Storage area networks provide manageable, centralized storage capacity for systems offering vast amounts of disk space via a dedicated network link. SANs can offer servers much more disk space than they might be able to utilize locally, often spanning dozens if not hundreds of terabytes of data.

Because of their complexity, however, SANs are not easy to properly administer. Often they require dedicated professionals to manage properly.

This Storage Area Networking Policy, created by Scott Matteson for TechRepublic Premium, can help lay out guidelines for the appropriate set-up and usage of SANs in order to get the best performance and operational efficiencies out of them. This in turn helps companies maximize their often pricy investments in SAN technologies.

Featured text from the policy:

ZONING

Avoid creating zones using device worldwide node names. This can cause multipathing problems by introducing multiple paths between a server and storage resources.

Utilize aliases to facilitate zone administration, and this involves applying a human-readable name with the worldwide port name. They can be handy for port groups which are used in multiple zone definitions and are generally utilized with storage system ports used as target(s).

Zone naming should be consistent and predictable. The zone name should provide details including location, server, port, storage device/resource and fabric.

Do not combine tape and disk traffic on the same server HBA port with one or more zone definitions.

Improve your handling of SANs with our eight-page policy document. Previously priced at $29, this is now available for download at just $9. Alternatively, enjoy complimentary access with a Premium annual subscription. Click here to find out more.

TIME SAVED: Crafting this content required 16 hours of dedicated writing, editing and research.