What is the primary function of RAID 1?

The primary function of RAID 1 is data mirroring. This method involves duplicating the same data across two or more hard drives, ensuring that if one drive fails, the other can take over without any loss of data. This redundancy is critical for maintaining data availability and integrity, making RAID 1 an effective choice for systems where uptime and data protection are paramount.

In contrast, RAID configurations that involve striping or parity focus on performance or storage optimization rather than straightforward data redundancy. RAID 1 is particularly esteemed in environments where data reliability is essential, as it provides a straightforward solution to avoid data loss. The mirroring process allows for quick recovery from hardware failures, fostering both confidence in data safety and simplicity in backup strategies.