About the Book
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.
Related Books
Special Edition Using Books (Special
Edition Using Books)
Table ofContents
Introduction.
This Book Is for You.
How This Book Is Organized.
Conventions Used in This Book.
I. BASICS OF NETWORKING AND DATA
STORAGE.
1. The Evolution of Storage Area
Networks.
Introducing Storage Area Networks.
A Paradigm Shift in Networking Models.
Data Storage Systems in a Network.
Summary.
Products Arena.
2. Externalizing Storage Using Storage
Area Networks.
Components of Storage Area Networks.
Transferring Data in a Storage Area
Network.
Summary.
Products Arena.
II. STORAGE AREA NETWORKS AND THIER
COMPONENTS.
3. Storage Area Network Interfaces.
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.
The Transition from Half-Duplex to
Full-Duplex Mode.
SAN Topologies.
Summary.
Products Arena.
III. DESIGNING, MANAGING, AND IMPLEMENTING
STORAGE AREA NETWORKS.
7. Designing 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.
Appendix A. An Advanced Study of
Virtual Interfaces.
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. |
