So, this post is dedicated to finding a clear overview of the differences between NAS and SAN and helping you understand the best-suited one for your purpose.
What Is SAN?
SAN is a process of providing users with low latency, high-performing shared access to the storage. It is developed by combining storage and servers over low latency and high speed interconnect, thereby enabling direct Fibre Channel connection. It runs from client to storage volume to provide optimum performance. There are also chances that SAN might require a private and separate Ethernet network between the client and server to keep the file request traffic away from the Fibre Channel network and enjoy a stable performance. A SAN is considered a flexible way to send shared storage to multiple users in demanding applications like multiple application servers or video editing software. It works by joining SAN storage and server together with clients on the Fibre Channel network. The volume performance looks like having a direct connection with the hard drive. Choosing Storage traffic over the Fibre channel helps to get rid of latency issues and TCP/IP packetization. In addition to this, it also prevents network congestion within the local network. Therefore, users can enjoy high-speed access to stored data and media.
How Does SAN Work?
SAN is a block-based storage solution. This again means that the data generally is split into different storage volumes, which you can easily format with a range of protocols like FCP (Fibre Channel Protocol) or iSCSI. It consists typically of virtual storage nodes or hard disks and cloud resources, which are also referred to as vSANs or Virtual SANs. It is configured in three different layers.
Host layer: The applications and servers which help users’ access storage are referred to as the host layer. The layer generally recognized SAN storage as the local hard drive and made sure of quick data transfers and processing speeds. Fabric layer: The fabric layer is referred to as the way storage connects to users, like cables and network devices. The connectivity can be through FCoE or Fibre Channel over Ethernet or Fiber Channel. Both take the pressure from the LAN by moving associated data traffic and storage to their high-speed network. Storage Layer: All the physical resources for data storage, like drivers within a data centre, are mostly organized into storage tiers and pools. As data is stored by making use of block-level, automatic rerouting and inbuilt redundancy, you will always be able to access data even with server downtime.
If User A is willing to collaborate on a file with another user (Say User B) present in another location, they can check the file on the network device, where they would find a request to access the file at the host layer. This request is later processed via server over the fabric layer or network by making use of data access protocols. Users can then retrieve data from the data pool present within storage layers. If User A makes any change, User B can instantly find the changes, access files, and add their changes as SANs deliver low latency updates and data storage. vSAN is another approach chosen for SAN storage which is the virtual storage area network. Rather than choosing hardware to store data like a data drive, vSAN offers virtual machine storage, which is present on the server. VMs are the prime units in cloud computing that enable companies to scale and run workloads and applications effectively. vSAN provides security, scalability and flexibility for data access and shared storage through different locations and organizations.
Advantages & Disadvantages Of SAN
SAN is most commonly used by larger corporations as it is much more expensive and complex. It needs proper administration by IT staff. When it comes to using the video editing application, it can be a good choice due to its low latency and high speed. The prime strength of SAN is in allowing simultaneous access to shared storage simultaneously. This makes it faster in addition to storage controllers. The best example would be hundreds of editors working on a video with being able to simultaneously use 10 GB/s storage. This is why SAN is most widely used in collaborative environments. Advantages:
Low latency and fast data access. Does not heavily depend on LAN and reduces stress. It can be easily scaled to a limit. It is most commonly the only solution when it is about demanding applications that need concurrent shared access.
Disadvantages:
The administration and cost are needed. Maintain a separate Ethernet network which needs to be dedicated. Implementing Fibre Channel Network can be a huge investment,
What Is NAS?
NAS is simply a system connected to the network which offers data storage service to all the other devices available on the network. The strength of NAS is the way it is being set up and deployed. Users can find NAS volumes as network-mounted volumes. The served files typically have more than one hard drive within the system, arranged in the RAID arrays. With more drive bays present within NAS, users get more flexible and larger storage options. Since the device is a network mode which is more like TCP/IP devices and computers, all the devices have their individual IP address. Even when NAS is not properly designed for general servers, vendors and other third parties have started offering software that provides server-like functionality on the NAS. The devices provide access in a simple way to a range of users from different locations. It can be a great choice when users have to share information or collaborate on any project. NAS offer security for supporting and access controls collaboration. It also enables users who do not have much knowledge or are not IT professionals to easily manage and administer data through an inboard web server. The data resiliency offered by making use of redundant data structure makes a range of drives appear to be a large volume and single drive.
How Does NAS Work?
NAS is a file-based storage system, meaning the data gets stored in the files. These files are generally organized in folders by maintaining a hierarchy. It is mostly placed in the form of directories and subdirectories. Compared to the direct attached storage, which can be easily accessed by a single device, the NAS file system offers sharing and file storage abilities between the devices. The following elements are generally used to build a NAS system.
Network: More than one or one NAS device is generally connected to the LAN or through an Ethernet network that has an individual IP address. Storage: The presence of disk drives in the NAS box stores most of the data. Most often, it makes use of RAID configuration, copying and distributing data throughout the different drives. It offers data redundancy and also dramatically improves storage capacity and performance. NAS Box: It is a hardware device that has its individual IP address. It is included with a power supply, Network Interface Card, memory processor and drive bay for disk drives. A head or NAS box generally connects and processes the request between NAS storage and the computer of the users. Software: The software pre-configured within a NAS box generally manages the device and handles file sharing and data storage requests. Operating System: Compared to local storage, NAS storage is said to be self-contained. It has the OS for running the data management software and also authorizing file-level access to all authorized users.
When users require a file stored on NAS, the request is then sent to the NAS box and managed by the software and Operating System. Apart from this, data retrieval is made by making use of protocols like SMB. SMB is the application-level protocol, and NFS allows users to update, store and view files in the remote system. This data gets transferred in packets to the device of the users through the TCP/IP protocol from the switch or central server.
Advantages & Disadvantages Of NAS
NAS is one of the most common setups used for small businesses and home offices that make use of direct attached storage or external hard drives. However, it is susceptible to drive failures. The use of NAS has been chosen to get the ability to share files remotely and locally. It helps to have 24/7 availability and gives a chance to replace, achieve data redundancy and upgrade the system’s hard drive. One of the most crucial aspects is that it supports integration with cloud storage, thereby providing required automated data backups. Advantages:
It is much more reasonable compared to the other. The administration is pretty easy. Remote and round-the-clock data availability. Storage volumes of the drives are failure tolerant. Wide range of sizes and systems to select from. Automated backup to the device and cloud storage.
Disadvantages:
It has limited scalability. Increases LAN traffic. Performance depends solely on the protocol. It is file oriented. Slows down in case of large file transfer.
Difference Between SAN & NAS
SAN Vs NAS
Conclusion
When it is about SAN and NAS, this can be helpful if you think it, like NAS is a more simple setup with easy administration and a good choice for general application. On the other hand, SAN can be said to be challenging as it requires a proper architectural setup and proper administration, but often a great choice available for high-performing and mission-critical operations. Comment * Name * Email * Website
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