Storage Management Strategies for the CIO
SAN (storage area network) routing is a technology used for interconnecting SAN islands (separately designated logical portions of a storage area network) within a larger network. The technology allows communication between authorized devices and programs in different SAN islands, but maintains their autonomy. SAN routing was first developed by Nishan Systems, now known as McData Corporation.
In SAN routing, connection between ports is terminated at each SAN island. This ensures that transactions can be carried out without the danger that problems at any single SAN island will spread to others. The probability of a major network disruption is thereby minimized. Problems can be isolated and resolved quickly. SAN routing also eliminates confusion if addresses overlap between SAN islands in the context of a larger network.
SAN routing is scalable, making it possible to build a large, evolving, and geographically diverse SAN while ensuring stability and interoperability. The technology is ideally suited for remote storage in enterprises having numerous sites in widely separated locations.