HP Compaq Integrated Smart Array Controller - Manual (Page 107)

Compaq Confidential – Need to Know Required
Writer: CDresden Project: Compaq Integrated Smart Array Controller User Guide Comments:
Part Number: 153236-001 File Name: i-appb Understanding Drive Arrays.doc Last Saved On: 8/27/99 11:35 AM
Appendix
B
Understanding Drive Arrays
This chapter provides explanations of drive array concepts, data protection
methods, including fault-tolerance options, and data reliability features of the
Integrated Smart Array Controller. Before you configure your Integrated
Smart Array Controller, review the following general information so that you
are familiar with the terms and concepts required for configuration.
What is a Drive Array?
A drive array is simply a collection of hard disk drives or physical drives that
are grouped together to create an array of physical drives. An array is made up
of one or more subsets called logical drives (sometimes called logical
volumes), which are spread across all physical drives in the array. Operating
systems view logical drives as a single, contiguous storage space although it is
made up of parts of several physical drives.
The generic drive array illustrated in the first figure below consists of two
logical drives spread across three physical drives. The following three figures
illustrate other drive array configurations.