SAN storage is an important part of any IT infrastructure, but it can be difficult to keep track of all the terminology. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 SAN storage terms that every IT pro needs to know!
What is SAN Storage?
SAN storage is a type of networked storage that allows for the centralized management and control of data. A SAN typically consists of two main components: the storage devices themselves and the network that connects them.
Logical Unit Number
The term “LUN” stands for Logical Unit Number. LUNs are used to identify individual storage devices on a SAN. In most cases, each LUN will correspond to a physical disk drive or RAID array.
Redundant Array of Independent Disks
RAID is an acronym for “Redundant Array of Independent Disks”. RAID arrays are used to store data redundantly across multiple physical disks. This provides increased reliability and performance compared to using a single disk alone.
Types of RAID Levels
There are many different types of RAID levels, but some of the most common are RAID 0,1 and 50.
NAS Storage
While NAS storage is different from SAN storage, it is still important to understand it. The term “NAS” stands for Network Attached Storage. NAS devices are similar to SANs in that they allow for the centralized management and control of data. However, NAS devices are typically less expensive and easier to set up than SANs.
Types of NAS Device
One popular type of NAS device is the home server. Home servers are often used to store personal files such as music, photos, and videos. They can also be used to run applications and services such as media servers and web servers.
iSCSI
The term “iSCSI” stands for Internet Small Computer Systems Interface. iSCSI is a protocol that allows for the transport of data over a network using TCP/IP. iSCSI is often used to connect SANs to servers and other devices.
NFS
The term “NFS” stands for Network File System. NFS is a protocol that allows for the sharing of files over a network. NFS is typically used in Unix-like operating systems, but it can also be used on Windows systems.
CIFS
The term “CIFS” stands for Common Internet File System. CIFS is a protocol that allows for the sharing of files over a network. CIFS is typically used on Windows systems, but it can also be used on Unix-like operating systems.
FTP
The term “FTP” stands for File Transfer Protocol. FTP is a protocol that allows for the transfer of files over a network. FTP is typically used to transfer files between computers, but it can also be used to transfer files between devices on the same network.
SFTP
The term “SFTP” stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol. SFTP is a protocol that allows for the secure transfer of files over a network. SFTP uses encryption to protect data in transit, making it more secure than FTP.
To Wrap Up
These are just some of the many terms that you might come across when working with SAN storage. By understanding these terms, you will be better equipped to configure and manage your SAN storage properly! Thanks for reading!
