Section 3.docx

**3. Advanced storage solutions** **3.1** Lesson objectives **3.1.1** In this lesson, you will learn about the following: - - - - **3.2 Introduction to advanced storage techniques** **3.2.1** Audio, image, and video files take up large amounts of storage and processing power and as suc...

**3. Advanced storage solutions** **3.1** Lesson objectives **3.1.1** In this lesson, you will learn about the following: - - - - **3.2 Introduction to advanced storage techniques** **3.2.1** Audio, image, and video files take up large amounts of storage and processing power and as such more advanced methods of file storage are often needed compared to more traditional file storage mediums. Advanced storage techniques can include the use of: - - - - - - **3.2.2** **1. Enter the correct answer into the space below.** What is the correct abbreviation for Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks? Your answer: [ ] **2. Enter the correct answer into the space below.** What does the abbreviation NAS stand for? Your answer: [ ] **3. Enter the correct answer into the space below.** What does the abbreviation SAN stand for? Your answer: [ ] **3.3. Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID)** **3.3.1** Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) is a technique used to improve both the responsiveness and the resilience of SSD (Solid State Drive) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) storage systems. RAID arrays can be found in different modes, including: - **RAID 0 Striped:** This mode provides improved performance and additional storage. It doesn't provide any fault tolerance meaning that any errors on the disks could destroy the RAID. It works on a single disk. - **RAID 1 Mirrored:** Each disk provides the same information, which provides some fault tolerance. As data is repeated, read speed is increased (because it can be read from any disk), but write speed is decreased because all disks must be updated. This type of RAID needs at least two disks or an even number of disks to function. - **RAID 3-6 Striped Parity:** This mode requires at least three disks in an array. It provides not only fault tolerance but also parity checks and error correction. The parity information is stored on a single disk, so the other disks can continue working should one of them fail. The lost data can be calculated using the parity data stored on the parity disk. However, this configuration means losing storage space to increase redundancy. Various other forms of RAID also exist which can improve the resilience and performance of storage systems. **3.3.2 Select the statement you believe to be true from the choices below.** RAID 0 Striped uses between one and three disks for data storage. RAID 0 Striped uses one disk for data storage. -------------------------------------------------------------------- -- ------------------------------------------------------------------ -- Each disk in RAID 1 Mirrored provides the same information. RAID 1 provides parity checks and error correction. RAID 3-6 Striped Parity requires at least three disks in an array. RAID 3-6 Striped Parity requires at least six disks in an array. **3.4. Network Attached Storage (NAS)** **3.4.1** Network attached storage (NAS) is a file-level storage system connected to a computer network, allowing multiple users and devices to access and share files. NAS devices gained popularity as a convenient method of file sharing among multiple computers, as well as removing the responsibility of file serving from other servers on a network. How network attached storage works: **3.4.2** **Enter the correct answer into the space below.** Does network attached storage (NAS) use a block-level or file-level storage system? Your answer: [ ] -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- **How Does High Availability Work?** - **Resiliency** refers to a system's ability to withstand or spring back from operational disruption, and it is achieved by building redundancy into a solution. - **Redundancy** describes the inclusion of extra components (i.e. hardware and software) within an infrastructure, and replication of data across locations. These practices ensure that a system continues to function, even in the event of a component failure. They also ensure that data can be accessed at any time and from any location. **3.5.3 Enter the correct answer in the blank spaces.** High availability storage is a [ ] system that is continuously operational. A high availability storage system enables data to be kept in more than one [ ]. A high availability storage system requires a lot of duplication and [ ] to be put in place. **3.6. Storage Area Networks usage (SAN)** A storage area networks usage (SAN) is a dedicated, independent, high-speed network that enables shared pools of storage devices to access multiple servers. This means a server can access shared storage as if it were a drive attached directly to the server. **3.6.1** A SAN is typically assembled with cabling, host bus adapters (HBAs), and SAN switches attached to storage arrays and servers. A Host Bus Adapter (HBA) is a hardware component that allows a computer or server to communicate with peripheral devices, typically through a storage network. It acts as an interface between the system's data bus and external devices such as hard disk drives, solid-state drives, or storage area networks. HBAs provide physical connectivity and input/output processing capabilities that enable high-speed data transfer and efficient data management. A SAN is different to NAS as SAN is a local network which consists of multiple devices whereas a NAS is a single storage device that connects to a local area network. Shown below is a diagram which shows how SAN storage works. **3.6.2** -- -- -- -- **3.7. Modern distribution networks** **3.7.1** The monitoring of data usage and the availability of data capacity is an essential task that network managers must continually oversee to ensure the networks they manage run as intended and store all necessary data. This is particularly fundamental with modern distribution networks such as Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), in which data is continually being processed and stored across a series of interconnected servers grouped together as Points of Presence (PoPs) in various geographic locations. For further information about modern distribution networks, watch the video below. **3.7.2** [[https://youtu.be/Bsq5cKkS33I]](https://youtu.be/Bsq5cKkS33I) **3.7.3** Content Delivery Networks (CDN) speed up the loading of webpages for data-heavy applications by ensuring that, when a user visits a website, the content is stored on a Content Delivery Network that is geographically closer to the user. This ensures that the content reaches the user's computer system more quickly and functions as intended. It does this by ensuring GeoIP (GeoIP refers to the process of finding a computer terminal's geographical location by determining the terminal's IP address) users are referred to their closest PoP based on their IP address which maps them to a geographic location. Frequently used content is then cached on a CDN server to facilitate its download or streaming to the end-user. The diagram shown below provides a visual representation of how a Content Delivery Network works.  **3.7.4** **3.8. Cloud storage** **3.8.1** Cloud storage is another method which organisations can use to store their data on remote servers. Cloud storage works by an organisation agreeing with a cloud storage provider that they can store their data on their servers. This data is then accessed either through an Internet or dedicated network connection. The appeal to organisations of using this type of setup to store their data is that the cloud storage provider is responsible for securely managing and maintaining the storage servers, infrastructure, and network to ensure it works as intended. This means organisations can grow quickly as when they require extra storage, they can buy additional storage space without the need of purchasing, installing and maintaining physical servers. **3.8.2 Select the statement you believe to be true from the choices below.** Cloud storage works by an organisation agreeing with a cloud storage provider that they can store their data on their servers. Cloud storage works by an organisation purchasing an external server in which they can save their data remotely. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- A cloud storage provider is responsible for securely managing and maintaining their storage servers. A client is responsible for the upkeep of the servers which their cloud storage provider uses. **3.9. Hosted storage** **3.9.1** Organisations may choose to store their data through what is known as hosted storage. Hosted storage is the general term used to describe technology services with infrastructure located outside a recipient\'s physical location. Examples include websites, e-mails, backups and more. These types of services are typically stored on a single or group of servers and provide users with a direct online access. The hosted storage provider owns and operates the infrastructure which runs these services in a private location. This infrastructure is also used to deliver services to their clients offsite. **3.9.2 Enter the correct answer in the blank spaces.** - Hosted storage is the general term used to describe technology services with infrastructure located outside a recipient\'s [ ] location. - A website, e-mail and backups are all types of [ ] which can be provided with hosted storage. - The hosted storage provider owns and operates the [ ] which runs the services they provide to their clients. **3.10. Storing and processing contrasting types of data** Organisations often need to manage, store and process diverse types of data, ranging from business applications to social media content. To handle this data effectively, more than one data storage method may be employed. For example, an organisation may have data which is extracted through a business application they use. Simultaneously, they may store a large amount of video content that they use on their social media channels. To optimise their storage capabilities, organisations may choose to use one or more of the following storage methods: - Virtualisation - Hosted instance - Hosted solution - Clustering - Blockchain storage These methods provide unique advantages in managing and storing contrasting types of data and can help organisations meet the specific needs of their data storage and processing requirements. **3.11. Hosted instance** **3.1.1** A hosted instance is a type of virtual machine that runs on a cloud computing infrastructure. It allows users to run an operating system, such as Linux or Windows, and applications as if they were running on a physical computer, but with the added benefit of being able to access and manage the instance remotely. It is essentially a virtual representation of a computer that can be accessed over the Internet. Additionally, hosted instances are flexible in that they can be easily spun up or down depending on demand, giving users the ability to dynamically add or reduce capacity as needed. For further information about hosted instance, watch the video below then complete the activity. **3.11.2** Watch the following video: [[https://youtu.be/N5gworNCJuY]](https://youtu.be/N5gworNCJuY) +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **3.11.3** | Select the mistake in the below | | | sentence. | | | | | | A hosted instance is the virtual | | | machines that run operating | | | systems' memory such as Linux or | | | Windows. | +===================================+===================================+ | **3.11.4** | Select the mistake in the below | | | sentence. | | | | | | Instances can be spun up or down | | | depending on cost, giving the | | | ability to dynamically change | | | capacity as need increases or | | | decreases. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ **3.12. Virtualisation** **3.12.1** Virtualisation is the process of creating software-based version of hardware without sacrificing functionality. It is commonly used to save space, cut costs, and improve functionality and security. However, it can also be used to create extra capabilities on top of existing hardware. For example, it can take storage or some of its capabilities and divide them across several virtual machines. A virtual machine (VM) can open an operating system on a single device, including its own software. The VM\'s operation is independent of the host, meaning that it won\'t be affected if something goes wrong with the hardware used to access it. To ensure that VMs work as smoothly as possible, it is vital that there is a high level of virtual memory (Virtual memory uses both hardware and software to enable a computer to compensate for physical memory shortages, temporarily transferring data from random access memory (RAM) to disk storage. Mapping chunks of memory to disk files enables a computer to treat secondary memory as though it were main memory) available on the host computer. This helps applications improve overall performance and store and receive data. It\'s enabled by small additions to a machine\'s hardware, called segments or pages, which store the extra data that a physical machine cannot. Virtualisation can also involve the use of virtual desktops. Virtual desktops are hosted by a third party and companies don\'t have to deploy the technology to their on-site infrastructure, lowering costs and simplifying deployments. This is also the same with virtual applications. These are applications that are hosted remotely without users and companies having to store and maintain them locally. For example, databases can be stored virtually. Storing data virtually is similar to cloud storage as it is hosted off-site and appears to users as if it were a local networked drive. It can be managed, added to, backed up and made resilient in the case of disaster recovery. Virtualisation improves IT resource utilisation by treating a company\'s physical resources as pools from which virtual resources can be dynamically allocated. Virtualisation involves a shift in thinking from physical to logical, treating IT resources as logical resources rather than separate physical resources. Using virtualisation enables consolidation of resources such as processors, storage, and networks into a virtual environment which provides the following benefits: - Consolidation to reduce hardware cost. - Optimization of workloads. - IT flexibility and responsiveness. Virtualisation is the creation of flexible substitutes for actual resources --- substitutes that have the same functions and external interfaces as their actual counterparts but that differ in attributes such as size, performance, and cost. These substitutes are called *virtual resources*; their users are typically unaware of the substitution. Virtualisation is commonly applied to physical hardware resources by combining multiple physical resources into shared pools from which users receive virtual resources. With virtualisation, you can make one physical resource look like multiple virtual resources. Furthermore, virtual resources can have functions or features that are not available in their underlying physical resources. System virtualisation creates many virtual systems within a single physical system. Virtual systems are independent operating environments that use virtual resources. Virtual systems running on computer systems are often referred to as logical partitions or virtual machines. System virtualisation is most commonly implemented with hypervisor technology. *Hypervisors* are software or firmware components that can virtualise system resources. The following figure shows how virtualization shifts thinking from physical to logical domains. Virtualization shifts thinking from physical to logical domains There are two types of hypervisors: - Type 1 hypervisor - Type 2 hypervisor Type 1 hypervisors run directly on the system hardware. Type 2 hypervisors run on a host operating system that provides virtualization services, such as I/O device support and memory management. The following figure shows how type 1 and type 2 hypervisors differ.  **3.12.2 Select the answers you think are correct (there is more than one correct answer).** Which of the following are different types of virtualisation? Virtual storage -------------------------------- -- Virtual machine Virtual navigation Virtual memory Virtual printer Virtual desktop infrastructure Virtual applications **3.13. Clustering** **3.13.1** When storing data, a technique known as clustering may be employed. A cluster is a group of two or more computer systems that run in parallel together. This means the cluster works together to achieve a goal, distributing the workload and combining memory and processing power to improve the performance of the task being carried out. Some examples of clustering include: - **Cloud computing:** this involves using a layer of abstraction to use remote resources to perform activities. For example, you could use a cloud computing offering to convert a PDF le without having that software installed on your local machine. - **Cluster computing:** this involves using multiple less powerful machines in a unique way to create a more powerful machine. For example, the animation studio, Pixar, uses a 2,000 machine, 24,000 core networked cluster of machines to render its movies -- the power of all the machines together is far greater than any single machine could ever hope to be. - **Cluster cloud computing:** this involves using a layer of abstraction to use remote cluster computer systems to carry out large data operations. For example, you contract a cluster cloud computer system to run data analytics on every picture of text currently publicly available to train your Optical Character Recognition system. **3.13.2 Select the statement you believe to be true from the choices below.** A cluster is a group of two or more computer systems that run in parallel together. A cluster is a group of two or more computer systems that run in sequence together. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Cloud computing is the use of a layer of abstraction to use remote resources to perform activities. Cloud computing is the use of local resources to perform activities. Cluster computing is the use of joining multiple less powerful machines together in a unique way to create a more powerful machine. Cluster computing is the use of joining machines together to share and combine resources. Cluster cloud computing is the use of a layer of abstraction to use remote cluster computer systems to carry out large data operations. Cluster cloud computing is the use of local abstraction to access remote cluster computer systems to carry out small data operations. **3.14. Blockchain** **3.14.1** A blockchain is another method which can be used to store data. Blockchain storage is a way of saving data in a decentralised network, which utilises the unused hard disk space of users across the world to store files. The decentralised infrastructure is an alternative to centralised cloud storage and can solve many problems found in a centralised system. The goal of blockchain storage is to allow digital information to be recorded and distributed while remaining unchanged. A blockchain serves as the foundation for immutable ledgers, or records of transactions that cannot be changed, erased, or destroyed. As a result, it is often referred to as distributed ledger technology (DLT). Blockchain data storage therefore improves users\' privacy and security through encryption. However, it cannot, at present, provide the same fast speeds, low latency, and scalability as traditional storage solutions, such as hard disks or hard drives. **3.14.2 Enter the correct answer in the blank spaces.** - A blockchain is a method which can be used to [ ] data. - Blockchain storage is a way of saving data in a [ ] network, which utilises the unused hard disk space of users across the world to store files. - The goal of blockchain storage is to allow digital information to be recorded and [ ] while remaining unchanged. - Blockchain data storage improves users' privacy and security through [ ]. **3.15. Cloud computing** **3.15.1** Distinguishing between cloud storage and cloud computing can sometimes cause confusion. While both offer remote access to computing resources, they differ in terms of the types of services provided and how they are accessed. Cloud storage refers to the online storage of data and is primarily used for data backup, file sharing, and collaboration. Cloud computing, on the other hand, refers to the delivery of computing services over the Internet, including storage, processing power and software applications. Cloud computing enables users to access and use applications and data from anywhere with an Internet connection, without having to install or manage the underlying infrastructure or software. Cloud e-mail is a well-known service that offers comprehensive e-mail features and allows users to access them through the Internet. With cloud e-mail, a third-party host runs the e-mail server on behalf of the user in a distributed environment ensuring 24/7 access and maximising uptime. Gmail and Outlook are examples of cloud mail providers. Using cloud computing for e-mail can act as a backup facility since the e-mail provider stores and archives all e-mails. This means that if a system fails, their e-mail facility is unaffected as all e-mails are stored on the server of the e-mail provider rather than their own in-house servers. Cloud computing providers can also offer their users a file storage facility. Storing files via a cloud storage facility means files are stored on an external data server or series of servers located away from the user's location. When a user sends files over the Internet to the data server, the cloud storage provider saves a copy of the file. To retrieve the file, the user accesses the server through a web-based interface. Cloud data servers store the data for many different organisations and users, providing them with the ability to increase their data storage requirements quickly and cost effectively. Benefits of using cloud computing services include: - 24/7 access to services - Maximised uptime - Backup and recovery options - Scalable data storage (capacity of a system to expand and change without interruption as a company's data needs rise) - Cost savings compared to in-house servers **3.14.2** **Underline/highlight the correct term for each sentence.** - - - **3.15.3** Virtualised software is another feature which cloud computing can offer to its users. It enables users to create a virtual instance of a single or multiple computing resource. To do this, an application will be installed which will do all the normal associated activities with running an operating system on a physical computer. There are three types of virtualised software which exist: - **Operating system virtualisation:** A thin client connects to a server which emulates the operating system. One server can emulate many different operating systems at one time. - **Application virtualisation:** A technology that encapsulates the computer program within the operating system allowing an application to run as if it were native. - **Service virtualisation:** A development team can use virtual servers rather than physical ones. With the help of service virtualisation, a complex application can go through testing much earlier in the development process. It can be said that service visualisation is a technique to simulate the behaviour of some components in a mixture of component-based applications. Cloud service providers can offer users the ability to access and use applications remotely. This means the applications are installed away from an organisation/user and are hosted on a cloud infrastructure that users can access anywhere in the world providing they have an Internet connection. This service is advantageous to an organisation because they save money not only by avoiding cost of installing, maintaining or upgrade software, but also by accessing the software on a subscription basis. This means that they only pay for what they need, giving the organisations the benefit of being able to grow their business at speed if necessary. **3.15.4** Underline/highlight the correct term for each sentence. - - - **3.16. Benefits of cloud computing** **3.16.1** Cloud computing offers businesses a wide range of advantages, with one of the most significant benefits being cost savings. - By migrating to cloud computing, it can reduce the cost of managing and maintaining IT systems. The cost of system upgrades, new hardware and software may be included in a contract. There may no longer be a need to pay wages for expert staff and energy consumption meaning reduced costs, with these becoming the responsibility of the cloud service provider. - Another benefit of cloud computing is scalability and extensibility. Using the cloud as a business solution means businesses can scale an operation and its storage up or down quickly to suit a situation. Also, rather than purchasing and installing expensive upgrades, a cloud computer service provider can handle this. - Business continuity is another benefit of cloud computing. Having data stored in the cloud ensures it is backed-up and protected in a safe and secure location. Being able to access data again quickly allows a company to conduct their business as usual. It also minimises any downtime and loss of productivity which might occur because of a natural or man-made disaster. - Cloud computing also gives the advantage of collaboration to organisations and this is because cloud computing gives businesses the ability to share and collaborate with employees, contractors and third parties in a variety of ways. For example, choosing a cloud computing model that makes it easy to share records and accounts with company advisers or accountants, securely. - Cloud computing is a way for businesses to stay up to date with the latest technology. Access to automatic updates for IT requirements may be included in the service fee. This could include upgrades to servers and computer processing power, as well as software and hardware. - Flexibility is another significant advantage of cloud computing as it allows users to access data in a variety of ways. They can either access it at home, on holiday or via their commute to the office. Users can also quickly and easily retrieve their data through an Internet connection. For further information about cloud computing, watch the video below then complete the activity. **3.16.2** Watch the following video: [[https://youtu.be/mxT233EdY5c]](https://youtu.be/mxT233EdY5c) **3.16.3 Select the answer you think is correct.** Which of the following isn't a business benefit of cloud computing? Flexibility ------------- -- Cost Scalability Usability **3.17. Exam practice** In your book, on paper, or on your device, answer the following exam question. **3.17.1 Question 2(b), WJEC A Level Digital Technology, Sample Assessment Materials, Unit 3** Download file \[ https://resource.download.wjec.co.uk/vtc/2022-23/qw22-23\_1-7/past-papers/lesson-3/question-2-b.pdf \] -- -- **3.17.2 Now, download the mark scheme and self-assess your answers, making corrections where necessary.** Download file \[ https://resource.download.wjec.co.uk/vtc/2022-23/qw22-23\_1-7/past-papers/lesson-3/question-2-b-mark-scheme.pdf \]