Patent ID: 6629211
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for accessing data in a redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) subsystem including a RAID controller having a cache and a plurality of disks, the method comprising the steps of:(a) utilizing the cache in a write back mode if the RAID subsystem is lightly loaded so that the data is written to the cache prior to storing the data on at least one disk of the plurality of disks or prior to outputting the data from the RAID subsystem, wherein the write back step (a) further includes the step of (a1) utilizing the cache in the write back mode if the cache has an occupancy that does not exceed a predetermined threshold; and (b) utilizing the cache in a write through mode if the RAID subsystem is heavily loaded so that the data is written directly to at least one disk of the plurality of disks.