What benefit does RAID provide to data storage?

RAID, which stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is primarily designed to improve data storage in two fundamental ways: redundancy and performance. By utilizing multiple disk drives, RAID can implement data mirroring or striping, ensuring that data is not only stored across several disks but also protected against drive failures. This redundancy means that if one disk fails, the system can still function, and no data is lost.

In terms of performance, RAID can enhance read and write speeds, as data can be accessed from multiple disks simultaneously, allowing for improved overall system responsiveness. Different RAID levels, such as RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 5, provide various balances of these benefits, catering to the needs of different environments, whether they prioritize data safety or speed.

The other options do not accurately reflect the core functionalities of RAID. While encryption and network access can be managed through other means, they are not intrinsic benefits of a RAID system. Thus, the combination of redundancy and enhanced performance is what fundamentally defines RAID's value in data storage solutions.