Quiz #1: SAN school

A special-purpose high speed network used to interconnect storage devices with computer systems is the definition for:

Chirs Poelker identified this function as the killer application for a SAN:

a. Storage management
b. Backup
c. Capacity planning
d. File sharing

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of a SAN?

a. A SAN takes all the data on all our servers and ties it together outside of the servers, which makes it easier to back up.
b. You can not move your data out horizontally in case of a disaster.
c. You can have many different data centers managed in one place, so your operation can be global in scope.
d. Placing data external to the server makes the server less important in case anything happens to it.

A SAN is a good solution for all but the following:

a. database operations
b. file-sharing
c. application migration
d. voice or video transmission

Cables are what ties everything together in a SAN. When choosing your cables and setting them up, you should do all of the following except:

a. Keep in mind that the smaller the core of the cable the farther the light can pass through it.
b. Choose a large cable since it has a greater probability of signal loss than a smaller cable.
c. Try to make sure the cables are straight for the least amount of signal loss.
d. Select a cable with a minimum radius of between 1 1/4 and 1 1/2.

This is a way of storing the same data in different places (redundantly) on multiple hard disks.

This is a unique identifier used on a SCSI bus that enables it to differentiate between up to eight separate devices, which may be an end user, a file, or an application program.

This is the function of using port zoning and worldwide name zoning in the same zone set.

a. load balancing
b. mixed zoning
c. mirroring
d. virtualization

In order to avoid poor SAN design, you should do all of the following EXCEPT:

a. Use world wide name zoning for flexibility and port zoning for security.
b. Use a maximum of 16 switches per fabric.
c. Minimize hops and the use of ISL links.
d. Use multiple HBA vendors and drivers, if possible.