Datasheet

5
Technology Overview
Xsan
Network-attached storage (NAS)
A NAS is a storage device with a built-in computer. This “NAS appliance” connects to
a local area network and, like a DAS, shares storage with clients over Ethernet using a
network file system. A NAS appliance typically features a specialized server operating
system designed to make file-sharing setup and maintenance easier than with most
general-purpose servers.
Why a SAN with a SAN File System?
A storage area network, or SAN, is a method of aggregating storage devices and allow-
ing servers and client computers to access them as a single virtual storage entity. The
volume looks just like a DAS—like a big hard drive—to the servers. The difference is
that, with a SAN file system such as Xsan, all the servers can access the storage volume
at the same time. These host servers can then share the data with additional clients on
the local Ethernet network using a network file system, such as AFP, SMB/CIFS, or NFS.
Client systems
Ethernet LAN
File server
NAS appliance
Embedded
file server
Same performance and scalability
limitations as direct-attached storage.
Network-Attached Storage
Benefits of consolidated storage
A SAN file system provides important benefits
over DAS and NAS architectures:
• Fast, concurrent file sharing for streamlined
workflows
• Increased uptime through the elimination of
single points of failure
• Simplified administration and access controls
using directory-based management
• Reduced costs through more efficient disk use
• Flexible deployment and easy scalability with-
out interrupting operations
Client systems
Ethernet LAN
File server
File server
File server
Multiple storage devices
Multiple servers access
a
network of storage devices
.
SAN
Fibre Channel switch
Storage Area Network