DISK ARRAY Meaning and
Definition
-
A disk array, also known as a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks), is a storage system that combines multiple physical hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs) into a single logical unit. It serves as an advanced method for organizing and managing storage resources to enhance performance, reliability, and fault tolerance.
In a disk array, several individual drives function together to form a single large storage unit. These drives are interconnected using specialized hardware, usually a controller or a set of controllers, that coordinates their operation. The array can be built using various RAID configurations, such as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, or RAID 10, depending on specific requirements.
Disk arrays provide several advantages. By merging multiple drives into one logical unit, they offer increased storage capacity, improved data access speeds, and enhanced data protection. Through the implementation of redundancy techniques, such as mirroring or parity calculations, disk arrays can ensure data integrity and allow for data recovery in case of drive failures.
Disk arrays are widely used in enterprise environments where high-performance, fault-tolerant storage solutions are essential. They are commonly found in servers, data centers, and storage area networks (SANs), providing reliable and scalable storage capabilities for various applications, including databases, email servers, multimedia streaming, and virtualization.
Etymology of DISK ARRAY
The word "disk array" combines two terms: "disk" and "array".
1. Disk: The term "disk" stems from the word "disc", which originated from the Latin word "discus", meaning "round flat object or dish". "Discus" is further derived from the Greek word "diskos", with the same meaning. In computing, "disk" became the common term to refer to a round, flat storage medium that allows data to be read from or written to.
2. Array: "Array" is derived from the Latin word "arrayus", meaning "preparation, combat". The term evolved to refer to an ordered or systematic arrangement of things. In computing, "array" specifically denotes a data structure that contains a collection of elements, usually of the same type, arranged in a specific order.
