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RAID Configuration and Implementation

You've probably heard this phrase before: "The devil is in the details". Well, this probably applies to the computing field as much as any other, if not more, and it certainly applies to RAID. All the discussion of RAID concepts, levels, fault tolerance and performance are made with the implied assumption that the RAID array will be properly configured and implemented. If this is not done, you can quickly discover just how wide the gulf is between theory and the "real world". :^)

Though perhaps not as interesting to read about as RAID levels, information about the different ways to set up RAID arrays and the various constraints and issues involved in implementing an array are no less important. In this section I will cover some of the topics related to actually creating a RAID array. This includes a look at hardware and software RAID, RAID controllers, interfacing issues, drive selection criteria, and RAID management. I also explore some advanced RAID features that can be critically important when setting up a high-availability array, such as hot spares and drive swapping.

Next: RAID Controllers and Controller Features

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