Network Attached Storage (NAS) V/S Storage Area Network (SAN)
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
Definition - What does Network Attached Storage (NAS) mean?
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.
Techopedia explains Network Attached Storage (NAS)
Organizations looking for the best, reliable data storage methods, which can be managed and controlled with their established network systems, often choose network attached storage. NAS allows organizations and home computer networks to store and retrieve data in bulk amounts for an affordable price.
The following three components play an important role in NAS:
NAS Protocol: NAS severs are fully supported by the network file system and common interface file system. NASs also support different kinds of network protocols including SCP and File Transfer Protocol (FTP). However, over TCP/IP, communication can be done more efficiently and reliably. The initial purpose of NAS design was only file sharing over UNIX across a LAN. NAS also strongly supports HTTP. So users/clients can easily download the stuff directly from the Web if NAS is connected to the Internet.
NAS Connections: Different mediums are used for establishing connections with NAS servers, including: Ethernet, fiber optics and wireless mediums with 802.11 standards.
NAS Drives: Any technology can be used for this purpose, but SCSI is used by default. ATA disks, optical discs and magnetic media are also supported by NAS.
Storage Area Network (SAN)
Definition - What does Storage Area Network (SAN) mean?
A 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.
SANs are sometimes also referred to (albeit redundantly) as SAN storage, SAN network, network SAN, etc.
Techopedia explains Storage Area Network (SAN)
Introduced in the early 2000s, SANs were initially limited to enterprise class computing. Today, high-speed disk costs have gradually dropped and SANs have become a mainstay for greater organizational storage.
SAN implementation simplifies information life cycle management and plays a critical role in delivering a consistent and secure data transfer infrastructure.
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.
SAN is offered by server manufacturers, such as IBM and HP. Server-independent SAN providers include EMC and Network Appliance.
Play with Storages and dont blame the network! :D :D
Thanks
NJ
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
Definition - What does Network Attached Storage (NAS) mean?
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.
Techopedia explains Network Attached Storage (NAS)
Organizations looking for the best, reliable data storage methods, which can be managed and controlled with their established network systems, often choose network attached storage. NAS allows organizations and home computer networks to store and retrieve data in bulk amounts for an affordable price.
The following three components play an important role in NAS:
NAS Protocol: NAS severs are fully supported by the network file system and common interface file system. NASs also support different kinds of network protocols including SCP and File Transfer Protocol (FTP). However, over TCP/IP, communication can be done more efficiently and reliably. The initial purpose of NAS design was only file sharing over UNIX across a LAN. NAS also strongly supports HTTP. So users/clients can easily download the stuff directly from the Web if NAS is connected to the Internet.
NAS Connections: Different mediums are used for establishing connections with NAS servers, including: Ethernet, fiber optics and wireless mediums with 802.11 standards.
NAS Drives: Any technology can be used for this purpose, but SCSI is used by default. ATA disks, optical discs and magnetic media are also supported by NAS.
Storage Area Network (SAN)
Definition - What does Storage Area Network (SAN) mean?
A 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.
SANs are sometimes also referred to (albeit redundantly) as SAN storage, SAN network, network SAN, etc.
Techopedia explains Storage Area Network (SAN)
Introduced in the early 2000s, SANs were initially limited to enterprise class computing. Today, high-speed disk costs have gradually dropped and SANs have become a mainstay for greater organizational storage.
SAN implementation simplifies information life cycle management and plays a critical role in delivering a consistent and secure data transfer infrastructure.
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.
SAN is offered by server manufacturers, such as IBM and HP. Server-independent SAN providers include EMC and Network Appliance.
Play with Storages and dont blame the network! :D :D
Thanks
NJ
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