Introduction; Adaptec Arrays; Array Types - Adaptec AHA-3980 User Manual

Introduction

Adaptec array software lets you set up and manage RAID disk arrays
on NetWare systems that use Adaptec AHA-3980 or AHA-3985
RAID adapters. A disk array is a group of disks that appears to the
system as a single virtual disk. This is accomplished through soft-
ware. RAID (redundant arrays of independent disks) refers to disk
arrays in which part of the array storage capacity may be used to
store redundant information. The redundant information lets you
restore user data if a disk in the array fails.
A virtual disk is functionally identical to a physical disk. Depending
on the array type, however, the virtual disk has advantages in cost,
performance, reliability, or a combination of these. This chapter
explains the different array types and introduces the Adaptec array
software that lets you create them.

Adaptec Arrays

An Adaptec array is an array that was set up using Adaptec's array
software (see The Adaptec Array Software on page 1-4). Adaptec's
array software lets you create up to four nonbootable arrays of SCSI
disks, offering several array types.

Array Types

Array types are defined by their RAID level, a number from 0
through 6 (a higher RAID level does not indicate a higher level of
performance or reliability). Adaptec array software lets you create
RAID 0, 1, 1/0, and 5 arrays, those proven to be the most useful for
NetWare RAID applications.
Creating and Managing Arrays
Stock Number: 510685-00, Rev. A
Print Spec Number: 493069-00
Current Date: 3/3/99
1
1-1
Page: 1-1
ECN Date: 3/28/95