RAID Enclosure / Subsystems

A Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) enclosure and its subsystems comprise an external array of solid-state drives and hard drives. It offers data protection and higher speed performance when using computers that handle large media and program files. RAID subsystems are available as either software or hardware. There are different RAID configurations to suit various computing and storage requirements for increased performance and efficiency.

The RAID 0 Enclosure Provides Better System Performance

The RAID 0 enclosure has two or more disks through which the subsystem partitions files and organizes data to integrate the system as a single RAID storage system. The enclosure works with a few drives to save on space, and it combines their read and write speeds to provide faster throughput. It is recommended that you use RAID 0 storage subsystems with reliable backup systems in high availability situations to improve data redundancy. Some enclosures have controllers/RAID cards that help manage the drives as a logical unit to drive performance.

Raid 5 and 6 Enclosures Give Increased Speed and Redundancy

A Raid 5 enclosure has at least three drives to provide faster speeds and significant protection from data loss. In action, drive three sums up the data in drives one and two, and if drive two dies, the data is retrievable by comparing drive one and drive 3's data. RAID 6 enclosures have at least four drives to provide higher redundancy and improved read performance. RAID enclosures are best suited to provide redundancy support for a barebones server and other large storage arrays. Pre-configured Mac® and PC Edition RAID 5 and 6 enclosures are easy and convenient to set up and operate with Mac and Windows® systems.

Combine Raid With Effective Host Servers

Hybrid RAID storage systems include RAID services from the host for affordable, dependable RAID functions with supported operating systems and hardware components. Most operating systems provide direct support for host-based software applications that manage the RAID calculations of attached hard disk drives.

Hybrid RAID subsystems have a hardware component that delivers RAID BIOS services from RAID BIOS on an I/O interface or motherboard. The hardware component provides an additional layer of redundant protection from boot errors, and is well-suited for application in server racks/cabinets.

Hard Drive Array Enclosures Offer Flexibility and Extensive Data Protection

An external hard drive array enclosure is portable for convenient use on the go. A size 2.5” enclosure can access laptop drives and a 3.5” enclosure can access desktop drives, run backups, and extend motherboard and internal bay storage capabilities. Most rackmount RAID storage enclosures have external interfaces for SAS, SATA and Ethernet connectivity to promote optimal use. The compounds have dual-bay docks with built-in eject fixtures for seamless docking while multitasking.

An external hard drive case keeps internal computer temperatures low, extending the working lifespan. IDE and SATA connections support different drives for improved flexibility and additional data protection. Choose a drive device with the right interfaces to facilitate multiple connections for running backups via various PCs.