What
is RAID?
RAID
stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks and is a
method of combining multiple disks for data redundancy in
case of a disk failure. Adding RAID to your storage configurations
is one of the most cost effective ways to maintain both
data protection and access. Some RAID configurations add
a level of redundancy to your data but it should not be
your only means of backup.
A RAID
system consists of two or more disks working in parallel.
They appear as one logical unit to the user. The RAID functionality
and control of the hard disks is performed by a software
that can either be located on a separate controller card
(Hardware RAID Controller) or it can be a driver (Software
RAID Controller). Hardware RAID controllers offer better
performance that Software RAID controllers.
There
are many different RAID levels each suitable for a specific
situation. RAID levels are not standardized by an industry
group.
Which
RAID level is right for me?
Consider
the following factors to determine which RAID level is right
for you:
- Cost
of the storage solution.
- Performance
requirements.
- Data
protection or data availability requirements.
** See
RAID Levels comparison below.
What
are the most popular RAID levels?
The
following are the most popular RAID levels:
RAID
Levels comparison |
