MegaRAID SAS Software User
Guide
2-1
Chapter 2
Introduction to RAID
This chapter describes RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks),
RAID functions and benefits, RAID components, RAID levels, and
configuration strategies. In addition, it defines the RAID availability
concept, and offers tips for configuration planning.
2.1
RAID Description
RAID is an array, or group of multiple independent physical drives that
provide high performance and fault tolerance. A RAID drive group
improves I/O (input/output) performance and reliability. The RAID drive
group appears to the host computer as a single storage unit or as
multiple virtual units. I/O is expedited because several drives can be
accessed simultaneously.
2.2
RAID Benefits
RAID drive groups improve data storage reliability and fault tolerance
compared to single-drive storage systems. Data loss resulting from a
drive failure can be prevented by reconstructing missing data from the
remaining drives. RAID has gained popularity because it improves I/O
performance and increases storage subsystem reliability.
2.3
RAID Functions
Virtual drives are drive groups or spanned drive groups that are available
to the operating system. The storage space in a virtual drive is spread
across all of the drives in the drive group.
Summary of Contents for ThinkServer RD230
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Page 68: ...2 36 Introduction to RAID ...
Page 252: ...7 10 MegaRAID Storage Manager Window and Menus ...
Page 300: ...8 48 Configuration ...
Page 328: ...9 28 Monitoring System Events and Storage Devices ...
Page 334: ...10 6 Maintaining and Managing Storage Configurations ...
Page 360: ...B 12 Glossary ...
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