Mapped RAID Level Selection via Rebuilding Speed Ratios

The patent segments the rebuilding process into multiple parallel operations by identifying and rebuilding multiple data blocks simultaneously across different disks. Instead of sequentially rebuilding one disk at a time, the system divides the failed disk's data into multiple blocks and reconstructs them in parallel using parity information from other disks, thereby increasing rebuilding speed while maintaining data reliability.

The patent performs preliminary identification of rebuildable data blocks before actual rebuilding occurs. By pre-analyzing which data blocks can be reconstructed using available parity information and identifying suitable target disks in advance, the system prepares the rebuilding environment beforehand, enabling faster execution of the actual rebuilding process while ensuring data integrity.

The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors and evaluates the reliability of mapped RAID configurations during the rebuilding process. The system calculates reliability metrics based on the current state of disks, parity information availability, and rebuild progress, then uses this feedback to dynamically adjust rebuilding strategies and provide reliability assessments to users, making the complex reliability evaluation transparent and manageable.

The patent changes the parameter representation of reliability from a complex, abstract concept to quantifiable metrics such as rebuild speed ratios and data loss probabilities. By expressing reliability in terms of measurable parameters like the ratio of mapped to non-mapped RAID rebuilding speeds and the probability of data loss under different failure scenarios, the system simplifies reliability evaluation and enables direct comparison between different RAID configurations.