Chapter 4: Getting Started 41

Choosing a RAID Level

This section provides a brief overview of the RAID levels supported by your Adaptec RAID controller, including the minimum and maximum number of disk drives required by each.

Note: Before you begin, familiarize yourself with your controller’s physical features and the RAID levels that it supports (see Standard RAID Controller Features on page 18).

RAID 0 (Non-redundantArray)—Stripes data across multiple disk drives. Improved performance but no redundancy (see page 96).

RAID 1 Array—Created from two disk drives where one disk drive is a mirror of the other (the same data is stored on each disk drive). Redundancy, but reduced capacity (see page 97).

RAID 1E Array—Similar to a RAID 1 array except that data is mirrored and striped, and more disk drives can be included (see page 97).

RAID 5 Array—Stripes data for improved performance and uses parity data to provide redundancy (see page 99).

RAID 5EE Array—Similar to a RAID 5 array, but includes a distributed spare and must include a minimum of four disk drives (see page 100).

RAID 10 Array—Built from two or more equal-sized RAID 1 arrays, stripes and mirrors data across multiple disk drives. Redundancy and improved performance (see page 98).

RAID 50 Array—Built from multiple disk drives configured as two or more RAID 5 arrays, stripes stored data and parity data across all disk drives (see page 101).

RAID 6 Array—Similar to a RAID 5 array except that it includes two independent sets of parity data instead of one (see page 102).

RAID 60 Array—Similar to a RAID 50 array except that it includes four independent sets of parity data instead of two (see page 102).

Use the table on page 103 to see how many disk drives you must connect to your RAID controller to support the RAID level you want.

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Adaptec 2268300R manual Choosing a RAID Level

2268300R specifications

The Adaptec 2268300R is a robust and versatile RAID controller designed for enterprise-level storage needs. Ideal for environments demanding high availability, performance, and data protection, this controller provides organizations with the ability to manage large volumes of data while ensuring reliability.

One of the standout features of the Adaptec 2268300R is its support for various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. This flexibility allows users to choose the configuration that best suits their performance and redundancy requirements. By combining multiple drives into a single logical unit, the controller enhances data throughput and ensures data safety through redundancy.

The controller is built on a SATA and SAS architecture, allowing it to connect directly to both SATA and SAS drives. This broad compatibility is crucial for businesses looking to leverage existing hardware while also scaling their storage infrastructure. The Adaptec 2268300R is equipped with a powerful onboard processor that significantly boosts performance, driving down latency and increasing transaction speeds across connected drives.

Additionally, the Adaptec 2268300R features cache memory with a non-volatile option that enhances data integrity during unexpected power outages. This feature is essential for mission-critical applications where data loss can have severe repercussions. Moreover, the controller supports advanced caching algorithms, optimizing write and read performance to meet the demands of modern applications.

The controller also integrates seamlessly with Adaptec's management suite, providing users with a graphical interface to monitor and manage their storage solutions effectively. The web-based management tool allows administrators to configure RAID settings, monitor disk health, and perform troubleshooting, all from a centralized platform.

Security is another critical aspect of the Adaptec 2268300R. The controller comes equipped with encryption capabilities, enabling users to secure sensitive data at rest—protecting information from unauthorized access. Furthermore, with features like hot-spare drive support and automatic rebuilds, the controller assures continued operation even in the event of a disk failure.

In conclusion, the Adaptec 2268300R is a powerful RAID controller that delivers significant advantages in performance, flexibility, and reliability. With its support for multiple RAID levels, SAS and SATA compatibility, robust caching, and advanced management tools, it stands out as an ideal solution for businesses needing to safeguard and manage their vast data assets efficiently. Whether for enhancing data security or optimizing storage performance, the Adaptec 2268300R remains a sound choice in today’s data-driven landscape.