SAN or NAS? An age-old debate. But let’s make it easy.
Below, we will compare the advantages of SAN and NAS to assist you in deciding the one that will best suit your needs.
NAS–Network attached storage
NAS is a data storage device that connects to a network and provides access to centralized data. At its core, it is built using SAS or SATA disks. Which are configured in RAID and the different devices. That form a NAS cluster are interconnected to create unified storage space.
An enterprise NAS storage system is a high-performing file server. That is designed for businesses. It is a specialized type of network-attached storage (NAS). That is designed to meet the needs of businesses. Such as scalability, reliability, and performance. NAS is typically used for sharing and storing files. And it is not intended to be used as a backup solution. However, an enterprise NAS storage system has the added benefits of being scalable and reliable. Making it an ideal solution for businesses. That need to store and share large amounts of data. In addition, enterprise NAS storage systems are often faster than traditional file servers. Making them ideal for businesses that need to access data quickly.
The advantages of NAS:
Consolidated storage: As a single system for storing and distributing files. A NAS simplifies file storage with its centralized and easy to manage storage. Like StoneFly’s SSO NAS appliances. Some of the best NAS systems have extremely useful features. Like automated storage tiering that makes driving your storage even more easy.
Simple architecture – easy to use: A simpler architecture means simplified management. Also, using the NAS doesn’t require any modifications. To your current network infrastructure–it’s an easy-to-install solution. You’ll notice that this is something SAN does not have.
It is simply Cheap: Although prices naturally vary with the size and the quality of the NAS storage. NAS storage are generally cheaper in the long run. You can say that a NAS is a more cost-effective storage option than a SAN.
What does SAN offer?
SAN is a network that permits servers to share different storage resources. SANs are complex and interconnected systems. Most commonly used to store crucial databases and mission-critical data.
Since it is a separate network, SAN can move resources away from the local area network. To create a more efficient, high-speed storage environment. That any client OS can access as if it were direct storage.
Fast backups: SANs allow for much faster backups than traditional storage solutions. Due to the fact that client OSs view them as storage devices attached to the SAN network. This means that SAN backups won’t trigger congestion similar to other storage solutions. As the SAN is an entirely separate network system. SANs also offer many other advantages over traditional storage solutions. Such as flexibility, scalability, and easier management. As a result, SANs are becoming increasingly popular. For both small businesses and enterprise organizations.
The complexity of setting up: Deploying and managing a SAN is not an easy task. The implementation requires major architectural and device modifications. It could prove as more effort than gain. It also requires specialized IT staff, which means more investment.
Initial cost: SANs offer a lot of flexibility and can be expensive. To set up and SANs are less cost effective than NAS. The main difference between the two is that SANs use a separate network. To connect storage devices to servers while NAS uses file-based protocols such as NFS, CIFS, HTTP, and so on. To connect servers to storage devices. Storage Attached Networks are faster than NAS because they have their own dedicated network. SANs are more flexible because they can use different types of storage devices including HDD, SSD, and tape drives. SANs can also be used to create a storage device pool. However, SANs are more expensive than NAS because they require additional hardware. Such as HBAs, switches, and cables. In addition, SANs require special training for administrators and require a higher level of expertise to maintain.
Bottom Line
Regardless of what you choose, your storage will be an investment. NAS might be costly initially, but it will help you save money over the long term. A SAN can, however, speed up the performance of your entire system, and extend the life of your equipment, and all while meeting the storage requirements of your business. It is up to you to decide what suits best for your business.
