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STORAGE AREA NETWORK (SAN)
A SAN is a high-speed network whose sole purpose is to provide
storage to other servers to which it is attached. A SAN includes storage
devices only. High Speed fiber-optic lines are used to connect other
servers and networks to SAN. A SAN can connect to other networks and
servers up to seven miles away. Both NAS and SAN offer easier
management of storage, faster access to storage, storage sharing, and
isolation of storage from other servers. NAS and SAN can connect to
existing servers and networker in various manners (Figure 14-11). Both
NAS and SAN Can include disk, tape, and optical disk storage. NAS is a
better choice for adding storage to an existing network such as a
department’s file server.
SAN is used as a central storage for an enterprise or a large
information system such as ERP system.
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