DAS – Direct Attached Storage
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DAS is an abbreviation for Direct Attached Storage. It is a digital storage device that is physically linked to a server, workstation, or personal computer through a cable. For data access in Direct Attached Storage, programs employ the block-level access protocol.
There is no need to connect the device to a network in order to connect it to a server or desktop. DAS (Direct Attached Storage) is thus not a component of the storage network. Solid-state drives, hard drives, tape libraries, and optical disc drives are some examples of this type of storage device.
The DAS System is directly connected to the computer through the HBA (Host Bus Adapter). In contrast to NAS devices, its device connects directly to the server without the use of a network. This storage device’s current systems incorporate disc array integrated controllers with sophisticated capabilities.
It is an excellent solution for small firms, workgroups, and departments that do not wish to exchange data across corporations. It is utilised in situations when a small number of hosts and servers are required.
Types of DAS:
1. Internal DAS:
Internal DAS is a type of DAS in which the storage device is physically connected to the server or PC through the HBA. HBA is utilised in this DAS for high-speed bus communication over a short distance.
2. External DAS:
In this, the external storage device is directly linked to the server without any additional devices. FCP and SCSI are the protocols that operate as an interface between the server and the storage device when external DAS is used.
Advantages of DAS:
1. Low Cost:
The storage device and any drive enclosure are the only low-cost DAS costs. It is less expensive than storage solutions that require hardware and software to run and manage the devices.
2. High performance:
DAS is connected directly to the device which requires the data. Network connectivity and congestion problems are less of an issue here.
3. Easy setup:
Computer systems which have internal DAS are ready for use. External network storage can be used immediately provided it is plugged into a port such as a USB port.
Disadvantages of DAS:
1. No central management and backup:
While this is not a problem for individuals or small groups of computers utilising DAS, larger companies may have issues if the data saved on DAS is accessible and backed up, because of high costs.
2. Poor performance:
DAS linked to a computer can be slow in transmitting data to other computers on a network. This is due to performance being dependent on the host PC.
3. Low Scalability:
DAS is difficult to scale since the number of internal drive bays, availability of external ports, and capacity of external DAS are fixed. If the internal DAS has to be upgraded, the host computer may need to be turned off during the upgrade.
Difference between NAS and DAS:
| Network Attached Storage (NAS) | Direct Attached Storage (DAS) |
| Network Attached Storage (NAS) is an abbreviation for Network Attached Storage. | DAS is short for Direct Attached Storage. |
| It makes use of files for backup and recovery. | Sectors are used for backup and recovery. |
| This storage device is more complicated than the DAS device. | This storage device is not complicated. |
| Network Attached Storage is a little more complex to set up. | Direct connected storage is simple to set up and use. |
| This storage device is more expensive than a DAS device. | It is less expensive than NAS. |
| The capacity of NAS ranges from 109 to 1012 bytes. | DAS has a capacity of just 109 bytes. |
| This storage device enables users to transfer files across multiple operating systems. | This storage device does not enable users to exchange files between operating systems. |
| It transmits data through Ethernet and TCP/IP. | For data transfer, it employs IDE/SCSI. |
Difference between DAS and SAN:
| Direct Attached Storage (DAS) | Storage Area Network (SAN) |
| DAS is short for Direct Attached Storage. | SAN is short for Storage Area Network. |
| Sectors are used for backup and recovery. | For backup and recovery, it employs a block-by-block copying method. |
| This storage device is not complicated. | This storage device is more sophisticated than the DAS device. |
| Direct Attached Storage is simple to set up and use. | Storage Area Networks are a little more complex to install and configure. |
| It is less expensive than SAN. | This storage device is more expensive than the DAS device. |
| DAS has a capacity of just 109 bytes. | The capacity of SAN exceeds 1012 bytes. |
| This storage device does not enable users to exchange files between operating systems. | This storage device enables users to transfer files across many operating systems. |
| For data transfer, it employs IDE/SCSI. | It transmits data via Internet Protocol and Fibre Channel. |
Summary:
In this article, we covered the concept of Direct Attached Storage, and also the two different types of it. We also covered the various advantages and disadvantages of DAS, and how DAS differs from other storage solutions like NAS and SAN.
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