LUN stands for Logical Unit Number and refers to a unique identifier assigned to a logical unit, which is an addressable storage device within a storage area network (SAN) or a host. It is used to differentiate and manage multiple storage devices or disk partitions within a network or system.
In the context of SANs, a LUN serves as a reference or handle to identify and access specific storage resources. It allows multiple servers or hosts to access shared storage devices concurrently. Each LUN can be presented to various servers, enabling them to read, write, or modify the data stored on the associated physical disk or storage system.
LUNs are commonly used in virtualized environments and play a vital role in managing storage resources efficiently. They enable administrators to control access privileges, allocate storage capacity, set access permissions, and monitor performance. Additionally, LUNs facilitate data protection and backup operations, as well as provide the basis for scalability by providing a dynamic and flexible storage infrastructure.
LUNs are typically assigned and managed by a storage administrator or through a central storage management console. In most cases, LUNs are assigned numerical identifiers, such as LUN 0, LUN 1, LUN 2, and so on, to differentiate and organize multiple logical units within a SAN or a host system.
