vSAN
vSAN (Virtual Storage Area Network) is VMware's storage solution that helps companies manage their digital storage more efficiently and cost-effectively. Think of it as a smart system that combines storage from multiple computers into one easy-to-manage pool, similar to how a shared drive works, but much more advanced. Instead of buying expensive dedicated storage hardware, companies can use vSAN to turn their existing computer storage into a powerful shared system. This is particularly important for businesses running lots of virtual machines or moving to cloud-style infrastructure. It's similar to other storage solutions like Nutanix or Microsoft Storage Spaces Direct, but specifically works best with VMware environments.
Examples in Resumes
Managed and maintained vSAN clusters supporting 500+ virtual machines
Reduced storage costs by 40% through vSAN implementation and optimization
Led migration from traditional storage to VMware vSAN infrastructure
Typical job title: "vSAN Administrators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find vSAN Administrators
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Events & Training
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you design a vSAN environment for a large enterprise?
Expected Answer: A strong answer should cover capacity planning, hardware selection, network considerations, and disaster recovery planning. They should explain how they would ensure high availability and performance for business-critical applications.
Q: How would you troubleshoot performance issues in a vSAN environment?
Expected Answer: Should discuss systematic approach to identifying bottlenecks, using monitoring tools, checking network connectivity, and analyzing storage performance metrics in simple terms.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the basic requirements for setting up vSAN?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the minimum hardware and software requirements, including the need for compatible storage controllers, flash drives for caching, and proper networking setup.
Q: How do you ensure data protection in vSAN?
Expected Answer: Should explain backup strategies, replication options, and how vSAN maintains multiple copies of data to prevent loss.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is vSAN and why do companies use it?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that vSAN is a storage solution that combines storage from multiple servers into one shared pool, making it easier and often cheaper to manage company data.
Q: What are the basic components of vSAN?
Expected Answer: Should identify the basic parts: physical storage devices, cache drives, and how they work together in a server cluster to provide shared storage.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic vSAN installation and configuration
- Daily monitoring and maintenance
- Understanding of virtual machines
- Basic troubleshooting
Mid (2-5 years)
- Performance optimization
- Capacity planning
- Backup and recovery procedures
- Hardware compatibility management
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex environment design
- Disaster recovery planning
- Integration with other systems
- Team leadership and project management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with VMware products
- Lack of understanding about storage concepts
- No experience with high-availability systems
- Unable to explain basic virtualization concepts
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