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2 Sun StorEdge 3000 Family Best Practices Manual • October 2003
Introduction
There are two popular methods for connecting storage to servers.
■ The original and still most widely used approach uses a direct connection
between a server and its storage system. A storage system connected in this
manner is commonly referred to as direct-attached storage (DAS). The DAS
solution of connecting each server to its own dedicated storage system is straight-
forward, and the absence of storage switches can minimize costs in some
instances.
■ A newer, more sophisticated technique places a storage switch between network
servers and storage systems, creating what has become known as a Storage Area
Network (SAN). In many ways, these two methods create contrasting storage
architectures providing their own unique mix of benefits. A SAN solution shares
a storage system among multiple servers using storage switches, and reduces the
total number of storage systems required for a particular environment but
increases the complexity.
FIGURE 1 DAS and SAN Storage Architectures
Selecting the best storage architecture for a particular environment can be a
confusing exercise. In general, some environments are well-suited for DAS while
others will benefit greatly from SAN.
The challenge of selecting between DAS and SAN is often further complicated by the
need to choose between different storage systems – one designed for DAS or another
intended for SAN. Fortunately, every Sun StorEdge 3510 FC array inherently
supports both DAS and SAN.
Direct-Attached Storage (DAS)
Storage Area Network (SAN)