When you are looking for local storage for business, there come two options: NAS (Network Attached Storage) and SAN (Storage Area Network). Today you will find out what is the difference between storage area network and network-attached storage and whether it is NAS or SAN that fits your needs.
What Is NAS?
Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a device for storing data over the network. It has dedicated hardware and a pre-installed by manufacturer OS. The main characteristic of the NAS is the number of bays you can insert hard drives into. From the hardware standpoint, you need to be aware of the NAS CPU and RAM.
NAS is a computerized box for hard drives that can be accessed by multiple users or applications over the network.
This is a Synology NAS device
Typical NAS use cases:
- Data storage
- File sharing
- Backup
NAS should be connected to a local network. It then can be accessed by multiple users. It can also be configured as a network share for simpler user access.
Network storage devices do not have pre-installed hard drives - you should choose them.
Typical NAS infrastructure model
Are you tasked with choosing a NAS for your company or your clients? Check out our 5-steps guide:
Further reading Choosing a NAS Backup Solution for MSPs and SMBs
What Is SAN?
Storage Area Network (SAN) is an array of disks, which are attached to the server via a special network. In SAN you get access directly to the storage as if it was your local hard drive. That makes the storage area network fast if configured correctly.<
The right SAN infrastructure consists of a dedicated network typically relying on a fiber-optics, enterprise-grade storage systems, and special connecting hardware. The wrong SAN setup leads to network overload and instability.
SAN is a bunch of disks that act as one storage device over a network.
Typical SAN infrastructure model
The management of the IT infrastructures with SAN requires knowledge of low-level block protocols and their hardware and software medium, such as FC switches, optical cables, SCSI-powered protocols, etc.
Further reading SMB Backup Infrastructure: Local Systems
SAN infrastructure implementation costs are high from a hardware and management perspective.
Typical SAN use cases:
- High-speed server transactions
- Data mirroring
SAN switch with optical Fibre Channel connector SAS can also be made faster by using the high-end devices, routing planning, using a dedicated network and overall optimizations. Both storage solutions are often used within one organization. You may have a file server for storing user files and block storage for disaster recovery at the same time.
SAN vs NAS Comparison Chart
Now you are aware of fundamental differences between SAN and NAS devices and can find your bearing on the storage technologies ground. We have created a comparison chart with the key features of both storage types so you could choose the right one between SAN vs NAS.
|
SAN |
NAS |
|
Block-level access |
File-level access |
|
High performance due to the infrastructure nature, commonly faster |
High performance can be achieved using the network and software optimization, commonly slower |
|
May be configured in a very custom way |
Easy to configure a basic data storage use case |
|
Needs changes in the existing network |
May be published in a network as it is |
|
Needs separate servers for application or user access |
Independent device with server functions |
|
Suitable for any apps |
Suitable for latency-tolerant apps |
|
Grants read and write access for multiple users using an external manager |
Grants read and write access for multiple users out of the box |
|
Costs more due to the infrastructure expenses |
Cheaper due to the simplicity of deployment |
|
Durable |
|
|
Scalable |
|
|
Effective for big data or performance-crucial business |
Can be handy for a business of any size |
Should You Choose a NAS or a SAN?
Difference between storage area network and network attached storage is obvious: whereas NAS is an endpoint device, SAN is a network of devices that act as one. Network area storage device is far simpler and cheaper to buy and maintain. Setting up a storage area network requires knowledge, practice and continuous maintenance. It also costs a lot to build one.
If you need storage for backup or data sharing within small teams - you are better off with a NAS. If you require high input/output speeds, you have servers and applications that need to communicate with each other - hire a professional to build you a SAN.
- Main local storage options
- Checklist on how to choose a NAS device
- Local backup know-how, and more
