Storage Virtualization

Storage Virtualization

1. SAN

   • Storage Area Network
   • Example
     • Fibre Channel
       • High speed network technology
   • Storage servers connected via special purpose storage network
   • WWN (World Wide Name)
     • unique identifier used to identify storage devices
   • Benefits
     • Eliminates restriction on amount of data that can be accessed by an individual server
     • Storage can be accessed by multiple servers simultaneously

2. NAS

   • Network Attached Storage
   • Example
     • Ethernet
   • Storage servers accessed over a general purpose network
   • inexpensive
   • Benefits
     • self-contained solution
     • ease of administration
     • 24/7 and remote data availability
   • Automatic backups to other devices and the cloud