RAID 5 Graphical analysis of the working principle and characteristics

RAID 5: Independent Data disks with distributed parity blockshttp://www.sansky.net/wp-content/2007/06/windowslivewriterraid5-9c8bclip-image002.gif

Characteristics/Advantages

1. Highest Read data transaction rate

2. Medium Write data transaction rate

3. Low ratio of ECC (Parity) disks to data disks means high efficiency

4. Good aggregate transfer rate

Disadvantages

1. Disk failure has a medium impact on throughput

2. Most complex controller design

3. Difficult to rebuild in the event of a disk failure (as compared to RAID level 1)

4. Individual block data transfer rate same as single disk

Recommended Applications

1. File and Application servers

2. Database servers

3. WWW, E-mail, and News servers

4. Intranet servers

5. Most versatile RAID level

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