Computer Hardware Terms, Glossary and Dictionary

LAN free backup refers to backing up data without transferring it across the LAN or WAN. Instead, LAN free backup architecture uses a server or a NAS storage device with backup storage (tapes, MO, CD, etc.) directly attached. A common approach is to use a SAN that connects the disks and backup storage via a Fibre Channel switch. A variation of LAN free backup is "server free backup." Server free backup uses a SAN, but instead of having a backup server manage the backup operation, it uses a simpler device called a "data mover." The data mover can be embedded into the backup storage device itself or be a separate unit that also handles conversion from Fibre Channel to SCSI.

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LAN free backup