CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005)Server Hardware Installation and ManagementHard
A server administrator is designing a new server infrastructure for a small branch office. The office has limited space and a single 10GbE network connection. They need a storage solution that can provide both shared file access for users and block-level storage for a local virtualization host. The solution must be easy to manage and cost-effective. Which of the following storage solutions would best fit these requirements?
- ANetwork Attached Storage (NAS)
- BDirect-Attached Storage (DAS)
- CiSCSI SAN
- DFibre Channel SAN
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Network Attached Storage (NAS)
A NAS appliance can provide both shared file access (using protocols like SMB/NFS) and often block-level access (via iSCSI target functionality) over a single Ethernet connection, making it a versatile, cost-effective, and easy-to-manage solution for a small office with limited space and existing network infrastructure.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. DAS is not shared storage and cannot provide both shared file access for users and block-level access to multiple virtualization hosts simultaneously.
- C. An iSCSI SAN primarily provides block-level access; while some NAS devices can function as iSCSI targets, a dedicated iSCSI SAN setup might not be 'easy to manage' or 'cost-effective' enough for a small branch office needing both file and block.
- D. Fibre Channel SAN is expensive, complex, and requires specialized hardware, not suitable for 'cost-effective' and 'easy to manage' for a small branch office.
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
A dedicated storage device connected to a network that allows authorized network users and heterogeneous clients to store and retrieve data from a centralized location. Many modern NAS devices also support iSCSI targets for block-level access.
- Provides file-level access (SMB, NFS).
- Often supports block-level access via iSCSI targets.
- Leverages existing network infrastructure (Ethernet).
- Cost-effective and easy to manage for small to medium environments.
Memory trick: NAS is the 'Network All-in-one Storage' for small offices.