Storage Network

Challenges for the storage network 

Many servers of enterprises store data in the direct access mode so that storage resources are not fully utilized. Even if a storage network is established, different applications still need to use dedicated storage networks and storage equipment for the sake of security, hence resulting in storage silos and making it very hard to share data.

 

Moreover, the application of server 

virtualization technology also requires that the storage network should support server virtualization environments, sense VMs and distribute storage network resources according to different VMs.

 

Storage network integration solution 

Storage virtualization technology can safely isolate the storage resources of different applications in uniform storage network architecture, increasing the utilization ratio of resources and reducing operating and maintenance costs. Please see the following Figure for storage network virtualization solution:

 

 

Compatibility of storage network with virtual server 

Each VM is linked to at least one virtual storage adaptor (vHBA) and the storage network shall be able to sense vHBA, differentiate the stored data of different VMs and distribute the stored data of different VMs to different virtual storage networks. Please see the following Figure for diagram of compatibility of storage network with virtual server:

 

 

 

Conclusions: 

Integration of the storage networks of different applications into uniform storage architecture can increase the utilization ratio of resources and simplify the storage network architecture and operation and maintenance management. The ability to virtualize a storage network enables an enterprise to deploy and expand its storage network more flexibly.