Modern businesses have large amounts of data and require more sophisticated storage technologies than local storage resources and computer memory. Network storage technology has emerged as an invaluable tool to streamline data management operations and boost server performance. A storage area network (SAN) is a dedicated high-speed network of storage devices that connect to servers via network switches. Fiber optics facilitate the connection between switches, storage devices, and servers.
The network functions as a file server, providing data and documents to employees as needed. Explore the benefits of a storage area network below.
1. Enhanced Disc Utilization
Without SAN, you require several individual disks to feed servers with large amounts of data. If you are using a Direct Attached Storage (DAS), the limited disc utilization means that you buy a lot of disks and drives.
A storage area network interlinks storage arrays via a centralized network to help you manage everything as a single entity. As a result, you can deploy storage resources to the networks that require them the most by dividing the central pool of storage resources at the network level. Additionally, SAN systems feature multi-tenancy capabilities to handle multiple workloads without restricting system administration to a few team members.
2. Speed
Slow data transmission rates to storage devices and networks frustrate employees and lower productivity. Although popular because they are cheap, NAS systems are slow since they are vulnerable to network bandwidth constraints. But, NAS systems are sufficient for small businesses that require general-purpose data storage systems.
Using fiber optic technology to transfer data, SANs provide impressive data transfer speeds. Your servers enjoy direct access to SAN-based storage models, resulting in superior performance.
3. Scalability
A SAN system enables businesses to quickly and seamlessly scale storage capacity as needed. You can remove and add storage drives without overhauling the whole storage system or interrupting the operations of the servers. Most SAN platforms maintain optimal performance even with thousands of drivers and suit sophisticated business needs.
4. Streamlined Data Backup
Reliable and fast backups are essential for businesses that constantly generate large amounts of data. SAN technology stores data at the block level and presents it in a centralized manner, which means that data is duplicated quickly.
If one server goes offline, nearby servers quickly resume control to stabilize data load, and the network flow remains uninterrupted. This flexibility prevents you from moving storage devices and cables and spending money on physical storage devices. Further, you can run backups at any intervals and durations depending on your business requirements.
5. Improved Data Security
Data theft is a critical consideration for businesses using storage technologies. SAN algorithms apply security protocols across all servers and let you define access control lists that restrict user access. Further, you can organize data according to users, departments, and organizations with corresponding access levels.
6. Disaster Recovery
Data continuity is essential when you run crucial company data across multiple applications. During a cyber-attack or natural disaster, you want a storage solution that avails your data with minimal interruption. SAN implements data protection algorithms that serve applications that require high availability first. This means you get the most critical operations up and running and reduce downtime.
7. Redundancy And Reduced LAN Bandwidth Issues
If you use a LAN-based storage platform, you are familiar with the bandwidth bottlenecks that inflate the time required to perform tasks and transfers. These bottlenecks occur because a LAN-based system stores data on servers or storage drives. When vast amounts of data are transferred via LAN, server performance reduces, resulting in slower transfer speeds.
SANs feature a redundant array of discs that servers identify as local storage volumes. You can expect speedy input-output performances and reduced strain on the LAN bandwidth.
Wrapping Up
Storage area networks give businesses safe and fast storage access and reduce pressure on the LAN. With SAN, you enjoy better scalability, disc utilization, backups, and disaster recovery. However, you must evaluate your company’s storage needs to ensure a SAN system is the right solution.
