Computer Hardware
SAN
Definition
A Storage Area Network (SAN) is a specialized, high-speed network that provides block-level network access to storage. SANs are typically composed of hosts, switches, storage elements, and storage devices that are interconnected using a variety of technologies, topologies, and protocols.
Why It Matters
SANs are used in large enterprise environments to provide high-performance, shared storage for critical applications. They allow multiple servers to access shared pools of block-level storage as if it were a locally attached drive.
Contextual Example
A cluster of database servers might all connect to a SAN. This allows any server in the cluster to access the database files, providing high availability and performance.
Common Misunderstandings
- A SAN provides block-level access (like an internal hard drive), while a NAS provides file-level access (like a network file share). This is the key difference.
- SANs typically use high-speed Fibre Channel or iSCSI for connectivity, not standard Ethernet.