What Is RDX?
RDX (Removable Disk Exchange) is a data backup system that uses removable disks.
RDX combines the advantages of both tape and disk-based systems. It is small and lightweight, yet extremely robust and resistant to physical shock, even when dropped from a height of one meter.
Data can be transferred by inserting the RDX cartridge into a dedicated drive and connecting it to a computer with a USB cable. This makes it similar to an external disk.
Furthermore, RDX can be carried offline or stored externally, thus serving to protect important data from computer virus attacks via the network.
Uses of RDX
The primary use of RDX is for system and data backup for small businesses and SOHOs (Small Office, Home Office). In many cases, small businesses and sole proprietors do not have engineers with specialized knowledge, and tape backup is difficult to handle.
RDX is relatively easy to handle, so even those without specialized knowledge can back up their important data to a sturdy RDX cartridge. RDX is also useful for data migration and transfer.
For example, if you are migrating data from an obsolete system to a new system, RDX can be used to capture the data. RDX is also used to consolidate data that is stored in many different locations.
In addition, RDX is suitable for off-site data storage. By storing data on RDX cartridges and moving them to an off-site storage location, data can be protected from risks such as natural disasters and data leaks.
Principle of RDX
RDX consists of a drive with a SATA or USB 3.0 interface and a removable cartridge. The cartridge contains a hard disk drive or SSD and is equipped with a buffer to absorb physical shocks.
System and data can be backed up by copying them to the hard disk drive or SSD inside the cartridge. After backup, the cartridge can be removed and stored in a safe place to protect against computer virus attacks.
In addition, multiple cartridges can be used to back up large sized data.
Types of RDX
1. External RDX Stand-Alone Drive
It has a USB 3.0 interface and allows insertion of a single RDX cartridge. It can be handled as an external disk by the computer and can be used with a variety of backup software.
2. Internal RDX Stand-Alone Drive
It can be installed in a 5-inch bay or 5.25-inch bay of a computer. Two models exist for the connection interface: USB 3.0 and SATA. Can be handled as a normal internal disk.
3. Rack-Mount Type
Multiple RDX cartridges can be installed at once in this rack-mountable type. It is connected to the computer via a 10Gb network. This product is mainly for servers.
Other Information About RDX
Data Backup Methods
There are two main types of methods for backing up computer data: tape-based and disk-based.
1. Tape type
The tape type has the advantage of durable cartridges and low cost, but it can only be accessed sequentially. As a result, arbitrary data cannot be retrieved and data transfer speeds are slow. Another drawback is that transferring data from tape to computer is cumbersome.
2. Disk type
The disk type is capable of random access and can retrieve arbitrary data. The advantage is that the data transfer speed is fast and the transfer procedure is simple, but the disadvantage is that it is vulnerable to shocks.
RDX backup compensates for these shortcomings by incorporating a small HDD (hard disk drive) in the RDX cartridge, which is covered with shock-absorbing material to protect the HDD from shocks.
RDX can be used just like an ordinary external HDD, and thus can compensate for the disk-type disadvantage of being vulnerable to shocks, while taking advantage of the advantages of HDDs.