Accusys ExaRAID GUI - Manual (Page 272)

Appendix
B-3
stripe sizes can coexist in single disk group. This largely improves the
utilization of disk space as well as simplifies the configuration planning.
• Online volume management
The firmware provides online volume management to build LUNs of multi-
level RAID by striping over two or more logical disks for higher performance
(aggregating horsepower of more disks), better reliability (multiple
independent parity), and larger capacity (distributing data over more
disks). To further utilize the disk space, a capacity-oriented volume can be
created by concatenating multiple logical disks of different capacity to
form storage with huge capacity. Without the embedded volume
management, the administrator is required to use different host-based
volume management software for different operating systems, which results
in difficulties in managing volume configurations and risks of configuration
lost if there is anything wrong with the host computers.
• RAID quick setup
Within very few steps, the administrator can complete the RAID
configurations for all disks as well as basic system settings. The RAID quick
setup is provided through multiple user interfaces: Web GUI, CLI, and LCD.
By the RAID quick setup, a reliable storage system can quickly be available
within only a few minutes, needing no sophisticated expertise.
B.4 Comprehensive RAID Configurations
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technologies are deemed as
the most promising solutions for building disk-based massive storage systems
with high performance and reliability. The RAID controller firmware provides
comprehensive RAID levels and stripe sizes such that a storage system can
fulfill different types of requirements. In addition, valuable enhancements
are also provided to offer useful flexibilities. Combining with flexible storage
provisioning and presentation, the firmware can unleash the power of the
controller and meet users’ needs.
• Comprehensive RAID levels
The firmware supports a variety of RAID levels: RAID 0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 10, 30, 50, 60,
NAND, and JBOD. You may freely choose the RAID levels that fit your
applications well with a balanced set of performance, capacity, and
reliability.
• Selective stripe sizes
The firmware supports stripe sizes of 4KB, 8KB, 16KB, 32KB, 64KB, 128KB, 256KB,
and 512KB. To serve small-sized access, smaller stripe sizes are advised to
shorten the response time and increase the number of accesses processed.
On the other hand, for bulky-data access, bigger stripe sizes are advised to
improve the throughput.