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SAN storage and NAS are two completely different types of data storage one provides file level access to data the other provides block level data to load for example an operating system.
SAN storage is a block-level storage protocol. Block storage uses a protocol like Fibre Channel or iSCSI. They create a direct connection between servers and storage devices. This architecture allows for high performance, making it ideal for databases and transactional applications.
Blocks are presented to the application or operating system as LUNs (logical unit numbers, these are provided by the SAN storage and connect to the server via a HBA (host bus adapter). The data blocks appear as locally attached storage (DAS), when the storage resides on the SAN. A SAN should always run on a dedicated Storage Area Network.
Scalability is another key factor. As your organisation grows, expanding a SAN can be seamless. This flexibility allows you to adapt quickly to changing storage needs without major disruptions.
Emerging trends such as software-defined storage and cloud integration offer exciting possibilities for businesses. These advancements allow organisations to scale their infrastructure seamlessly while optimising costs. Moreover, the incorporation of artificial intelligence into SAN management can streamline operations, enabling proactive monitoring and improved reliability.
Many assume SAN solutions are prohibitively expensive. Although initial investment might seem high, the long-term cost savings from improved efficiency often outweigh this concern over time.
NAS storage provides a centralised file sharing area for storing files. The NAS has an operating system typically Linux and this integrates directly with LDAP or Active Directory to allow designated users to store and access files across the ethernet network.
File level access refers to the way data is stored and retrieved in a network attached storage (NAS) environment. Unlike block storage, which deals with data as blocks, file level access manages information in discrete files. This method allows users to interact with data at a more granular level.
When you save or retrieve a file on NAS storage, you're accessing it directly rather than dealing with chunks of raw data. This makes operations simpler and more intuitive for end-users who are accustomed to working with files and folders.
Moreover, file level access supports various protocols like SMB (Server Message Block) and NFS (Network File System), allowing compatibility across different platforms. This flexibility enhances collaboration among teams using diverse operating systems.
Connecting SAN storage to your storage area network will utilise one or more of the following:
A SAN normally has multiple redundant fibre channel switches connected to redundant storage arrays, from these arrays the storage is carved up and served out as data volumes. These volumes could provide storage for virtualisation, local disk storage to servers attached to the SAN or provides disk storage to backup appliances where block storage is a key requirement.
Connecting NAS storage to the network normally uses Ethernet and these are the normal network connections.
A NAS normally connects to one or two network switches. The NAS storage is then carved up into volumes; these volumes are then used to provide files and folders to be accessed across the network as CIFS/SMB or NFS shares to which users map to their desktops.
SAN storage is faster than NAS due to the lower processing overhead the fibre channel and iSCSI protocols use, this enables almost wire speed to transmit data across the SAN. Both systems can have HDD’s, NVMe & SSD drives internally, but performance will be greater across a SAN.
A NAS has an operating system, CPU, memory, data storage, network connections, SAN storage on the other hand has a CPU, memory, data storage, network connections and an embedded operating system for storage management. SAN storage will not allow you to add extra functionality i.e. photo sharing app. SAN storage is more secure than NAS storage as the embedded operating system cannot be changed or modified.
Normally fibre channel is a point-2-point protocol, this means the LUN can only be seen by the server connected host, although there is software available to share LUNs with multiple hosts and this is normally used in post-production to share large files across the network, but lock files when they are being accessed.
A NAS on the other hand by default shares all the available volumes across the network to any user who has file/folder permissions.
Which should I choose?
Ultimately it boils down to your budget and requirements.
A SAN requires a totally separate dedicated network, although iSCSI will operate over an existing Ethernet network, it is recommended that it also resides on a dedicated network.
Whereas a NAS will happily sit on your network and provide local shared files and folders for users.
If you want performance and the most secure infrastructure, then choose a SAN. In the end it is horses for courses, NAS for file and SAN for block.
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