Storage area networks and network-attached storage provide network storage solutions. A NAS is a single storage device that works on data files, while a SAN is a local network of multiple devices.
NAS vs SAN – Network Attached Storage vs Storage Area Network
The differences between NAS and SAN can be seen when you compare their cabling and how they are connected to the system, and how other devices communicate with them. Sometimes, however, the two are used together to form what is known as a unified SAN.
A NAS unit includes a dedicated hardware device that connects to a local network, usually via an Ethernet connection. This NAS server authenticates clients and manages file operations in much the same way as regular file servers, via well-established network protocols.
To reduce the cost of standard file servers, NAS devices typically run an embedded operating system on simplified hardware and do not have peripherals such as a monitor or keyboard. Instead, they are managed via a browser-based tool.
