Disk striping is an interesting process that sees a large set of data split up into smaller files that are spread across multiple systems. Someone engaging in disk striping is attempting to protect their data by not allowing it to be seen in its complete form, or they are spreading out the data as it is simply too large to be held in one place. This article will offer an explanation of the process, where it is useful and what may be done to keep data organized.

How Is Disk Striping Completed?

The data from a large set of files is split up into equally-sized blocks that are stored in different locations. The data may be spread from one computer to another, or the data may be split between multiple servers. Someone who is using the technique must have a look at their storage locations, determine how much data may be stored in each location and how sensitive the data is. The process of striping the disks continues as all the data is moved to its new location.

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Dividing Data Evenly

The data must be divided evenly before it is split, and the group of files sent to differing locations is named a RAID group. The group is brought together when the data must be used as a set, and the devices that hold the data have the data numbered for easy access. The people who are retrieving data will find each piece of data marked as part of a set, and it may be called back from each device where needed.

Is Striping Necessary At All Times?

There are quite a few instances in which the data must not be split because there is not much of it to split. The striping process may make the data sets too complicated, and there may not be a reason to split everything for the protection of the set. Encryptions are quite complex in the modern world, and only the most-sensitive information may be split up for the safety of everyone involved.

Using Software For Striping

There are quite a few software programs that will connect to the computer where data is collected. They may be attached to a number of different accounts for the purpose of spreading out the information, and someone who does not wish to split the data lone may allow the program to do the work for them. The program will split data in seconds, and it will label data for the user. The program will keep record of where the data was sent, and it will be sent immediately over a secure Internet connection.

The process of striping disks must be considered for classified or secret files, and it helps save space for data that is simply too large to be kept in one place. The computers that are used for storage are labeled within a software program that splits the data, and they may be used to find the data again in the future. Companies that engage in the striping process may ask their technicians to move around data often, and they will have a technique that helps them save space, protect their intellectual property and ensure they are properly maintaining their information.