hesela.devStorage array
A storage array combines storage devices with control software that presents an abstracted storage service.
A storage array is a system, not an individual SSD or a synonym for RAID. Its control software presents a storage abstraction over the underlying devices. [1]
Access: Media and host protocols are separate choices. An array may offer block access, file access or both; select by the documented protocols of the specific configuration, not by an all-flash label. [2]
Relations
- related
- All-flash array, Hybrid flash array, SAN, NAS, RAID, Data durability, Unified storage, NAS gateway, Thick provisioning
Limitations
- The name alone specifies neither a RAID level nor a controller count, power-loss guarantee or recovery objective. [1]
Citations
- SNIA Dictionary: storage array, devices, control software and abstracted storage.
- NetApp ASA r2 documentation: differences from ASA, AFF and FAS, SAN and NAS protocol support.
Sources & caveats
- SNIA supplies the general system definition; the distinction from a single SSD and absence of mandatory redundancy are interpretations of that definition. [1]
- NetApp's comparison lists ASA r2 as SAN-only and AFF with both SAN and NAS support. This is a product-family example, not a protocol requirement for all storage arrays. [2]