What is the primary advantage of using RAID 10?

The primary advantage of using RAID 10 is the combination of improved redundancy and performance. RAID 10, also known as RAID 1+0, is a configuration that combines the mirroring capability of RAID 1 with the striping functionality of RAID 0. This dual approach provides a robust solution for data integrity and speed.

When data is written to a RAID 10 array, it is striped across multiple disks, which enhances read and write speeds due to concurrent access to multiple disks. At the same time, mirroring ensures that each piece of data is duplicated on another disk, which safeguards against data loss in the event of a disk failure. This setup allows for continuous operation and reliability, making RAID 10 particularly suitable for environments where high availability and performance are critical, such as in database applications and high-transaction systems.

While it does provide advantages in redundancy and performance, it is important to note that RAID 10 requires a minimum of four disks and can be more costly compared to other RAID configurations that may offer increased storage capacity or a simpler implementation. However, the key strength lies in its ability to deliver both speed and security, which are essential in many enterprise-level applications.