RAID 6 is a storage technology that combines multiple hard disks into a single logical drive. It is the most unique of all the types of RAID. Besides simple XOR, it uses a second parity code. It is a kind of expansion of RAID 5. The data is divided into two blocks, which are P and Q, and it is evenly distributed to the existing hard disks. With this, the users can access multiple disks at the same time. Also, in the reading process, the throughput rate is improved as compared to the single drives.
Pros of RAID 6
RAID 6 proves to be very useful in several ways:
It boosts the speed and capacity.
- It provides strong protection and prevents data loss.
- Also known as dual-parity RAID, it is useful in storing business-critical data because even if both the disks fail, the files still remain safe.
- In fact, it proves to be beneficial in improving data as it offers high fault tolerance.
Cons of RAID 6 & data loss
Reduced storage space is the most important con of RAID 6. Only 50% storage capacity is available. Write performance is also decelerated due to double parity. It is more expensive compared to other RAID arrays. If you think that the storage configuration is resistant to data loss, then it’s not true. Though it offers excellent protection, data loss can still occur. Reasons for data loss can be:
- If the number of disks that are used exceeds two, then they fail simultaneously.
- Firmware issues can cause disorganisation of disks.
- Silent data corruption spreads on multiple disks.
- Voltage spikes or atmospheric issues like heat can ruin hardware.
- Fortuitous deletion or misconfiguration can vanish the files.
Even with the top-grade hardware, RAID 6 is not an alternative for backup.
Malfunction types in RAID 6
It is very important to recognise different sorts of RAID 6 data loss circumstances. Classifying the ways in which the RAID 6 arrangement can fail:
- Single or dual disk failures: It is the most common failure leading to data loss, but as long as you act really quickly, the data is not lost.
- Failure of multiple disks: Arrangement can not recover on its own if three or more disks fail simultaneously.
- Software or restoration failure: If the process of restoration fails, it can leave the arrangement damaged, probably leading to data loss.
- Rational errors: Reformatting or mistaken erasure makes data unavailable, even if there is no kind of disk, hardware, electronic, or mechanical failure.
Data recovery is possible in cases when:
- There is a failure of a single or double disk, as it is within the parameters of the dual parity RAID 6. Therefore, the full dataset can be recovered.
- Multiple drives have failed. You can take help from iTechnology Australia for recovering your lost data. Either partial or complete recovery is still possible through specialised software, depending on the condition of the platters.
- Accurate information on the configuration is being read. Data retrieval is still possible by connecting the drives to a different system.
- The RAID system or the controller is damaged.
Backup is still required for data recovery in RAID 6, even if the above-mentioned cases are present.
Why must you avoid recovering RAID 6 data by yourself?
The technical challenges of RAID 6 can only be handled by data recovery experts. Therefore, the complexities of RAID 6 should not be handled by you, yourself. Trying to handle it all by yourself can lead to:
- Partial failure
- Confusion about the configuration
- Inconsistent data
- Swapping of drives.
And all these can lead to permanent data loss in many situations.
Conclusion
You can trust iTechnology Australia for your critical data recovery in RAID 6. With years of experience, our team of experts can help you retrieve your valuable data through our RAID 6 data recovery approach. We assure that your data is in safe hands with our team. Our aim is to retrieve your data safely in the minimum time. Also, our team of professionals will guide you on how to prevent data loss in the future.
