Storage Virtualization
Host-Based Virtualization
Host-Based Virtualization
Disk storage
Advantages
capacity allocated
to individual hosts
• Any type of storage:
JBOD, RAID, Tape
• Ease of integration with
file system and capacity
Virtualization in change requirements
server
Disadvantages
• Layered on top of RAID
• Server-centric management
• Management complexity for
system administrator –
potential to allocate the
same storage to more than
one host
Virtual Storage Pool
In this implementation, the virtualization software resides in the host servers.
Careful, centralized management of the system is critical to prevent one host
from taking an action that could affect the integrity of all the storage connected
through the SAN.
For example, two hosts cannot be allowed to write to the same volume
simultaneously.
This implementation may be desirable where:
Hosts are homogeneous
Storage devices are heterogeneous
Cost is a primary concern