String Layout in Redundant Disk Arrays

Authors:
Newberg, Lee
Wolfe, David
Technical Report Identifier: CSD-91-625
April 1991
CSD-91-625.pdf

Abstract: It has become economically advantageous to use arrays of inexpensive disks in place of fewer large disks. Some care must be taken to maintain high reliability in these new systems; adding extra disks to store redundant information achieves a system which is able to withstand some disk failures. The problem is exacerbated, however, when a controller or power line fails, and a string of disks go down simultaneously. We discuss how the strings should be laid out to maximize reliability of the system.