Final answer:
A redundant array of independent disks (RAID) provides fault tolerance and improved performance by using multiple hard drives to store and distribute data. It achieves fault tolerance by creating duplicates of data across multiple drives, and it improves performance by distributing data across multiple drives, allowing for simultaneous data access.
Step-by-step explanation:
A redundant array of independent disks (RAID) provides fault tolerance and improved performance by using multiple hard drives to store and distribute data. It achieves fault tolerance by creating duplicates of data across multiple drives, so if one drive fails, the data can still be accessed from the remaining drives. As for performance, RAID can use different techniques to improve read and write speeds by distributing data across multiple drives, allowing for simultaneous data access.
- RAID 0: Also known as striping, this RAID level splits data across multiple drives. This improves read and write speeds, but offers no fault tolerance as there is no data redundancy.
- RAID 1: This RAID level creates a mirror of data across two drives. If one drive fails, the other can continue to function, ensuring fault tolerance. However, read and write speeds are not improved.
- RAID 5: This RAID level distributes data and parity information across multiple drives. Parity information allows for data recovery in case of drive failure, providing fault tolerance. It also improves read and write speeds.