What is storage area network used for?

A storage area network (SAN) is a dedicated high-speed network or subnetwork that interconnects and presents shared pools of storage devices to multiple servers. A SAN moves storage resources off the common user network and reorganizes them into an independent, high-performance network.Click to see full answer. Hereof, what is a SAN and how is it used?A Storage Area Network (SAN) is a specialized, high-speed network that provides block-level network access to storage. SANs are typically composed of hosts, switches, storage elements, and storage devices that are interconnected using a variety of technologies, topologies, and protocols.Furthermore, what is the difference between network attached storage and storage area network? Storage area networks and network-attached storage both provide networked storage solutions. A NAS is a single storage device that operates on data files, while a SAN is a local network of several devices. However, the two are sometimes used together to form what’s known as a unified SAN. Subsequently, question is, what is the most commonly used form of a storage area network? Most storage networks use the SCSI protocol for communication between servers and disk drive devices. A mapping layer to other protocols is used to form a network: ATA over Ethernet (AoE), mapping of ATA over Ethernet. Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP), the most prominent one, is a mapping of SCSI over Fibre Channel.How do I set up a storage area network? How to Install a Storage Area Network (SAN) Create a suitable storage location for the SAN by freeing up rack space for rack-mounted units or dedicating a solid shelf for desktop units. Install a battery backup system and run a network cable to the location of the SAN. Install the SAN unit into the rack or onto the shelf.