Expanding an existing software RAID5

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Anonymous
Unregistered

Posted on 9 July 2007 @ 16:46

I've built a software RAID5 machine based on FreeNAS. I started out with 4 500 Gb Samsung disks but now I want to add another 4 disks to the already existing RAID5 set. Is this possible or should I just build a new RAID5 set? Would not be my first option as I would then loose another disk to parity.

Enlightenment
Administrator

105 posts

Posted on 9 July 2007 @ 18:10

I've written an expansion script for geom_raid5. It works on FreeBSD, but currently not on FreeNAS (which misses some utilities). I'm still working on that.

Aside from that, i haven't tested the script thoroughly enough for people to start expanding their data. If it were *my* data, and i wouldn't have a backup, i wouldn't trust it yet. So i would not recommend it to others as well. Yet, if you could backup the data you certainly don't wish to loose, you might want to try it. But my guess is you do not have a backup, is that right?

Take control of the input and you shall become master of the output.

Rick0
Unregistered

Posted on 27 August 2007 @ 12:14

Can i test your expansion script, Enlightenment?

Enlightenment
Administrator

105 posts

Posted on 28 August 2007 @ 15:15

Sure, check your email. $:\)$

Take control of the input and you shall become master of the output.

yuri
Member

2 posts

Posted on 19 October 2007 @ 22:31

can you send it to me too?

y.

mgb
Member

3 posts

Posted on 18 April 2008 @ 10:18

and me $;\)$
thanks

vargo
Member

2 posts

Posted on 20 April 2008 @ 16:16

Me as well please :). I now have a 3x500GB setup, to which I'd like to add 4 more disks. Thanks in advance!

arne
Member

2 posts

Posted on 24 April 2008 @ 11:40

hi! paging dr. fluffles... where r u? bye arne $<:\)$ $\^_\^$ $y$

Enlightenment
Administrator

105 posts

Posted on 26 April 2008 @ 15:06

Hello! Sorry, i was on vacation.

I sent you guys a private message with the link. Please don't distribute it yet.

The expansion works on FreeBSD 6.2 amd64, any 32-bit i386 version will FAIL. I was working on a replacement of the internal php calculator, which cannot handle 64-bit numers in 32-bit mode. But that work is not finished yet.

Warning: use this script for testing only, not for real data unless you have a 100% good backup. I made changes to the script which i haven't tested very well yet. Also, do not try this on FreeBSD 7.0 since the 'geom back door' through which expansion is possible, is sealed with duct tape by the devs.

I am planning to release an .iso or .img file which contains a pre-configured FreeBSD system suitable for expansion, to avoid any problem of a bad configuration. The script does many sanity checks, though.

Take control of the input and you shall become master of the output.

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