Array Basics

Appendix A

Array Basics

Galaxy 65 RAID controllers let you set up and manage disk arrays. A disk array (array) is a group of disks that appears to the system as a single virtual disk. This is accomplished through software resident in the RAID controller. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) refers to disk arrays in which part of the array storage capacity may be used to store redundant information. The redundant information lets you restore user data if a disk in the array fails.

The host system views the Galaxy 65 Subsystem as a single FC disk drive. It is actually an array of physical disks behind a RAID controller. The Galaxy 65 Subsystem is managed by software to appear as a single, very large physical disk. Depending on the array type, the virtual disk has advantages in fault- tolerance, cost, performance, or a combination of these. This section explains the different array types and the disk requirements for each type.

Tip: Choosing the right RAID level for your needs will improve performance. The following are examples of storage needs and appropriate RAID level. Rorke Data RAID controllers also provide methods of tracking statistical data to aid in the process.

Table 1–1shows some example applications and RAID levels.

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Table 1–1

Example applications and RAID levels

 

 

 

 

Application

 

RAID level

 

 

Testing multiple operating systems or software development (where redundancy

Volume

is not an issue)

 

 

 

Fast temporary storage or scratch disks for graphics, page layout, and image

RAID 0

rendering

 

 

 

 

Workgroup servers

RAID 1, 10

 

 

Video editing and production

RAID 3 or 4

 

 

Network operating system, databases, high availability applications, workgroup

RAID 5

servers

 

 

 

 

Very large databases, Web server, video on demand

RAID 50

 

 

 

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Galaxy Metal Gear 65 manual Array Basics, Application RAID level