Tech Tip
Chapter 9 Introduction to the Server
389
Exact defi nitions of storage area network vary according to different manufacturers. Often
the differences are blurred.
Figure 9-24.
In a network
attached storage
(NAS) design, clients
make requests for
data through the
network file server.
The file server then
makes a request to
the NAS device. The
NAS device retrieves
the data and sends it
to the file server. The
file server forwards
the data to the client.
Disk or tape
storage array
Network
server
Clients
Figure 9-25.
The storage area
network (SAN) is
a separate, high-
speed network that
provides a storage
facility for other
networks.
XYZ corporation LAN
University WAN
Fibre Channel switch
ABC corporation LAN
Storage facility