ALUA is the SCSI Asymmetric Logical Unit Access standard describing multipath storage paths with different access states and performance.
Simple definition
ALUA is the SCSI Asymmetric Logical Unit Access standard describing multipath storage paths with different access states and performance. It belongs to the Storage vocabulary and is useful when reading architecture diagrams, product documentation, logs, or administration procedures.
What is it used for?
Its main purpose is to help a multipath host choose optimized paths to a LUN on a multi-controller array. The practical value depends on the surrounding architecture, security model, and operational requirements.
How does it work?
The array exposes target port groups with states such as active/optimized or active/non-optimized; multipath software uses that information to route I/O.
Key points
- Scope: The SCSI Asymmetric Logical Unit Access standard describing multipath storage paths with different access states and performance.
- Operational goal: Help a multipath host choose optimized paths to a LUN on a multi-controller array.
- Implementation: The array exposes target port groups with states such as active/optimized or active/non-optimized; multipath software uses that information to route I/O.
Points to watch
Document topology and dependencies before changes; a pool, tiering, or multipath mistake can cause access loss or severe degradation.
In short
ALUA = the SCSI Asymmetric Logical Unit Access standard describing multipath storage paths with different access states and performance. Use it when you need to help a multipath host choose optimized paths to a LUN on a multi-controller array.