What Is The Full Form of RAID?
The Full Form of RAID is Redundant Array of Inexpensive/Independent Disks.
It is a process of data visualisation, which utilises numerous solid-state drive (SSD) or hard drives, thus enabling redundancy of data and improvement of performance. In the instance of any unexpected incidents, the data also encounters threat resilience because of redundancy. This enables benefits for the traditional storage process, such as the SLED (Single Large Expensive Disk). Hence, instead of retaining the entire data in one SLED, RAID enables the use of more than one small sized disks that permits quicker I/0 functions while providing a kind of strength to the whole system. If ever any one of the system’s disk crash, others remain protected and safe, thus saving the complete system from collapsing.
History of RAID
- 1988- “A Case for Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks (RAID)” a technical report by David Patterson, Randy Katz, and Garth A. Gibson published.
- Discussions and mentions of RAID in the report
- It further establishes the resilience and reliability of RAID in comparison to just one disk.
Characteristics of RAID
- Redundant Data – Multiple disks are used to store information, and this data is copied and are stored in various locations or disks to enable better disaster management.
- Stored in various disks– As an alternative to the single large disk, RAID keeps the data stored in numerous small disks that are less expensive.
- Enable multiple storage process– Different RAID uses various storing methods such as striping, mirroring the parity to enable multiple characteristics for the users.
- Numerous or Multiple Systems– RAID is provided in six different levels, thus allowing for some unique characteristics, while also compromising on some features. Finally, the user has the authority to confirm their requirement and then decide what are the applicable features in their system.
Benefits of RAID
- Speedy data access- The speed of data access RAID systems is definitely more than that of SLED systems. RAID 0, RAID 4 and RAID 5 are especially designed, thus enabling quick data access at reasonable rates.
- Data Redundancy– Because of the data redundancy feature of the RAID systems, the data storage is reliable. RAID 1 makes use of a data mirroring method to store the copies of data to ensure reliability.
- Correction of Errors– RAID 2, RAID 3, RAID 4 and RAID 5 apply hamming code parity to correct the error in data.
- I/O requests simultaneously: RAID 0, RAID 4 and RAID 5 apply the striping storage methods and so it supports multiple I/O operations, simultaneously.
- Data transfer in bulk– RAID 3 allows for speedy transfer of bulk data.
- Security of Data- Striping and ongoing parity checks enable high data security.
Limitations of RAID
- Expensive-RAID systems cost more than SLED systems.
- Loss of data-Vulnerability of RAID systems, which do not utilise mirroring, will enable data loss.
- Selection of RAID level- Since there are multiple RAID levels, with each having specific drawbacks and features, it is difficult to select what system should be used.
- Not used properly- The complete system performance may decrease, if the RAID is not utilised properly.
- Complex technology- RAID is a complex data storage architecture and needs an adept and competent person to unlock the total potential of RAID.
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