LAN backup and SAN backup are two methods for data protection, each with its own advantages. LAN-Free backup within a SAN architecture offers a solution to network congestion by utilizing high-speed data transfer links, optimizing data protection while improving network performance.
Updated by Dan Zeng on 2024/03/19
In a LAN backup solution, data is backed up to the storage devices by a local server. The backed-up data is transmitted over the network to the backup server and then backed up to the storage devices. With the increasing data on each host, the network transmission pressure increases, affecting the network transmission of normal business applications.
Although the problem can be partially solved by adjusting the backup window, as the number of backup hosts increases, the backup window adjustments often overlap, resulting in the backup data overlapping with the business application handling time, occupying the network bandwidth and greatly affecting the response time of the business application system.
In this case, LAN-Free backup based on the SAN storage architecture can be used. The SAN storage area network establishes a high-speed data transfer link that no longer occupies LAN resources for transferring, replicating, and backing up large amounts of data. This frees up LAN bandwidth and allows the server to serve front-end network clients more efficiently.
LAN-Free backup fully supports full or incremental backups at file level and database level, which can be initiated by the server directly or by clients through the server. In the application environment of multiple servers, multiple storage devices with large capacity data frequently backed up, LAN-Free backup of SAN shows its powerful function.
LAN backup is a solution that performs backup operations and data transfer over the LAN network, while SAN backup is a solution that uses the SAN storage architecture to perform backup operations and data transfer. LAN-Free backup is a SAN-based backup method that provides highly efficient data transfer and backup capabilities and reduces the pressure on the LAN network.
LAN Backup and SAN Backup are two different backup methods, and SAN Backup itself can be further divided into LAN-Free Backup and SAN Server-Free Backup.
SAN backup vs. LAN backup: key differences
Feature | LAN Backup | LAN-Free Backup | SAN Server-Free Backup |
Data Transfer Method | Through the local LAN | Via SAN connections, by passing LAN | Via SAN connections, by passing LAN |
Cost | Lowest | Moderate, relatively high | Highest |
Deployment Complexity | Simple | Relatively complex | Highly complex |
Backup Data Volume | Smallest | Moderate | Capable of backing up large volumes in a short time |
Server Resource Usage | Highest | Lower | Minimal |
In LAN Backup, a large amount of backup data needs to be transmitted over the local LAN, which may affect the network performance of normal business applications.
Vinchin Backup & Recovery reduces the pressure on the network transmission by adopting advanced data compression technology to ensure that the backup operation has minimal impact on the business.
Besides, Vinchin Backup & Recovery provides a variety of backup strategies such as LAN-based backup, separate backup network and LAN-Free backup, so you can choose the most appropriate backup method according to your specific business needs and network environment to ensure efficient and reliable backup operations without affecting business operations.
Vinchin offers a 60-day free trial. If you are interested in Vinchin and want to get more information or start a trial, you can get support by contacting us or our local partner.
Choosing the appropriate backup method is critical when it comes to maintaining data integrity and business continuity. SAN backups vs LAN backups have their pros and cons. However, implementing LAN-Free backups within a SAN architecture can alleviate network congestion and resource challenges. Vinchin offers a comprehensive range of backup and recovery options, including LAN-Free backups based on a SAN framework, to meet the growing needs of enterprises in today's data-driven environments.
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