What are disk arrays
A simple way to protect your data and improve performance while processing it is to disk array. Due to compatibility with modern versions of motherboards in servers, the device can be implemented quickly into the existing network infrastructure. The Servak online store offers disk arrays and storage from leading brands, such as Dell, HP and IBM.
Operating principle of disk arrays
A disk array is a device, consisting of several disks with a common control system, power and cooling. The number of cells for installing elements can reach several hundred, depending on the requirements of the organization. You can add disks during operation as scaling needs increase. Within the array, data transfer rates vary from 1 to 16 Gb / s.
The disk array design consists of the following components:
- Cache memory. Helps accelerate storage performance with performance levels ranging from 50% to 300% due to the content of the required information. The speed of operations depends on its size, I/O related.
- Controllers. More than two units increase the level of fault tolerance. The component is responsible for organizing the storage of data arrays and supports virtualization.
- discs. The quantity depends on the equipment model. The speed of their work is affected by the volume, method of information transfer and controller parameters.
The disk array is connected to the server directly or via a network. For most equipment models, the “hot” replacement of components is available, which allows you to maintain the functioning of server platforms in the mode 24/7.
Advantages of disk arrays
Disk arrays, which can be selected in the Servak catalog, by distributing information across multiple disks, they maintain optimal fault tolerance. When implemented and thanks to the availability of virtualization, the data storage is optimized, provides additional functionality of the equipment.
Advantages of a disk array:
- ease of maintenance;
- data protection thanks to auto-diagnosis and file duplication;
- Improved overall network performance;
- availability of simultaneous reading of data from several disks.
When using disk arrays, the server is unloaded, which extends the life of the equipment. Thanks to the system's ability to create snapshots in critical situations, data loss can be avoided.
