Optimal striping in RAID architecture

Abstract

To access a RAID (redundant arrays of inexpensive disks), the disk stripe size greatly affects the performance of the disk array. In this article, we present a performance model to analyze the effects of striping with different stripe sizes in a RAID. The model can be applied to optimize the stripe size. Compared with previous approaches, our model is simpler to apply and more accurately reveals the real performance. Both system designers and users can apply the model to support parallel I/O events. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.