, SAN based storage is a cost-effective solution compared to local storage for critical workloads.
For those with budget constraints, cheap SAN storage options are available with configurations like hybrid storage systems, which combine flash and traditional spinning disks for a balanced approach to cost and performance.
SAN (Storage Area Network) storage is a high-speed network that connects servers to storage devices, centralizing block storage in a shared pool. It is typically used by enterprises for performance-critical applications that require low latency and high throughput.
SAN is generally better for performance-critical applications, offering low-latency and high-throughput block storage. NAS (Network Attached Storage) is file-based and easier to manage, with lower costs and scalability. The choice depends on your specific performance and scalability needs.
NAS is typically better for unstructured data as it is designed for file-based storage, making it easier to manage and scale for file sharing, media content, and backup storage. SAN, which focuses on block-level storage, is better for structured data and high-performance applications.
SAN storage works by connecting servers to a shared pool of storage devices via a high-speed network. Data is stored in logical units (LUNs), which servers access as though they were local disks.
A cost-effective way to connect a SAN is by using iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) over Ethernet. iSCSI encapsulates SCSI commands into IP packets, leveraging existing Ethernet networks, making it a more affordable alternative to Fibre Channel while still offering reliable SAN connectivity.
Implementing SAN storage involves setting up a high-speed network that connects servers to shared storage devices. Key steps include:
Selecting the right SAN protocol (e.g., Fibre Channel, iSCSI, FCoE). Configuring LUNs (Logical Unit Numbers) on storage devices. Connecting servers to the SAN network using Fibre Channel or Ethernet. Ensuring redundancy for high availability and fault tolerance.DAS (Direct-Attached Storage) is not designed for sharing storage between computers. Unlike SAN or NAS, DAS connects storage directly to a single computer without networking capabilities.
A storage area network (SAN) is the go-to solution for businesses requiring high-performance, centralized storage for critical applications. Whether you're comparing SAN vs NAS, looking for SAN backup solutions, or trying to find the best storage area network for your business, SAN technology delivers on performance, scalability, and reliability.
NetApp is a leading provider of enterprise SAN solutions, delivering the high performance and reliability that business-critical applications demand. Here’s why NetApp SAN is an industry leader:
NetApp works closely with industry partners like Brocade to deliver advanced SAN storage technologies. For instance, Brocade’s Fibre Channel solutions provide a scalable and high-performance foundation for SAN networks, easing the transition to NVMe-based SANs.
With a wide variety of SAN protocols and architectures available, choosing the right SAN storage solution depends on your specific needs, whether it's for virtualization, databases, or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. NetApp’s leading SAN solutions ensure top-tier performance, availability, and cloud integration to meet the demands of today’s business-critical workloads.
Discover how NetApp SAN solutions can help your business meet storage demands.