Physical storage area networks (SANs) are used to share storage in conventional IT infrastructure. But the advent of virtual storage area networks (VSAN) has changed this. Prior to virtualization, only one application would be hosted on a typical server. Companies that had multiple applications had to invest in a server to host each application. This meant data centers carried huge amounts of hardware and substantial investments.
In very simple terms, VSAN refers to the logical partitions that are created in physical SANs. Once created, VSAN makes it possible to isolate traffic in specific areas of a SAN. This means that problems occurring in one portion can be fixed without disrupting other sections of the network.
As software-based components, VSANs are used to create virtualized storage pools for different virtual applications and machines. Data is shared across networks through the use of protocols like fiber channels and iSCSI. Implementing virtual SANs enables organizations to reduce their investments in physical hardware. This investment is replaced by two or more servers, a software-defined storage layer, and a hypervisor.
How Do Virtual SANs Work?
Virtual SANs are developed using the hyperconvergence theory. Hyperconvergence involves consolidating computing, storage, and networking resources into one IT infrastructure. Using VSAN, businesses can effectively replace the storage hardware and accompanying networks in physical infrastructure with a few x86 servers to handle their computing functions.
VSAN works by pooling unused storage capacity available in servers and allowing virtual servers to access them. VSAN brings together conventional hardware components in data centers into one virtualized appliance that is controlled by a single software layer. The software program may be installed in a virtual machine or added to a vendor’s firmware.
Virtual SANs can pool local storage resources from server clusters in data centers to create one pool of shared storage. VSAN does this by taking several physical storage devices like hard drives and solid-state drives and virtualizing them to create one data resource. This storage resource then appears as a network-attached storage device or as a conventional SAN without the use of NAS storage devices or dedicated SAN.
What Benefits Do Virtual SANs Offer?
VSANs offer a range of benefits to organizations. These include:
- Reduced Storage Costs
Physical storage infrastructures like SAN and NAS involve setting up an elaborate network infrastructure that can handle low latency and high bandwidth. It also requires companies to invest in specialized hardware, which is costly for organizations, particularly those that run offices in multiple locations.
VSAN reduces this cost significantly since companies only have to invest in x86 servers and a few networking equipment. Outsourcing virtual SAN operations can further reduce costs because organizations require less investment in stuff like cooling, physical space, specialized IT support, and spare parts to keep the storage running.
- Undisrupted Migration of Data
Relying on one piece of hardware for crucial functions like data storage makes companies prone to risks. Downtimes can cripple operations. VSAN solutions prevent single-point failures as they duplicate applications and data across several servers. It allows companies to move data from one storage resource to another with minimal disruption of other storage networks. Often, data migration is easy and free of downtime. Some VSAN solutions allow organizations to share storage resources across multiple server nodes.
- Better Management of Information
Virtual SANs allow companies to ensure that information is stored on the right device. Data that organizations access frequently is stored in high-performance storage networks, while information that’s accessed less frequently is stored in lower-performing storage resources.
- Manageability of Storage Resources
Managing storage resources can be challenging, particularly where multiple vendors are involved. VSAN allows companies to view all storage resources virtually, which eases their configuration, management, and provisioning. VSAN is also easier to manage and provision compared to other storage models due to the fact that it is embedded in the hypervisor. This allows for faster configuration and installation.
- Easy Data Access
Virtual SAN makes data accessible to anyone who needs to access it. Authorized users don’t have to invest in costly equipment. With a good VSAN vendor, you’ll be able to give them data access easily.
VSAN Use Cases
Virtual SANs have various use cases that include edge computing, storage automation, and IT infrastructure security layers. Some real-world use cases include:
- Virtualization of Servers
VSANs have the ability to pool unutilized storage capacity by turning physical storage devices like hard disks into virtual storage. By doing so, they enable companies to manage storage resources more efficiently.
- Supporting Edge Computing
Another VSAN use case is in edge computing. VSANs can support the creation of shared storage that edge devices need to operate remotely or in strict environments. VSANs also continue running when edge servers get disrupted until the issue is resolved.
- Cloud Automation and Disaster Recovery
VSANs come with functions and features that are capable of automating cloud storage. VSANs also offer advanced data recovery and security capabilities that facilitate disaster recovery. These capabilities include data snapshots, flexibility, replication, scalability, and protection, as well as availing important applications that companies require to recover data.
- Supporting Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
Virtual desktop infrastructure allows users to run applications on host servers from cloud data centers or on-premise centers. VSAN can be used to deliver applications to the devices of end users through a network.
Final Words
Companies rely on virtual storage systems to meet their data storage needs. VSAN allows them to replace conventional storage hardware and networks in physical infrastructure with a few x86 servers to handle their computing functions. It works by pooling unused storage capacity available in servers and allowing virtual servers to access it.
With VSAN, companies find it easier to configure storage resources and scale their storage space based on their needs. The biggest advantage that this technology offers is cutting down on storage costs and making it easier to share data access with different users. VSAN has a range of use cases, including edge computing, disaster recovery, server virtualization, and support for virtual desktop infrastructure.
