Xsan is a 64-bit cluster file system specifically designed for small and large computing environments that demand the highest level of data availability. This specialized technology enables multiple Mac desktop and Xserve systems to share RAID storage volumes over a high-speed Fibre Channel network. Each client can read and write directly to the centralized file system, accelerating user productivity while improving workgroup collaboration. Here’s how the Xsan solution works.
Xsan allows you to consolidate data into a single storage volume that’s accessible to all systems on the SAN
The SAN volume connects to the Xsan metadata controller and all Xsan clients through a high-speed Fibre Channel
Systems running Xsan have direct block-level access to files stored on the SAN volume and full read/write capability
File system metadata is handled "out of band" over a private Ethernet network shared by systems connected to the SAN
Xsan includes software called the “metadata controller,” which acts as the traffic cop for the SAN. When an Xsan client attempts to read or write to a file, it gets permission from the metadata controller, then accesses the data directly
