RAID Training Redundancy, Performance, and Practical Implementation.pptx
- 1. RAID Training: Redundancy, Performance, and Practical Implementation Redundant Array of Independent Disks Presented by: DataPerk Training Department
- 2. Course Overview Objective: Understand RAID fundamentals Key topics: - RAID levels and techniques - Installation and configuration - Management and monitoring - Business use case matching
- 3. Introduction to RAID Definition of RAID: Redundancy and performance Types of RAID: - Software RAID (OS-managed) - Hardware RAID (controller-managed)
- 4. Definition of RAID… RAID (redundant array of inexpensive disks or redundant array of independent disks) is a data storage virtualization technology that combines multiple physical data storage components into one or more logical units for the purposes of data redundancy, performance improvement, or both. This is in contrast to the previous concept of highly reliable mainframe disk drives known as single large expensive disk (SLED). Data is distributed across the drives in one of several ways, referred to as RAID levels, depending on the required level of redundancy and performance. The different schemes, or data distribution layouts, are named by the word "RAID" followed by a number, for example RAID 0 or RAID 1. Each scheme, or RAID level, provides a different balance among the key goals: reliability, availability, performance, and capacity. RAID levels greater than RAID 0 provide protection against unrecoverable sector read errors, as well as against failures of whole physical drives.
- 5. RAID Identification and Comparison Table RAID Level Performance Redundancy Usable Capacity Minimum Disks Advantages Disadvantages RAID 0 Fastest None 100% 2 Maximum speed and storage All data lost if one disk fails RAID 1 Good (Read: Fast) High 50% 2 High redundancy, simple recovery Only half storage usable RAID 5 Good (Balanced) Moderate N-1 disks 3 Good balance of performance, storage, and redundancy Slower writes, can survive one disk failure RAID 6 Moderate High N-2 disks 4 Can survive two disk failures, better redundancy than 5 Slower writes, less usable storage RAID 10 Excellent High 50% 4 High speed and redundancy, can survive multiple failures Only half storage usable, higher hardware
- 6. RAID Levels - Visual Comparison
- 7. What is Software RAID Software RAID, also known as Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a method of combining multiple physical hard drives into a single logical unit. This technology is implemented through software, eliminating the need for a dedicated hardware RAID controller. Software RAID offers several advantages for server users with a good technical background. It provides increased data redundancy and fault tolerance, ensuring that data remains accessible even if one or more drives fail. This is achieved by distributing data across multiple drives, allowing for simultaneous read and write operations. Additionally, software RAID allows for easy expansion and migration, as drives can be added or replaced without disrupting the system. With software RAID, users have the flexibility to choose from different RAID levels, such as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 10, depending on their specific requirements for performance, capacity, and redundancy. This technology empowers server administrators to optimize storage solutions according to their needs, enhancing data reliability and system performance. Overall, software RAID is a cost-effective and efficient solution (no RAID controller required) for server users, providing enhanced data protection and storage management capabilities without the need for specialized hardware
- 8. What is Hardware RAID Hardware RAID, also known as a redundant array of independent disks, is a storage technology that combines multiple physical hard drives into a single logical unit. It is implemented through a dedicated RAID controller, which is a separate hardware component installed in a server or storage system. Hardware RAID offers several advantages over software RAID. It offloads the processing burden from the server’s CPU, resulting in improved performance and reduced latency. Additionally, it provides enhanced fault tolerance and data protection by implementing various RAID levels, such as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10. These levels offer different combinations of data striping, mirroring, and parity, ensuring data redundancy and availability. Moreover, hardware RAID controllers often include features like cache memory, battery backup, and hot-swappable drive support, further enhancing reliability and flexibility. They also offer advanced management tools and monitoring capabilities, allowing administrators to efficiently configure and maintain the RAID arrays. For users with a good technical background and running critical server applications, hardware RAID is an essential component that ensures high-performance, fault- tolerant, and scalable storage solutions.
- 9. Key Differences: Software RAID vs Hardware RAID Software RAID and hardware RAID are two different approaches to achieving data redundancy and performance improvement in server environments. Software RAID relies on the server’s operating system and CPU to manage the RAID functionality. It is cost-effective as it utilizes existing hardware, but it can consume significant CPU resources, impacting overall system performance. Software RAID is flexible, allowing for easy configuration and management, and it supports various RAID levels. On the other hand, hardware RAID utilizes a dedicated RAID controller, which offloads the RAID processing from the CPU. This results in improved performance and reduced CPU utilization. Hardware RAID often provides advanced features like battery- backed cache, hot-swappable drives, and better fault tolerance. However, it can be more expensive due to the need for specialized hardware. In summary, software RAID is suitable for budget-conscious users who prioritize flexibility, while hardware RAID is ideal for those seeking higher performance and advanced features. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements and budget of the server user.
- 10. Choosing the Right RAID for Business Creative: RAID 10 RAID Finance: RAID 6 Finance General office: RAID 5 RAID Small business: RAID 1 RAID Temporary data: RAID 0 RAID
- 11. Planning RAID Installation PLAN: CHOOSE RAID LEVEL AND SETUP TYPE HARDWARE RAID: BIOS UTILITY, RAID CARD SOFTWARE RAID: OS- BASED TOOLS (MDADM, STORAGE SPACES)
- 12. Installing RAID – Step-by-Step INSTALL DRIVES AND CONTROLLER BIOS SETTINGS: ENABLE RAID USE RAID UTILITY TO CREATE ARRAY INSTALL DRIVERS IF NEEDED PARTITION, FORMAT, MONITOR
- 13. Configuration Best Practices USE MONITORING TOOLS CONFIGURE HOT SPARES FORMAT, MOUNT RAID VOLUME ENABLE ALERTS
- 14. Managing RAID Arrays Monitor Monitor health, check logs Replace Replace drives promptly Run Run firmware/software updates Test Test backups regularly
- 15. Monitoring Tools SMART tools: GSmartControl, SmartCTL RAID software: MegaRAID, Dell OMSA OS tools: CrystalDiskInfo, badblocks Vendor diagnostics
- 16. RAID Maintenance Tasks Daily/weekly: Monitor health, review logs Monthly: Backup tests, environmental check As needed: Firmware updates, assign hot spares
- 17. RAID Warning Signs Degraded status messages Performance drop File errors or corruption Unusual drive noises SMART alerts
- 18. Real-World Use Cases RAID 0: Scratch/temp data RAID 1: OS & boot drives RAID 5: Office/file servers RAID 6: Archive servers RAID 10: Databases, creative work
- 19. Screenshot Example JBOD - Commonly used in our NAS devices
- 20. Screenshot Example RAIDs for VMHosts - In Open Manage Server Administrator
- 21. Screenshot Example RAIDs for SANs - In Dell PowerVault Manager
- 22. RAID Labs & Exercises IDENTIFY RAID IN SYSTEMS CREATE/CONFIGURE ARRAYS SIMULATE FAILURES AND REBUILDS MONITOR/REPORT HEALTH
- 23. Final Thoughts RAID = performance + redundancy Not a backup replacement Match RAID level to business needs Proactive maintenance is key
- 24. Q&A and Discussion Open floor for questions Share real-world scenarios and issues Recap major learning points