QuickSpecs

Cascading
The ability to connect switches to one another to create a
larger SAN fabric.
DAS (Direct Attached Storage)
A deployment of dedicated storage devices for each server,
usually using SCSI connections. Can be an inefficient use
of storage.
DAS-to-SAN migration
An exclusive HP feature that provides a quick and
easy way to migrate disks and stored data running on
Smart Array or RA4100 storage solutions to an HP
StorageWorks MSA disk array (see page 8).
FC (Fibre Channel)
A protocol designed for high-speed storage networks
requiring high availability. SANs use fibre-optic cabling
to connect different devices.
HBA (Host Bus Adaptor)
A PCI adapter that connects a server to the SAN fabric.
Each HBA installed is referred to as a host.
IP and iSCSI protocol
iSCSI is a new networking protocol similar to the fibre
channel protocol, but uses standard Ethernet-based IP
(internet protocol) networks. iSCSI is especially interesting
for small environments with lower performance requirements.
MSA (Modular Smart Array)
HP’s family of entry-level storage arrays, spanning from
SATA and SCSI disk enclosures up to shared storage and
SAN arrays.
NAS
Scalable, high performance network acceleration, file
serving and data sharing solutions for data centers,
remote offices or small and medium businesses.
• HP StorageWorks EFS WAN Accelerator
• HP StorageWorks EFS Clustered Gateway
• HP ProLiant Data Protection Storage Servers
• HP ProLiant Storage Server
Near-online
Technology that uses disk-based storage devices to store
infrequently accessed data. This includes tiered storage
environments or disk-to-disk-to-tape backup. Near-online
is often implemented with low-cost disk drives. However,
their ability to match requirements needs to be verified.
NIC (Network Interface Card)
Network cards used in servers usually to connect them to
an Ethernet network. Performs the same function as an
HBA for fibre channel connections.
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
A method of writing data simultaneously over multiple
disk drives used in disk arrays for increased data
protection and/or increased performance.
Replication
Mirroring data between two arrays—usually located in
separate data centers—to achieve highest availability in
case of failure of one data center. This can be achieved
via host/IP-based replication or—for enterprise arrays
such as EVA or XP—via SAN-based replication directly
between two arrays.
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Jargon buster