D-5
SMART-2DH Array Controller Reference Guide
Writer: Pamela King Project: SMART-2DH Array Controller Reference Guide Comments: 295469-002
File Name: K-APPD.DOC Last Saved On: 2/27/98 12:06 PM
COMPAQ CONFIDENTIAL - NEED TO KNOW REQUIRED
Drive Array Benefits
Using drive arrays with the SMART-2DH Array Controller has several
important benefits:
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Data Protection
■
Performance Enhancement
■
Capacity Changes
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Data Reliability
Data Protection
The SMART-2DH Controller provides several options to produce data
redundancy for a more reliable system including distributing data, fault
tolerance methods, assigning online spares, and rebuilding data.
Fault Tolerance (RAID) Options
During configuration, you will need to make RAID (Redundant Arrays of
Inexpensive Disks) level choices. RAID is a term used for an array technology
that provides data redundancy to increase system reliability and performance.
There are several RAID levels ranging from RAID-5 to RAID-0. The
SMART-2DH Controller provides the following levels of RAID:
■
RAID 5 - distributed data guarding
■
RAID 4 - data guarding
■
RAID 1 - drive mirroring
■
RAID 0 - no fault tolerance (data striping only)
The fault tolerance method you choose affects the amount of available disk
storage capacity and performance of your drive array. Table D-1 lists the
supported RAID levels and illustrates how the fault tolerance method you
select affects the performance and capacity.