SAN (Storage Area Network)
Also known as: Storage Area Network, SAN storage
A SAN (Storage Area Network) is a dedicated network, typically Fibre Channel or iSCSI, that connects servers to shared block-level storage, so multiple hosts can access the same underlying storage pool as if it were a local disk. This is distinct from a NAS (Network Attached Storage), which serves file-level storage over a standard Ethernet network. IBM FlashSystem, Dell PowerStore, and HPE Alletra/Primera are all SAN-capable enterprise storage platforms, meaning they present block storage over Fibre Channel or iSCSI to connected servers rather than acting as a file share. When a reseller quotes SAN storage, three things need settling.
- Fabric type, Fibre Channel or iSCSI
- Host connectivity requirements
- Whether the workload genuinely needs SAN-level performance and multi-host access
That third question is the one that saves money. Plenty of workloads are well served by NAS or direct-attached storage at a fraction of the cost.