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| A SAN is a data storage
network that transfers data in
blocks between storage devices
and servers. This block-level
file transfer facilitates
mission critical data
applications. Three
connection schemes are used
with SAN: Fibre Channel (FC),
iSCSI, and ATA over Ethernet
(AoE). Some setups utilize
multiple connection schemes to
balance cost and performance.
FC is an older high
performance scheme that is
technically unique. Fibre
Channel can accommodate both
SCSI and ATA. Costs can be
high if FC switches are used
to attach storage arrays to a
server. iSCSI lowers cost by
utilizing gigabit Ethernet
adapters and switches. The
TCP/IP protocol is familiar to
data system managers and
blends well with wide area
network (WAN) based disaster
recovery plans. AoE is a
newer low cost technology that
rides on ATA commands in lieu
of TCP/IP. AoE can be mixed
with iSCSI for flexibility. |
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