What is the full form of DAS?

What is Direct Attached Storage (DAS)?

Direct Attached Storage (DAS) refers to a type of storage architecture in which storage devices, such as hard drives or solid-state drives, are connected directly to a computer or a server, typically using a high-speed interface.

In DAS, the storage devices are not networked or shared with other systems, and the storage capacity is directly available to the host system that the devices are connected to.

Types of Direct Attached Storage (DAS)

There are several types of Direct Attached Storage (DAS) configurations including −

• Internal DAS − In this configuration, storage devices are installed inside a computer or server chassis and connected to the internal storage interfaces of the system which includes hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs).

• External DAS − In this configuration, storage devices are connected to a computer or server externally via various interfaces such as USB, Thunderbolt,or SAS. External DAS typically involves separate storage devices or enclosures that are connected to the host system using cables.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Direct Attached Storage (DAS)

Advantages of DAS

Low Latency − DAS typically offers low latency storage access, as storage devices are directly connected to the host system without the need for additional networking infrastructure which results in faster storage performance.

High Throughput − DAS can provide high throughput data transfer rates, as the storage devices are directly connected to the host system's storage interfaces.

Simplicity − DAS is relatively simple to set up and manage compared to other storage architectures like NAS or SAN, as it does not require additional networking infrastructure or complex configurations.

Cost-effective − DAS is typically more cost-effective compared to other storage architectures like SAN or NAS, as it does not require additional networking infrastructure, switches, or protocols.

Disadvantages of DAS

Limited Scalability − DAS has limited scalability compared to shared storage architectures like SAN or NAS, as the storage capacity is typically limited to the capacity of the connected storage devices.

Lack of Flexibility − DAS is typically limited to local storage within a specific host system, and it may not be easily shareable across multiple systems or accessible remotely over a network.

Limited Redundancy − DAS may not provide robust data redundancy features like RAID or replication, depending on the specific DAS configuration which results in potential data loss

Management Overhead − Managing DAS configurations may require manual efforts for storage provisioning, data backup, and storage management tasks.

Comparison of Direct Attached Storage (DAS) with other storage technologies

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

DAS − DAS involves storage devices that are directly connected to a host system, whereas NAS involves storage devices that are connected to a network and accessed over a network by multiple systems. DAS typically offers lower latency and higher throughput compared to NAS.

NAS − NAS provides shared storage capabilities, allowing multiple systems to access the same storage devices over a network. DAS, on the other hand, is limited to local storage within a specific host system.

Scalability − NAS typically offers higher scalability compared to DAS, as NAS can accommodate multiple storage devices in a centralised storage enclosure or appliance.

Flexibility − NAS provides more flexibility in terms of remote access and sharing of storage across multiple systems. DAS, on the other hand, is limited to local access within a specific host system.

Management − NAS typically provides centralised management interfaces for storage provisioning, data backup, and storage management tasks, making it easier to manage compared to DAS.

Storage Area Network (SAN)

DAS − DAS involves storage devices that are directly connected to a host system, whereas SAN involves a dedicated network infrastructure for storage. SAN typically offers higher scalability and flexibility compared to DAS, as it provides centralised and shared storage capabilities.

SAN − SAN provides high-performance, scalable, and shared storage capabilities that can be accessed by multiple systems over a dedicated storage network. DAS, on the other hand, is typically limited to local storage within a specific host system.

Latency and Throughput − DAS typically offers lower latency and higher throughput compared to SAN.

Complexity − SAN can be more complex to set up and manage compared to DAS, as it requires dedicated storage networking, switches, and protocols. DAS, on the other hand, is relatively simple to set up and manage, as it does not require additional networking infrastructure.

Management − SAN typically provides centralised management interfaces for storage provisioning, data backup, and storage management tasks, making it easier to manage compared to DAS.

Cloud Storage

DAS − DAS involves local storage devices that are directly connected to a host system, whereas cloud storage involves storing data on remote servers accessed over the internet. DAS provides local storage capabilities, whereas cloud storage provides off-site and remote storage capabilities.

Cloud Storage − Cloud storage offers scalability, flexibility, and accessibility from anywhere with internet connectivity, making it suitable for remote storage, data backup, and sharing across multiple systems or users. DAS, on the other hand, is limited to local storage within a specific host system.

Latency and Throughput − DAS typically offers lower latency and higher throughput compared to cloud storage, as data is accessed locally without the need for internet transmission.

FAQs

Q1. What is Direct Attached Storage?

Ans. Direct Attached Storage (DAS) is a storage technology that involves connecting storage devices directly to a host system, such as a computer, without the need for a storage network. DAS devices are typically connected to the host system using interfaces such as USB, or Thunderbolt, and the storage capacity of the DAS is limited to the capacity of the connected storage devices.

Q2. What is the use of Direct Attached Storage?

Ans. DAS is a flexible storage solution that can be used for local storage needs, data backup, and small-scale storage requirements in a wide range of computing environments.

Q3. What are the two types of Direct Attached Storage?

Ans. DAS can be classified based on the physical form factor of the storage devices used, such as internal DAS and external DAS.

Internal DAS − Refers to storage devices that are physically installed within the host system.

External DAS − Refers to standalone storage devices that are connected to the host system via a cable.