WAN Data Storage: What You Need to Know About the Best Techniques and Solutions
In today’s world of digital business, having secure and reliable storage is key. In this article, we take a look at the different techniques and solutions available for storing data on a wide area network (WAN), and how you can best leverage them to protect your mission-critical data. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each approach so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your organization.
What is a Wide Area Network (WAN)?
A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a large geographical area. A WAN can be used to connect multiple smaller networks, such as local area networks (LANs) or metro area networks (MANs).
WANs are often used to connect corporate offices or other large organizations that have multiple locations. WANs can be implemented using a variety of technologies, including point-to-point links, packet switching, and circuit switching.
Packet switched WANs are commonly used to connect LANs over long distances. In this type of WAN, data is divided into small packets that are routed through the network based on their destination address. Packet switched WANs can be further divided into two types: connectionless and connection oriented.
Connectionless packet switched WANs do not require a dedicated connection between sender and receiver. These types of WANs are typically less expensive to implement than connection-oriented packet switched WANs, but they are also less reliable.
Connection-oriented packet switched WANs require a dedicated connection to be established between sender and receiver before any data can be transferred. This type of connection is typically more expensive than a connectionless packet switched WAN, but it is also more reliable.
Circuit switched WANs are another type of Wide Area Network that uses dedicated circuits to connect LANs over long distances. In this type of network, data is transmitted in.
What are the Different Types of WAN Data Storage Solutions?
The three main types of WAN data storage solutions are:
Cloud storage is a type of data storage where files and applications are stored on remote servers accessed via the internet. This solution is often used by businesses as it is scalable and offers high levels of flexibility and disaster recovery.
Local storage refers to storing data on devices within a company’s network, such as servers or hard drives. This type of solution can be more expensive than cloud storage but offers faster access speeds and greater control over data security.
3. Hybrid Storage
Hybrid storage combines local and cloud storage, allowing companies to take advantage of the benefits of both solutions. This type of solution is often used by businesses that require fast access speeds and scalability, but also need the added security and control offered by local storage.
Benefits of Using WAN Data Storage Solutions
There are many benefits to using WAN data storage solutions. One of the biggest benefits is that it can help you save money on your IT infrastructure costs. By using a WAN data storage solution, you can avoid having to purchase and maintain expensive hardware and software for your data centre. Additionally, WAN data storage solutions can provide you with increased flexibility and scalability when it comes to your storage needs.
How to Choose the Right Solution for Your Network
The decision of whether to use a public or private network for your Wide Area Network (WAN) is one that should be made with careful consideration. There are many factors to consider when making this decision, such as the type of data you will be storing, the amount of data you need to store, the security of your data, and the cost of the solution.
Public networks, such as the Internet, are typically less expensive than private networks. However, they are also less secure and can be slower. If you are storing sensitive data, or if you require high speeds, a private network may be a better option.
There are a few different types of private networks: dedicated lines, VPNs, and MPLS networks. Dedicated lines are the most expensive option but offer the highest speeds and security. VPNs are a middle ground between dedicated lines and public networks; they are less expensive than dedicated lines but more expensive than public networks. MPLS networks offer high speed and security at a lower cost than VPNs.
The best solution for your network depends on your specific needs. Consider all of the factors mentioned above before making a decision.
Security Concerns When Using WAN Data Storage Solutions
When it comes to storing data on a wide area network (WAN), there are a number of security concerns that need to be taken into account. Here are some of the most important things to consider:
1. Data Encryption
One of the most important things to consider when using WAN data storage is data encryption. This is because unencrypted data can be intercepted and read by anyone who has access to the network. There are a number of different ways to encrypt data, so it is important to choose the right solution for your needs.
2. Data Redundancy
Another security concern when using WAN data storage is data redundancy. This is because if one copy of the data is lost or corrupted, you will still have another copy available. There are a number of different ways to achieve data redundancy, so it is important to choose the right solution for your needs.
3. Access Control
Another thing to consider when using WAN data storage is access control. This is because you need to make sure that only authorized users have access to the data. There are a number of different ways to achieve access control, so it is important to choose the right solution for your needs.
Alternatives to WAN Data Storage Solutions
There are many alternatives to WAN data storage solutions. The most popular alternative is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs allow you to securely connect to a remote network over the Internet. This means that your data is encrypted and transmitted over a secure connection. VPNs are often used by businesses to connect to their corporate network from remote locations.
Another alternative to WAN data storage is to use a cloud storage solution. Cloud storage allows you to store your data on a remote server. This means that you can access your data from any location with an Internet connection. Cloud storage is often used by businesses as it is scalable and offers high levels of redundancy.
Finally, you could also consider using a dedicated server. A dedicated server is a physical server that is reserved for your exclusive use. This type of solution is often more expensive than other alternatives but offers the highest levels of security and performance.
Conclusion
WAN data storage is a critical piece of any modern business infrastructure. With the right techniques and solutions, you can ensure your data is stored securely and efficiently across multiple locations. By leveraging cloud-based technologies like SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, or hybrid solutions, businesses are able to maximize their storage capabilities without compromising performance or security. If you’re looking to improve your WAN data storage practices, there’s no better time than now!