bitförbitreplikering

Bit-för-bit replikering, often translated as bit-by-bit replication or bitstream replication, is a method of data copying where the exact contents of a storage medium are duplicated at the binary level. This process involves reading every single bit from the source and writing that identical bit to the destination. Unlike file-level copying, which focuses on individual files and their metadata, bit-for-bit replication creates an exact replica of the entire storage structure, including partitions, boot sectors, and unallocated space.

This technique is frequently used for creating forensic images of hard drives or other storage devices. By performing a bit-for-bit copy, investigators ensure that no data is altered or missed, preserving the original state of the evidence for analysis. This is crucial in legal proceedings where the integrity of digital evidence is paramount.

Another common application is disk cloning, where an exact copy of an entire drive is made to facilitate upgrades or replacements. This ensures that the operating system, applications, and all user data are transferred without requiring reinstallation. However, bit-for-bit replication can be time-consuming and requires the destination storage to be at least as large as the source. It also copies empty or deleted space, which might not always be desirable if only active data needs to be transferred.