What Is a Storage Area Network (SAN) and How Does It Work?
Modern workplace computing frequently necessitates a far higher degree of control, management, and adaptability. The storage area network was developed due to these requirements (SAN).
How does a SAN work?
Storage traffic performance can be optimized and expedited by connecting the pooled storage to servers across a different network from the conventional LAN because the storage traffic no longer needs to compete for LAN bandwidth required by servers and their workloads. The host, fabric, and storage layers are the three main layers that make up storage area network technology. Each layer is unique in its elements and traits.
1. Host layer
The host layer represents the servers connected to the SAN. Most of the time, the hosts, or servers, are running storage-dependent enterprise workloads like databases. Host hosts commonly use classic LAN- Ethernet- components to allow the server and its workload to connect with other servers and users. But in addition, SAN hosts have a unique network adapter built in for SAN connectivity. Host bus adapter is the name of the network adapter most FC SANs utilize (HBA). Like most network adapters, the FC HBA uses device drivers to connect the HBA to the server’s operating system and firmware to control its hardware. The operating system enables the workload to transmit storage orders and data to the SAN and its storage resources.
2. Fabric layer
The fabric layer represents the network fabric between the SAN hosts and SAN storage, which comprises the cabling and network equipment. SAN switches, gateways, routers, and protocol bridges are SAN networking equipment found in the fabric layer. For long-distance network communication, cabling and the accompanying ports of SAN fabric devices can use optical fiber connections or conventional copper-based cables for close-quarters local network communication. Redundancy, or the availability of numerous alternate pathways from hosts to storage throughout the fabric, is what distinguishes a fabric from a network. Multiple connections are typically implemented when a SAN fabric is built to enable various pathways. SAN communication will use an alternative path if one path is broken or interrupted.
3. Storage layer
The many storage devices gathered into various storage pools, tiers, or types make up the storage layer. Optical media devices, such as CD and DVD drives, tape drives, SSDs, and classic magnetic HDDs, are all examples of storage. Physical RAID groups, which can be used to increase storage capacity, boost storage device reliability, or both, are how the majority of storage devices in a SAN are arranged. Each logical storage object, such as a RAID group or even a disc partition, is given a unique LUN that functions fundamentally like the letter C or D on a disc drive. As a result, any SAN host can access any SAN LUN over the SAN fabric.
Additionally, a SAN uses several protocols that allow applications to interact or organize data for storage. The Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP), which translates SCSI commands across FC technology, is widely used. To ensure that all layers, operating systems, and applications can efficiently communicate, SAN implementations frequently support numerous protocols.
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