Which methods are included in RAID?

RAID, which stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a data storage virtualization technology that combines multiple physical disk drive components into one logical unit for data redundancy and performance improvement. Among the methods used in RAID, mirroring and parity are fundamental concepts.

Mirroring involves creating an exact copy of the data on two or more disks. This method enhances data redundancy, as if one disk fails, the exact data can be retrieved from the mirrored disk(s), ensuring minimal data loss and enhanced reliability.

Parity, on the other hand, is a method used to provide fault tolerance without the need for complete duplication of data. It involves storing parity information that allows the reconstruction of data in the event of a disk failure. During normal operation, the data is distributed across multiple disks, and additional parity information is calculated and stored. If a disk fails, the parity information can be utilized to reconstruct the lost data using the remaining disks.

The combination of mirroring and parity in RAID systems allows for efficient use of storage while providing the ability to recover from hardware failures, making this method crucial in enterprise environments where data integrity and availability are paramount.