Information Dispersal Algorithms

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What Does Information Dispersal Algorithms Mean?

Information dispersal algorithms are algorithms that are used for routing pieces of a data set to different storage locations in order to allow for more sophisticated data management. In other words, they provide a method for storing data or pieces of it in different disks for redundancy purposes.

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Techopedia Explains Information Dispersal Algorithms

In general, information dispersal algorithms take a particular data set and scatter it into different storage media or take some parts of a data set on different trajectories to eventual storage locations. In some cases, information dispersal algorithms abstract data packets by cutting them up into “slices” or pieces, and routing these different pieces to different disks or other storage destinations. Information dispersal algorithms are often used for redundancy so that if one disk is compromised, the data itself will not be compromised. Network engineers may use certain methodologies for working with data in transit such as using virtual private networks to support agile retrieval of data after it has been stored in these tiny pieces.

Information dispersal algorithms are used in various situations. They may be used, for example, with a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) design, although some experts suggest that the information dispersal algorithm approach builds on the traditional RAID design to offer even more advanced redundant and secure storage.

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Margaret Rouse
Technology Specialist
Margaret Rouse
Technology Specialist

Margaret is an award-winning writer and educator known for her ability to explain complex technical topics to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles in the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret’s idea of ​​a fun day is to help IT and business professionals to learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.