Storage Area Networks: Designing and Implementing a Mass Storage System

1.3 The Signs of a SAN

In summary, a SAN is a combination of hardware devices, interconnect strategy, and concept. Even as the capabilities of the hardware and speed of the interconnect change, the concept will remain stable.

A collection of servers, mass storage, interconnect devices, and interconnection media constitutes a Storage Area Network, if it exhibits most of the following characteristics:

• Storage is behind the server

• Storage devices are connected to each other

• Multiple servers are connected to the storage pool

• Heterogeneous servers may be connected to the storage pool

• Fibre Channel connectivity (fiber optic cable and FC host bus adapters) is used

• Fibre Channel hubs and switches are present

• Multiple paths to devices exist