By PURPLELEC | 24 October 2023 | 0 Comments
What is hardware RAID storage?
Hardware RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a method of combining multiple hard drives or solid-state drives (SSDs) into a single storage unit for the purpose of improving performance, achieving data redundancy, or both. Unlike software RAID, which relies on the operating system for management and processing, hardware RAID uses a hardware RAID controller to manage the hard drive, and the controller is independent of the relevant computer and operating system.
Hardware RAID controller: A hardware RAID controller is specialized hardware that manages a RAID array independently of the host operating system. The controller can be a standalone expansion card installed in a computer's PCIe slot, or it can be integrated into a server or storage device.
RAID levels: Like software RAID, hardware RAID supports various RAID levels, each providing a different balance between performance, redundancy, and storage capacity. Common RAID levels include RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, etc.
Performance: In hardware RAID, the controller manages data striping (splitting data across multiple drives) and parity generation using parity at the RAID level. Offloading processing tasks to dedicated hardware improves performance compared to software RAID.
Redundancy: Hardware RAID provides redundancy by storing data redundantly on multiple hard drives, allowing the system to recover if one or more hard drives fail without losing data. The level of redundancy depends on the selected RAID level.
Hot-swappable: Many hardware RAID controllers support hot-swapping, which means you can replace a failed hard drive with a new one while the system is running without powering down the server. The controller will automatically rebuild the data onto the new hard drive.
Operating system independent: Hardware RAID does not rely on drivers or software for the host operating system. This is beneficial in situations where the operating system needs to be changed or upgraded without affecting the RAID configuration.
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