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STORAGE AREA NETWORKS (SAN)

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FINAL
PRESENTATION
Computer Networks CS_221
GROUP MEMBERS
• SYED NOOR UL HASSAN SUBHANI
(20021519-015)
• MUHAMMAD ABDULLAH HASHMI
(20021519-016)
• USAMA ZAFAR
(20021519-092)
PRESENTED TO:
• MR. MUBBASHAR HUSSAIN

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STORAGE AREA NETWORK(SAN)
A network whose primary purpose is the transfer of data between computer systems
and storage elements and among storage elements.

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DEFINITION
STORAGE AREA NETWORKS (SAN)
• A SAN consists of a communication infrastructure, which
provides physical connections, and a management layer,
which organizes the connections, storage elements, and
computer systems so that data transfer is secure and
robust.
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• The term SAN is usually (but not necessarily) identified
with block I/O services rather than file access services.
• A storage system consisting of storage elements,
storage devices, computer systems, and/or appliances,
plus all control software, communicating over a
network.

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ARCHITECTURE
STORAGE AREA NETWORKS (SAN)
• Centralized and interconnected storage devices reside in the
bottom tier of the traditional 3-tiered client/server
architecture.
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• A SAN consists of a communication infrastructure, which
provides physical connections, and a management layer,
which organizes the connections, storage elements, and
computer systems so that data transfer is secure and robust.
• Fibre Channel is the most widely used SAN technology
because of its speed, scalability and flexibility.
• A SAN is typically based on one of two topologies:
Ring topology that manages traffic flow.
• It is a fairly inexpensive configuration for small and medium
sized SANs. •

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BENEFITS
STORAGE AREA NETWORKS (SAN)
• Using a SAN can potentially offer the following benefits:
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➢ Storage is independent of applications and accessible
through multiple data paths for better reliability, availability,
and serviceability.
➢ Data transfer and vaulting to remote sites: Remote copy of
data enabled for disaster protection and against malicious
attacks.
➢ Centralized and consolidated storage:
Simpler management, scalability, flexibility ,and availability.
➢ Higher application performance: Storage processing is off-
loaded from servers and moved onto a separate network.

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CONSIDERATIONS
STORAGE AREA NETWORKS (SAN)
• SAN management architecture
SAN storage level.
SAN network level
Enterprise systems level
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• Data format
Data can be stored as files, or in block format. •
• Security
Security in a LAN environment can be complex..
When utilizing multiple storage servers, it is critical that
one server cannot overwrite another's information..
Access control is also extremely important.

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Recommended steps to minimize the risks :
• Authentication
• Administrative tasks require administrator log in
access.
• Devices must log in to the storage network
before gaining access to the data.
SECURITY
STORAGE AREA NETWORK (SAN)
• Authorization
• Individual administrators have permissions to only
perform specific actions on specific devices.
• Storage devices validate rights to data to prevent
access from an unauthorized source.
• Audit
• All administrative changes and significant events
are logged to track changes and trace problems.
• Encryption (not yet in widespread use)
• Protects both confidentiality and integrity of data.

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NETWORK
TECHNOLOGIES
STORAGE AREA NETWOK (SAN)
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Emerging Technologies
• iSCSI
• Fibre Channel over IP
• Fibre Channel over ATM
• Fibre Channel over SONET
• Fibre Channel over dark fiber or DWDM
Current Technology
• Fibre Channel

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CONCLUSIONS
STORAGE NETWORK AREAS (SAN)
• SANs components and technologies are being developed
which will reduce overall costs.
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• Management will continue to evolve with a goal of
supporting a heterogeneous multi-vendor SAN that would
work with components from any vendor
• Benefits for SANs include
• Improved application availability
• Increased application performance
• Centralized storage
• Centralized management
• SAN architecture and management are still evolving.
• Emerging technologies such as FCIP and iSCSI are based
on existing, proven technologies.
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