Special Edition Using
Storage Area Networks opens with an
overview of the need for data storage in an enterprise
environment, the different types of data storage devices,
and existing data storage techniques. The authors build on
that foundation with an exploration of the evolution of
SAN, the various networking models and data-centric
applications, a chapter dedicated to fiber channel, and
practical solutions for centralized, heterogeneous, and
high-speed data storage challenges. The second half delves
into more practical applications of the SAN: designing,
implementing, managing, and troubleshooting a SAN. It
provides solutions for alternative SAN vendors, comparing
SAN schemes for competitive
products. The last chapter
explores how SAN fits into the current Web scenario, and VI
Architecture as a new system of cluster communications.
Contents
Introduction.
This Book Is for You. How
This Book Is Organized. Conventions Used in This
Book.
I. BASICS OF NETWORKING AND
DATA STORAGE.
Introducing Storage Area
Networks. A Paradigm
Shift in Networking Models. Data
Storage Systems in a Network. Summary. Products
Arena.
Components of Storage Area
Networks. Transferring Data in a Storage Area Network.
Summary. Products Arena.
II. STORAGE AREA NETWORKS AND
THIER COMPONENTS.
Parallel Storage Area
Network Interfaces. Serial Storage Area Network Interfaces.
Storage Area Network Interfaces: A Comparative Study.
Summary. Products Arena.
4. Storage Area Network Interconnects. Introducing Interconnects.
Modems. Repeaters. Bridges. Routers. Gateways. Hubs.
Switches. Directors. Summary. Products Arena.
5. Fibre Channel. Introducing Fibre Channel.
Fibre Channel Architecture. Moving from SCSI to Fibre
Channel-Arbitrated Loop. Fibre Channel Topology. Summary.
Products Arena.
6. Storage Area Network Fabrics. Introducing Fabrics.
Switches. Ethernet Local Area Networks. TheTransition from
Half-Duplex to Full-Duplex Mode. SAN Topologies. Summary.
Products Arena.
III. DESIGNING, MANAGING, AND
IMPLEMENTING STORAGE AREA NETWORKS.
Design Considerations for
Storage Area Networks. SAN Applications. Design
Methodology. Designing a SAN Topology. Building on Legacy
Systems. Cost-Based SAN Design. RAID Selection. Summary.
Products Arena.
8. Implementing Storage Area Networks. SAN Implementation
Guidelines. Implementing Backup Solutions. Data
Replication: A Serverless Backup Technique. The Backup
Topologies of Storage Area Networks. Implementing a
High-Availability Plan. Virtualization in Storage Area
Networks. Summary. Products Arena.
9. Managing Storage Area Networks. The Whys and Hows of SAN
Management. SAN Management Strategies. Managing a Storage
Area Network at Different Levels. Summary. Products
Arena.
10. The Future of Storage Area Networks. Virtual Interface
Architecture: The Future of Communications. Models of Data
Transfer. Reliability Levels in VI. Managing Components of
VI. The Role of SANs on the Web. Summary. Products
Arena.
IV. APPENDIXES.
The Intricacies of Virtual
Interface. Descriptor Processing Model. The Various States
of Virtual Inter- face. Error-Handling Mechanisms.
Guidelines for the VI Architecture Implementers.
Appendix B. An Introduction to Available SAN
Products. An Overview of SAN
Products and SAN Software Solutions.
Appendix C. Frequently Asked Questions. Appendix D. Glossary. Index.