What is RAID?
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a data reliability and redundancy system that allows data to be stored on multiple computers at the same time. RAID technology is generally used in industrial, commercial, and government computer networks to store copies of system and user files on multiple hard drives that are connected through a logical unit and the network. RAID technology allows companies, agencies, and other institutions to ensure that important files are never lost or that system files that maintain an online server or physical computer network are never corrupted.
How RAID Works
A RAID system is composed of two or more hard drives that are aligned in a single unit and connected to the same motherboard. When RAID technology is connected to a network, computer, server, or other device, that device accesses the RAID system and stores data in any of its hard drives. RAID technology is essentially the same as My Computer in the Windows Operating System, but with additional features that allow data to be copied to all of the unit’s hard drives simultaneously.
Applications
RAID technology has several applications. It backs up large servers for companies, hospitals, government buildings, schools, organizations, and other institutions. It ensures that important personal, commercial, and system files are not lost due to system failure, viruses, or even accidental removal. While RAID technology is almost always used exclusively for commercial or industrial purposes, RAID systems can be used domestically in order to backup a personal computer or website.
Advantages
RAID technology allows data to be stored on multiple hard drives at the same time, therefore ensuring data reliability. RAID systems are relatively small, can operate on plug-and-play technology, and have high data transfer rates for storing and accessing files. Also, RAID technology can either be directly connected to an administrative device or to a wireless or Ethernet-based network.
Disadvantages
RAID systems are generally expensive and significantly heavier than single hard drives. RAID technology should be connected to a device through a surge protector due to the fact that a power surge could destroy all of the hard drives at once. This is because the hard drives in a RAID system are all connected and power spikes in any easily affect the others.
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- RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks and it basically involves combining two or more drives together to improve the performance and the fault tolerance. Combining two or more drives together also offers improved reliability and larger data volume sizes. RAID distributes the data across several disks but the operating system considers this array [...]...
- Striping
Striping is the automated process of writing data across multiple drives simulteneously. Striping is used to increase the performance of disk reads. When using striping, if you write a 5GB file across 5 drives, 1GB of data is written to each drive. Parallel reading of data from multiple disks can have a significant positive impact [...]...
- Wireless NAS
A NAS, or Network-Attached Storage, device is a type of hardware that allows all users in a network to store files to the same storage device. A NAS device is often used by companies who have large amounts of data that need to be accessed by multiple users within the same network. NAS devices are [...]...
- Mirroring
Mirroring is the automated process of writing data to two drives simultaneously. Mirroring is used to provide redundancy, backup, multiple concurrent accesses and uninterrupted accessibility. If one drive fails, the redundant drive will continue to store the data and provide access to it. The failed drive can then be replaced and the drive set can [...]...
- External Hard Drive
An external hard drive is any hard drive which attaches to a port on the outside of a computer case. External hard drives are extremely useful for backing up computers and for moving data between computers. External Hard Drive Interfaces External hard drives can be connected using several popular interfaces. One external hard drive may [...]...