EMC Induction Module 1

Storage Concepts

Objectives

Why do we need a DAS/NAS/SAN solution

Describe a Direct Attach Storage Solution

Describe a Network Attach Storage Solution

Describe a Storage Area Network

Understand the differences between SAN , DAS and NAS

Identify scenarios where each topology would be suited

Current Situation

Rapid expansion in enterprise storage means we need well defined strategies When developing a storage strategy, there are two main considerations:

The impact of the networking technology on storage architecture and content management

The impact of parallel processing on the design of storage products

Why do we need DAS/NAS/SAN solutions?

Rapid growth in required storage for the enterprise

Existing servers do not supply enough local storage

Offload heavy I/O , to a network

Less expensive to buy shared storage than to add to individual machines

Centralised storage and backup

Approach

There are three main methods of attaching storage to a computing infrastructure:

1. 2. 3.

Direct Attach Storage (DAS) Network Attach Storage (NAS) Storage Area Network (SAN)

Direct Attach Storage (DAS)

Print Server
SD

Cheap
!

SD

DAS
UltraScan
SD

560/ NP

PowerEdge 2300

NFS or CFIS client

UltraScan

SD

DAS

Relatively simple to install

Limited scalability Each host has dedicated storage attached directly. Can be difficult to manage Many different protocol and interface standards developed, leaving vendors to update definitions as the industry matured

SD

560/NP

DAS DAS DAS LAN/WAN

UltraScan

NFS or CFIS client

SD

DAS
SD

560/ NP

Application Server
SD

NFS or CFIS client

Database Server
SD

PowerEdge 2300

PowerEdge 2300

DAS DAS DAS DAS DAS DAS

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

There are two main to access data across a network: NFS (Network File System) CIFS (Common Internet File System) Data is served directly over the network [rather than via application server]

Only as fast as the slowest link on the LAN route

Needs a good LAN infrastructure to already exist Very easy to deploy True file sharing between NFS and CIFS - Can be difficult to manage - Linear scalability only

Storage Area Network (SAN)

Using Fibre Channel switch fabric technology, SANs provide:

Easy management through

centralization

Practically unlimited vertical

scalability

Fault tolerance

Efficient use of computer

resources

SAN Characteristics

Connected to a general purpose server, separate from the LAN or WAN Provides shared access to a common storage pool and common backup and restore services

Uses a dedicated Fibre Channel network

Reduces the load on the LAN by performing data transfers between servers and storage over the SAN Allows remote location of storage subsystems and tape libraries

Additional SAN benefits

Exceptional performance

Storage sits on a private Fibre Channel network

May ease LAN traffic by performing server/storage transfers over the SAN Shared access to storage pools, backup and restore services Allows remote location of tape and storage subsystems

SAN Disadvantages

Very Very expensive. - e.g. avg switch cost = $15,000 Usually quite complex and difficult to install. - needs careful planning and documentation of design Can be a nightmare to manage. - needs enterprise management software Can be a nightmare to find and fix problems quickly. - needs very methodical approach, high SAN knowledge and experience Vast combination of designs possible. Difficult technologies to learn, and gain experience upon. Upgrades , data migrations and device addition needs careful planning.

When would we use a SAN?

File and print sharing for a 50 user network DAS or NAS

Application server for 1000+ user network

File and print sharing for up to 250 users Web Server Database server for contact information Online ordering application server

SAN

NAS Storage may not be an issue DAS

SAN

Whats the Difference?

SAN SCSI-block oriented Fibre Channel based Storage server applications with high performance Fibre Channel Client access Install can be complex NAS File oriented Ethernet based Usually provided specifically or general

Client access Can be installed quickly and easily

Lab Exercise DAS/SAN Configurations

Review

Why do we need a DAS/SAN solution

Describe a Direct Attach Storage Solution

Describe a Storage Area Network

Understand the differences between a SAN and a DAS

Identify scenarios where each topology would be suited