10 SAN Storage Best Practices You Should Implement Today

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The storage of information is a central element in the information technology of any enterprise. With data volume increasing at a rapid pace, it is important that companies have a highly effective and scalable storage mechanism to deal with it all. 

One of the most utilized technologies for enterprise storage is known as a storage area network. SANs are used to connect servers and storage over a fast network connection that is independent from the LAN. 

The following are 10 inevitable SAN storage best practices you should adopt immediately.

1. Redundancy Should Be Implemented in All Grades

The first of the outlined key design principles of SAN is the design and implementation of redundancy at the hosts’ level, storage area network switches, storage controllers, disk drives, and at the network level. Redundancy serves as a safeguard against a situation where the hardware may fail, leading to the collapse of a section of the network infrastructure. 

For instance, it is advisable to have two fabrics between storage area network switches, multipath hosts, have additional spare disks, and incorporate RAID in storage arrays. 

If there are two options, one of which provides redundancy and the other doesn’t, yet both are considerably expensive, it would be wiser to choose the option with redundancy because the overall cost of time loss is significantly larger.

2. Separate SAN Traffic

It is crucial to keep storage traffic separated from other network traffic to ensure that the SAN’s performance remains stable. iSCSI should not be run over a physical network that is also used for production IP traffic; it should ideally be over a dedicated physical network containing fiber channel switches, or Ethernet. 

Integration of both structures prevents competition, service problems, or security concerns arising in one network from affecting the other. Furthermore, dividing traffic is effective when it comes to controlling and analyzing the issue.

3. Standardize Network Hardware and Software

Standardization also lessens the complexities in providing aid, consolidates the control and monitoring processes, and lowers the demand for spare parts. 

  • Choose a specific vendor and type of disk array and/or tape librarian, and stay with that type when upgrading or purchasing more in the future. 
  • Likewise, select a particular vendor and model of a storage area network switch and ensure that all switches are from the same vendor and of the same model. 

Standardization assists with more standardized procedures occurring, less frequent firmware changes, and common spare equipment storage. It also reduces disruptions in interactions between different systems and platforms.

4. Implement Tiered Storage

Utilize storage tiers to ration the capacity of the SAN with reference to the performance required by applications. Tier 0 supports tier one and tier two’s applications, where it deals with workloads that need the least amount of delay and have the highest level of data transfer, while Tier 2 stores data that is not frequently accessed and does not need high levels of performance. 

Storage area networks and automated data migration make it easy to place data on the optimal tier. Storage optimization that is tied in with applications leads to the enhancement of the two components’ efficiency.

5. Monitor and Tune Proactively

Metrics regarding storage area network utilization have to be tracked, and this is indispensable for proper working. Look at the IOPS, throughput, response time, cache hit rates, controller core utilization, and disk drive information at the array level. Appeal established base-level parameters and alarms on significant detection parameters. Monitor fiber channel link throughput and error rates and Ethernet interfaces’ traffic. Working on the basis of continuous adjustments to configurations and workloads to match monitoring data is effective.

6. Validate Backup Completion

Although performing backups remains crucial, verifying the success of the performed operations is no less important. You should set up notifications for when the backups do not go through, since this shows that there are certain problems that need to be solved. 

In the same vein, integrate backup confirmation mechanisms so as to ensure that backups are valid through test restores or checksum computation. Periodic testing of different sets, which are used for creating restores, helps to make certain the chosen backup method effectively safeguard data.

7. Follow Strict Change Controls

Adopt strict change management processes for any SAN alterations or upgrades. Implement a change request process that should go through the necessary reviews and approvals before the change is rolled out. It is crucial to ensure that modifications take place during maintenance periods and after testing in development environments. 

Do not apply frequent changes and hotfixes that are planned and implemented abruptly, as they are a leading source of outages. Take time to plan infrastructural changes, bearing in mind the negative impacts they may have on the storage area network.

8. Prepare Comprehensive Recovery Plans

Nevertheless, storage area network issues arise regardless of best practices to accomplish that task. Prepare for that problem. Enumerate clear recovery protocols for anticipated failure zones, together with measures that can be taken in case degradation of functions is inevitable. To address such concerns, utilize cross-trained, on-call support staff in the storage area network implementation to address problems when they arise.

9. Retire Legacy Storage Periodically

Whereas SAN storage can last for a minimum of five years or even more, periodic upgrade strategies better maximize the latest capacities. This migration of data makes it possible to realize greater performance, availability, functionality, and supportability with newer storage area network platforms. The best time to retire first-generation storage area network storage, such as Fibre Channel, should be set to last for about four to five years. Upgrade systems before they impact service delivery or before the company’s support agreements can no longer accommodate.

10. Stay Informed of Current Developments in SAN Technology

Last but not least, it is important to stay informed about the advancements in storage, as is the case with storage area network solutions that evolve at an alarming rate. Introduce new offerings, further explore FCoE and fabrics, and look into storage virtualization features. Participate in storage conferences, continue to read relevant trade journals, and bookmark more expert storage blogs. This way, understanding the SAN roadmap allows for the best long-term investments.

Final Words

Adhering to these 10 key architectural rules in architecting, managing and operating a high-end, well-maintained SAN enables the SAN to have high uptimes and performances. However, some of the recommendations stated above may be rigid, and you may modify them as you gain more experience, but do not depart from these fundamental principles. A general insight into SAN, together with the implementation of recommended solutions that have already worked elsewhere, is the key to storage success.

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