Storage area network

Traditional network storage was located inside, or directly connected to, individual file servers that were often scattered across workgroups throughout an organization. A storage area network (SAN) overcomes the problems associated with traditional systems by moving storage resources off of the common user network and reorganizing those storage components into an independent, high-performance network. This guide will help you get started learning about SANs.

Storage area network components and architecture:

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  • LUN management at the heart of SAN configuration

    LUNs Explained -  LUNs are the basic vehicle for delivering storage, but provisioning SAN storage isn't just a matter of creating LUNs or volumes; the SAN fabric itself must be configured so that disks and their LUNs are matched to the appropriate servers. Proper...

  • GBIC connection to single or multimode fiber

    Ask the Expert -  This advice discusses the possibility of connecting a short-distance GBIC to single mode fiber and multimode fiber.

  • Checklist: How to set up HBAs

    Tip -  Host bus adapters are one of the most time-consuming parts of a SAN to install.

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Storage area network connectivity and protocols:

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  • Speed wars: Fibre Channel vs. Ethernet

    Feature -  Just as 4Gb/sec Fibre Channel is poised to make its move into the data center, Ethernet is roaring back with its 10Gb/sec technology. But the lure of pure speed might not be enough for Ethernet to overtake Fibre Channel--at least for now.

  • SAN connectivity issues

    (presented by SearchVirtualStorage.com)

    Ask the Expert -  SAN expert Chris Poelker offers advice on troubleshooting SAN-based backup issues.

  • How are switches changing the way SANs are designed and managed?

    FAQ -  There is more granularity in the device options today, allowing for more versatile device configuration...

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Storage area network management:

1 - 3 of 9

  • LUN management at the heart of SAN configuration

    LUNs Explained -  LUNs are the basic vehicle for delivering storage, but provisioning SAN storage isn't just a matter of creating LUNs or volumes; the SAN fabric itself must be configured so that disks and their LUNs are matched to the appropriate servers. Proper...

  • Is an SMB environment too small for a SAN?

    FAQ -  Almost any size business can benefit from some type of SAN -- or "network storage"; whether it's NAS, iSCSI-based IP storage or FC storage...

  • Limiting access to a SAN volume

    Ask the Expert -  This advice details how to set up multiple servers with read-only access to the same SAN volume and have a single server read-write access to the same SAN volume.

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Overview-Storage area network:

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  • Introduction to SAN technology

    08 Jun 2007

    Article -  SANs overcome the problems of traditional network storage by moving storage resources off the common user network and reorganizing those storage components into an independent, high-performance network. SANs also support storage features such as disk...