Consolidate and Scale Your Storage Infrastructure
A storage area network (SAN) is a network of shared storage devices such as disk storage arrays and tape automation. The architecture of a SAN enables storage resources to be shared among multiple servers on a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). Because stored data is managed on dedicated arrays, server processing power is optimized for business applications, and storage capacity can be provisioned to servers and applications according to their needs. SANs can also improve data protection, business continuity and scalability over other options such as direct attached storage (DAS). Finally, SAN storage can simplify data tiering and can lead to better resource utilization.
SANs are most often deployed using the following protocols:
 | Internet SCSI (iSCSI) SAN — One or more disk storage arrays connected via 1/10Gb Ethernet switches to servers using the TCP/IP-based iSCSI standard protocol. Dell™ EqualLogic™ storage arrays, built from the ground up, to simplify the deployment and administration of consolidated storage environments such as iSCSI SAN. |
 | Fibre Channel (FC) SAN — One or more disk storage arrays connected via Fibre Channel switches to servers using the Fibre Channel protocol. Dell Compellent™ Storage Center™, with its cutting-edge Fluid Data™ technology for best-in-class data tiering and disaster recovery, offers Fibre Channel, Fibre Channel over Ethernet and iSCSI connectivity. |
 | Multiprotocol — One or more disk storage arrays, which are designed to support one or more SAN protocols (such as iSCSI, FC, Fibre Channel over Ethernet, etc.) and/or network attached storage (NAS) protocols (such as CIFS, NFS and FTP). Dell Compellent Storage Center is an example of a SAN with multiple protocol options. |
