Do you know the differences between a SAN and a VSAN? For example, can you answer this sample Security+ practice test question?
Q. Which of the following is a potential benefit of a VSAN over a SAN?
A. It can isolate traffic within the SAN
B. It can redirect traffic to other VLANs
C. It provides port security
D. It ensures each VSAN uses identical security policies
More, do you know why the correct answer is correct and the why the incorrect answers are incorrect? The answer and explanation is at the end of this post.
Understanding a VLAN
When learning a new topic, it’s often helpful to compare it with something you know. For example, there are some similarities between a virtual local area network (VLAN) and a VSAN.
A VLAN uses a switch to group several different computers into one or more virtual networks. You can group the computers together based on departments, job function, or any other administrative need. This provides security because you’re able to isolate the traffic between the computers in the VLAN.
Normally, a router would group different computers onto different subnets, based on physical locations. All the computers in a routed segment are located in the same physical location, such as on a specific floor or wing of a building.
However, a single switch can create multiple VLANs to separate the computers based on logical needs rather than physical location. Additionally, administrators can easily reconfigure the switch to add or subtract computers from any VLAN if the need arises.
For example, a group of users who normally work in separate departments may begin work on a project that requires them to be on the same subnet. You can configure a switch to logically group these workers together, even if the computers are physically located on different floors or different wings of the building. When the project is over, you can simply reconfigure the switch to return the network to its original configuration.
The following graphic shows how a switch is used to create a group of VLANs within the same switch. Broadcast traffic within each VLAN is isolated within the VLAN providing a layer of security.
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Comparing a VLAN and a VSAN
A storage area network (SAN) is a separate network that provides access to high-speed storage. SANs often include disk arrays, tape libraries, and optical jukeboxes. One SAN technology uses Fibre Channel switches to connect the separate media.
Just as it’s possible to use a switch to create one or more VLANs within the switch, it’s also possible to use a Fibre Channel switch to create one or more VSANs. The following graphic shows an overview.
Admittedly, there are significant differences in the technologies between a standard network switch and a Fibre Channel switch. However, the concepts are similar.
By creating separate VSANs, you are able to isolate the traffic between each VSAN. More, you’re able to create separate security policies for each VSAN. This helps ensure that any faults or configuration issues within one VSAN only impacts devices within that VSAN.
Remember this
A virtual storage area network (VSAN) can isolate traffic within a SAN. This can isolate any faults or configuration issues to ensure that problems in one VSAN do not impact other VSANs within the SAN.
Q. Which of the following is a potential benefit of a VSAN over a SAN?
A. It can isolate traffic within the SAN
B. It can redirect traffic to other VLANs
C. It provides port security
D. It ensures each VSAN uses identical security policies
Answer is A.
A virtual storage area network (VSAN) can isolate traffic within a SAN. This can ensure that problems in one VSAN do not impact other VSANs within the SAN.
A VSAN is similar in concept to a virtual local area network (VLAN). A VLAN is a separate network created on specific ports of a switch. Similarly, a VSAN is a separate storage area network created on specific ports of a Fibre Channel switch. However, a VSAN does not redirect traffic to other VLANs.
While a VSAN does isolate traffic between Fibre Channel switch ports, it does not provide port security.
Each VSAN within the SAN can use their own security policies. It isn’t necessary for them all to have the same security policy.
