Difference between revisions of "Storage Area Network"
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[[Category:Computer]][[Category:Cluster]][[Category:Network]] | [[Category:Computer]][[Category:Cluster]][[Category:Network]] | ||
= Differences between a SAN and a [[NAS]] = | = Differences between a SAN and a [[NAS]] = | ||
| + | [[Image:DAS-NAS-SAN.GIF|thumb|350px|How the terms DAS NAS and SAN are used by the storage industri]] | ||
;A [[NAS]] is defined by [http://www.snia.org SNIA] as: systems that provide file services to host computers using file access protocols'' | ;A [[NAS]] is defined by [http://www.snia.org SNIA] as: systems that provide file services to host computers using file access protocols'' | ||
;A SAN is is defined by [http://www.snia.org SNIA] as: The term SAN is usually (but not necessarily) identified with block I/O services rather than file access services. | ;A SAN is is defined by [http://www.snia.org SNIA] as: The term SAN is usually (but not necessarily) identified with block I/O services rather than file access services. | ||
| − | Conclusion | + | == Conclusion == |
| − | + | A NAS can be called a SAN, but a SAN can not necessarily be called a NAS unless it offers File Services via a network. | |
Revision as of 14:20, 16 May 2009
Contents
Definition
Storage Area Network (SAN)
1. A network whose primary purpose is the transfer of data between computer systems and storage elements and among storage elements.
A SAN consists of a communication infrastructure, which provides physical connections, and a management layer, which organizes the connections, storage elements, and computer systems so that data transfer is secure and robust. The term SAN is usually (but not necessarily) identified with block I/O services rather than file access services.
2. A storage system consisting of storage elements, storage devices, computer systems, and/or appliances, plus all control software, communicating over a network.
The SNIA definition specifically does not identify the term SAN with Fibre Channel technology. When the term SAN is used in connection with Fibre Channel technology, use of a qualified phrase such as "Fibre Channel SAN" is encouraged. According to this definition, an Ethernet-based network whose primary purpose is to provide access to storage elements would be considered a SAN. SANs are sometimes also used for system interconnection in clusters.
- definition source Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) definition
See also
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
Differences between a SAN and a NAS
- A NAS is defined by SNIA as
- systems that provide file services to host computers using file access protocols
- A SAN is is defined by SNIA as
- The term SAN is usually (but not necessarily) identified with block I/O services rather than file access services.
Conclusion
A NAS can be called a SAN, but a SAN can not necessarily be called a NAS unless it offers File Services via a network.