Multiple level raid architecture
OwnerThomas F. Meehan, Raymond A. Bahar +2inventors
InventorsThomas F. Meehan, Raymond A. Bahar, Garrick Yeung, Rajendra Bhadra
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Abstract
A method, apparatus, and system for implementing a multi-level redundant array of independent disks (RAID) architecture to increase data storage system performance and/or redundancy of data. In one embodiment, the RAID architecture includes, at the lowest or n-th layer, a plurality of nodes or storage devices implementing striped, mirrored, and/or other RAID algorithm, and assigned a system identification or LUN (logical unit number). Each LUN is part of a larger data storage system that may employ one or more other RAID organizations such as a RAID 4 or RAID 5.
Claims18
An apparatus, comprising:
- a plurality of storage devices divided into a first set of one or more storage devices and a second set of one or more storage devices;
- a first RAID controller;
- and
- first and second secondary RAID controllers coupled to the first RAID controller, said first secondary RAID controller coupled to the first set of storage devices and said second secondary RAID controller coupled to the second set of storage devices.
A data storage system, comprising:
- a first RAID controller to receive a data stream and perform at least a first RAID type on said data stream to provide first and second sub-data streams;
- and
- first and second secondary RAID controllers coupled to said first RAID controller, said first and second secondary RAID controllers to receive said respective first and second sub-data streams and each to perform respective second and third RAID types on said first and second sub-data streams.
A method of storing data in a RAID architecture, comprising:
- receiving a data stream from a host;
- operating on said data stream according to a first RAID type to provide first and second sub-data streams, and distributing said first and second sub-data streams;
- receiving said first sub-data stream, operating on said first sub-data stream according to a second RAID type to provide a plurality of first data units, and distributing said plurality of first data units;
- and
- receiving said second sub-data stream, operating on said second sub-data stream according to a third RAID type to provide a plurality of second data units, and distributing said plurality of second data units.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.