5 Advantages and Disadvantages of SAN | Drawbacks & Benefits of SAN

 

SAN: What is it?

Data storage within a network is made possible by a technology called Storage Area Networks (SANs). To facilitate data movement between servers and storage devices, all files and applications are kept locally on the disks. 

What are the layers of SAN available?

Storage area networks are divided into three tiers based on how various components are stored. The host layer, fabric layer, and storage layer are those. The servers and storage devices in this network are not physically connected. Rather, a switch is employed. Switches, servers, and fiber optic cables are some of the equipment that make up the network.

While SAN has grown in popularity as a business choice, it isn't perfect. SAN has some restrictions, just as other data storage options. Organizations must carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks before implementing SAN.


This article will discuss the 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of SAN | Drawbacks & Benefits of SAN. You will learn about the pros and cons of using SAN from this post.

Now let's get started,

Advantages of SAN

1. Speed

A SAN can carry data at extremely high speeds since it uses fiber optic technology. With SAN, a speed of more than 5Gbps is achievable. 

 

Even if the network or storage device has a tendency to operate slowly, you can easily boost the speed by using SAN.


2. Reliability

Redundancy is a feature of SANs that ensures uninterrupted network operations. Traffic will be redirected to prevent failures even in the event that a server or switch fails. 

 

The operations will resume right away once the server is back up and running. 

 

 

3. Security

Your data is secure because to the many security features that are accessible on SAN. The SAN's algorithms are designed to protect all of the data that is stored there by default. 

 

As an illustration, storage can have specific limitations applied to it so that only individuals with permission can access it. The likelihood of data theft occurring in SAN is quite low. 

 

4. Data Backup

A centralized technique is used by SAN for data backup operations. It takes relatively little time to back up as a result. 

 

This kind of method makes it simple for customers to instantaneously and automatically backup data. 

 

Furthermore, a single server can be used to backup data from several locations if necessary. 

 

5. Scalability

Additionally, SAN provides far more scalability in accordance with business requirements. Users can increase the number of drives in accordance with their storage needs. 

 

Although there is a drive capacity limit, SANs typically have the capacity to hold more than 1000 drives. 

 

This implies that SAN enables uninterrupted infrastructure upgrades whenever needed. 

 

Disadvantages of SAN

1. Cost

The acquisition and upkeep of a Storage Area Network entail substantial financial outlays. The primary cause of this is the application of fiber technology. 

 

As a result, large-scale organizations particularly favor it. 

 

Moreover, SAN takes time to demonstrate their influence. Organizations must therefore be prepared to bear the initial expense. 

 

2. Effectiveness

Organizations must wait a while to demonstrate the efficacy of SAN, even if they are willing to bear the expensive upfront expenditures. 

 

It takes longer to have an effect on a firm. especially for services like catastrophe recovery and downtime. 

 

For this reason, SAN is a bad option if your company needs to see results right away. 

3. Maintenance

Not every time will SAN be a wise choice. Large numbers of costly servers are intended to be managed by SANs. 

 

Using a SAN to maintain a small number of servers is an unnecessary investment. 

 

The users might think about alternative software options in this situation. If not, just let the servers handle themselves.


4. Complexity

SAN is complicated for a number of reasons. The use of advanced storage devices is one example of this. 

 

Thus, it requires assistance and maintenance from IT specialists, which could raise the cost of the storage area network even more. 

 

This is among the explanations for why businesses avoid using SAN. 

 

5. Privacy

Even with appropriate security mechanisms in place, data leakage is still a possibility with SANs. A shared environment is the use case for a storage area network.

 

That is, the computers that are connected share a shared storage device and servers. 

 

The other computers may be affected if data were to accidentally leak from one of them.