Direct Attached Storage: Everything You Need to Know
In today’s data-driven market, companies of every size depend on reliable and efficient storage solutions to manage their crucial data. Nowadays, Direct Attached Storage (DAS) servers have become a popular option. Due to their ease of use and straightforward design, these systems are known as streamlined storage solutions for large, medium, and small businesses.
Moreover, DAS consists of external drives and multi-disk drive enclosures. They connect to workstations and servers through USB, eSATA, SAS, or SCSI.
The computer linked with DAS system manages and regulates it. The direct-attached storage cannot be accessed directly by computers on the network; instead, they must communicate with the computer to which it is connected.
Why Use the Das System?
- Because DAS is connected to the computer seeking and consuming the data, it provides quick access to information. Data noticed access is quick, and requests are unaffected by network traffic or connectivity issues because it is not linked to the internet.
- It is less expensive than NAS and SAN, which need software as well as hardware to operate and administer the storage system, respectively. Only the necessary disc drives and drive enclosures must be purchased when using DAS System.
- It is easy to access, configure, and set up. This point makes it unique in the market. Internal direct-attached storage is frequently purchased with computers and servers, making it immediately usable without configuration. Most external DAS devices are plug-and-play, connected to a computer via a USB port, and can be utilized right away.
- Depending on the DAS configuration, a single drive or a RAID configuration with a high-speed interface can be used. You can also employ this device following the demands and specifications of your company.
Difference Between Das, San, and Nas System
The architecture of DAS is uncomplicated. This can be accessed directly by a computer or shared through a network by storage servers. Compared to a DAS tied to a storage server, a device on a single computer operates more efficiently. The information in the first case is close to the computer’s memory and CPU. As a result, network congestion does not affect it.
Whereas, NAS needs powerful software to manage the storage devices, that provides data backups and redundancy. Via an active directory, this storage architecture offers and limits network access to all of these devices.
The functions of SAN arrays include backup, site mirroring, encryption, compression, and deduplication. SANs require specialized management and are expensive due to their high storage performance. Because of their size, and the fact that they require a sizable IT support staff, SANs are best suited for large businesses.
What Are the Features That Direct-Attached Storage Offers?
Expanded Capacity
The amount of concurrent users and devices that a network connection system can support is known as capacity. Direct access storage systems, often referred to as DAS systems, are those that can be accessed from a computer or server without going through a network.
Also, a DAS system’s capacity is determined by the number and size of disk drives or strong drives (SSDs) that it has. Larger businesses utilize RAID arrays with multiple hard drives or SSDs with capacity in the petabyte range, whereas smaller single-drive systems with capacities of a few terabytes or less constitute one kind of directly attached server system.
Smooth Performance
This device provides quick access to the data because it is connected to the computer that normally needs it. Direct connected storage is not immediately impacted by issues with network connectivity and congestion. However, a machine using a network to access data from direct attached storage linked to a storage server will be subject to the network’s limitations.
Easy to Operate
The internal direct connected storage that comes with computers is typically ready to use right out of the box. The majority of external network-attached storage devices are plug-and-play, which means that once they are connected to an appropriate connection, like a USB port, they are immediately usable.
This is easy to operate and use, which makes it ideal for small offices and rooms, moreover, this gives a more professional look to the offices.
Cost Effective
The sole components of directly attached storage are the storage device itself and any drive enclosures. As a result, it can be far less expensive than alternative storage options that depend on hardware and software to operate and control the storage devices.
Also, this helps the normal employees to use this, which terminates the extra expense of the IT department.
Conclusion
Direct Attached Storage is an efficient device for storage that has several benefits for businesses. It is suitable for small businesses and home offices since it is inexpensive, easy to use and provides fast data transmission speeds. Moreover, this offers many benefits like high security, smooth performance, scalability, expanded capacity, high-frequency range and many more.
