A clustered network-attached storage (NAS) system operates as a scale-out storage architecture composed of interconnected NAS nodes, forming a single cluster. This setup enables the pooling of storage resources across the cluster and presents them as an integrated file system.
The need for clustered NAS systems
Traditional standalone NAS systems, limited by their singular storage device, struggle to accommodate the rapid growth of data volumes. These devices face constraints regarding CPU, memory, and storage space, necessitating the purchase of additional devices for capacity expansion.
Clustered NAS systems effectively overcome these limitations by allowing easy expansion of storage capacity through the addition of storage nodes. Performance enhancements can be achieved by upgrading existing controllers or by incorporating new ones. The distributed file system running across multiple nodes allows automatic migration of existing data to newer, larger-capacity devices, ensuring the operational integrity of the cluster even in the event of node failure through automatic failover mechanisms.
Key features of clustered NAS systems
Users and applications do not need to be concerned with the specific number or locations of nodes within a clustered NAS system. The architecture enables data and metadata to be distributed across the storage nodes and underlying block storage subsystems, such as direct-attached storage (DAS) or storage area networks (SAN). This design allows all nodes in the cluster to access the network file system, independent of data location.
Advanced clustered NAS solutions can scale to include numerous nodes and provide substantial raw storage capacity, even reaching petabytes (PB). For instance, certain models can support up to 24 nodes and 176 PB of raw capacity, arranged in various controller chassis form factors.
These systems also ensure transparent data replication and fault tolerance, allowing continued functionality without data loss even if multiple nodes fail. Load balancing is conducted autonomously among nodes, promoting efficient resource utilization. The unified image and mount point enable straightforward additions of nodes for enhanced capacity and failover support.
Clustered NAS components
Essential components of a clustered NAS system include:
- NAS nodes. These servers encompass hardware such as storage drives, processors, and RAM, along with software needed for data storage and file sharing.
- Storage software. This software, including a lightweight OS, is installed on node hardware and features a distributed file system critical for resource sharing across nodes.
- Networking protocol. Standard protocols like TCP/IP facilitate communication and data transfer among NAS nodes.
Clustered NAS use cases
Clustered NAS systems are particularly advantageous in environments experiencing rapid growth in data volumes, particularly unstructured data. Their scalability and failover capabilities surpass traditional NAS, making them suitable for scenarios that require collaboration among multiple users accessing the same files simultaneously. The ability to unify data across various locations enhances processing efficiency and reduces delays in project timelines.
Common use cases for clustered NAS include:
- Email systems.
- Online data storage.
- Rich media data delivery.
- High-performance databases.
- High-performance caching of reference data.
What are the main benefits of clustered NAS storage?
The explosion of data—especially unstructured—has prompted organizations to seek more effective storage solutions. Clustered NAS systems provide scalable, high-performing storage that can meet the demands of data-intensive workloads requiring high concurrency. By utilizing load balancing, these systems can efficiently manage data across various storage nodes, streamlining user access and application deployment.
Flexibility is a significant advantage of clustered NAS; organizations can add or upgrade nodes easily to accommodate changing compute or storage needs. Additionally, failover configurations further enhance data protection and minimize downtime, as components can seamlessly switch over in case of failure. Furthermore, some clustered NAS solutions incorporate robust security features, such as data encryption, to safeguard information integrity.
Clustered NAS vendors
Numerous vendors offer competitive clustered NAS solutions, including:
- Dell. Featuring the Fluid File System, Dell’s clustered NAS utilizes multiple appliances to create dynamic storage clusters, managed through a web console.
- IBM. IBM’s Spectrum NAS is designed as a software-defined storage platform that utilizes bare-metal servers to create scalable storage environments.
- NetApp. The NetApp FAS series provides options for on-demand scaling of performance and capacity, catering to high-throughput storage needs.
Additional vendors, such as TerraMaster, Synology, StoneFly, and QNAP, offer affordable clustered NAS systems suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
Clustered NAS vs. virtualization
While clustering may resemble virtualization, a primary distinction lies in the requirement for nodes in a clustered NAS to be from the same vendor and product line. For instance, a cluster may consist solely of Dell’s PowerStore T or X appliances, but not both simultaneously. Clustering aims to create a scalable storage solution with cooperative NAS nodes, while virtualization typically refers to the creation of virtual machines on a physical server.