Storage Area Networks

A Storage Area Network (SAN), depicted in Figure 51 on page 172, is a new approach to network storage that separates storage management from server management with a network devoted to storage.

A SAN provides any-to-anyconnectivity for all network resources, thus enabling device sharing between multiple client systems and increasing data traffic performance as well as the availability of devices.

The SAN concept allows the exchange of information between multiple data storage devices and servers. The servers can access data directly from any device and do not need to transfer data over the conventional LAN. A SAN consists of servers, backup devices, disk arrays, and other nodes, all connected with a fast network connection, typically Fibre Channel. This additional network provides off-loading storage operations from the conventional LAN to a separate network.

Data Protector’s direct backup functionality is a productive application of SAN and fibre channel technology.

Concepts guide

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HP B6960-96035 manual Storage Area Networks