RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a technology that allows you to combine multiple physical disks into a single logical storage unit in order to improve performance and/or provide redundancy. There are several different RAID levels, each with its own characteristics and trade-offs.
When choosing a RAID level for a Linux file server, the best option for read and write performance will depend on your specific needs and the hardware you have available. Some common RAID levels that are often used for file servers include:
RAID 0: Provides the best read and write performance, but does not provide any redundancy. If any disk fails, all data is lost.
RAID 1: Provides good read performance and moderate write performance, and provides redundancy by mirroring data across multiple disks. If a disk fails, the system can continue to operate using the remaining disks.
RAID 10: Provides good read and write performance, and provides redundancy by combining the features of RAID 1 and RAID 0. Data is striped across multiple disks, and the striped data is mirrored across additional disks. If a disk fails, the system can continue to operate using the remaining disks.
RAID 5: Provides good read performance and moderate write performance, and provides redundancy by distributing parity information across multiple disks. If a disk fails, the system can continue to operate using the remaining disks and the parity information to rebuild the lost data.
RAID 6: Similar to RAID 5, but provides additional redundancy by using two sets of parity information. If a disk fails, the system can continue to operate using the remaining disks and the parity information to rebuild the lost data.
Ultimately, the best RAID level for your Linux file server will depend on your specific needs and the hardware you have available. It is generally a good idea to consider the trade-offs between performance and redundancy, and choose a RAID level that strikes a balance between the two.