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Compaq Smart Array 3200 Controller Reference Guide
Writer: Rickard Project: Compaq Smart Array 3200 Controller Reference Guide Comments: 340862-002
File Name: L-APPE.DOC Last Saved On: 12/7/98 9:30 AM
COMPAQ CONFIDENTIAL - NEED TO KNOW REQUIRED
Drive Array Benefits
Using drive arrays with the Smart Array 3200 Controller has several important
benefits:
■ Data Protection
■ Performance Enhancement
■ Capacity Changes
■ Data Reliability
Data Protection
The Smart Array 3200 Controller provides several options to produce data
redundancy for a more reliable system including distributing data, fault-
tolerance methods, assigning online spares, and rebuilding data.
Fault-Tolerance (RAID) Options
During configuration, you will make RAID (Redundant Arrays of Independent
Disks) level choices. RAID is the term used for an array technology that
provides data redundancy to increase system reliability and performance.
RAID levels range from RAID-5 to RAID-0. The Smart Array 3200 Controller
supports the following levels of RAID:
■ RAID 5 - distributed data guarding
■ RAID 4 - data guarding
■ RAID 1 - drive mirroring (also RAID 0+1, or RAID 10)
■ RAID 0 - no fault tolerance (data striping only)
The fault-tolerance method you choose affects the amount of available disk
storage capacity and performance of your drive array. Table E-1 lists the
supported RAID levels and illustrates how the fault-tolerance methods affect
performance and capacity.