Professor Messer 1.7 | Storage Area Networks

Storage Area Network (SAN)

Functions like a local storage device, providing users with block-level access that appears similar to a local drive, such as a hard drive or SSD.

This means that if a user needs to modify a small part of a large file, only the specific block containing the change is updated, rather than the entire file. This approach is efficient for both reading and writing operations.

Due to the high data transfer demands, often require substantial bandwidth and may use an isolated network with high-speed technologies

Fibre Channel (FC):

specialized high-speed networking topology designed to connect servers to storage systems. It supports data transfer rates of 2, 4, 8, and 16 gigabits per second, and can be implemented over both fiber and copper cabling. In an FC network, servers (initiators) need an FC interface and storage devices (targets) are commonly referenced by SCSI, SAS, or SATA commands. From the end user's perspective, these storage devices appear as locally connected drives.

Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)

Allows Fibre Channel over an Ethernet network. Eliminates the need for specialized networking hardware. Usually integrates with an existing Fibre Channel infrastructure. Not routable.

Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI)

Enables the sending of SCSI commands over an IP network. Initially created by IBM and Cisco, iSCSI has become an RFC standard. Makes remote disks appear and function like local disks, similar to Fibre Channel. Highly manageable through software, with drivers available for many operating systems. Does not require proprietary topologies or hardware