Download ReadyNAS for Home Software Manual

ReadyNAS for Home Software Manual
Adding More Disks
At a certain point, you will want more capacity. With typical RAID volumes, you have to back
up the data to another system (with enough space), add a new disk, reformat the RAID
volume, and restore the data back to the new RAID volume.
With X-RAID2, add the third disk using the ReadyNAS hot-swap disk tray. When adding
multiple disks at the same time, power down the ReadyNAS, add the disk(s), and turn the
unit back on. The X-RAID2 device initializes and scans the newly added disk(s) for bad
sectors. This is done in the background, so you can continue using the ReadyNAS while the
expansion proceeds. An email notice is sent when the volume has completed the expansion.
Replacing Disks for More Capacity
When more space is needed, but you are unable to install additional disks, you can still
expand the volume capacity by replacing the existing disks with higher capacity disks.
The ReadyNAS supports hot-swapping, so you can swap disks without turning off the unit.
Simply replace the first disk, and the ReadyNAS synchronizes the disk with data from the
removed disk. This process can take 30 minutes or longer, depending on disk capacity, but
you can continue to use the ReadyNAS while the new disk synchronizes. Upon completion,
replace the second disk with another higher capacity disk, and allow that disk to synchronize.
X-RAID2 expands the volume when a minimum of two disks are replaced. When you have
replaced the number of disks you want to replace (minimum of two), reboot the ReadyNAS to
initiate the background expansion. An email notice is sent when the volume has completed
the expansion.
Changing RAID Modes
X-RAID2 is the default technology used by ReadyNAS. However, for a more flexible option,
you can set ReadyNAS to Flex-RAID mode. This option allows you to assign a standard
RAID level so you specify a hot spare, and create multiple volumes.
The process involves setting the ReadyNAS back to Factory Default and using RAIDar to
configure the volume during a 10-minute delay during boot.
WARNING!
Setting the ReadyNAS to the factory default will erase all data.
For instruction on how to change RAID modes, see Changing between X-RAID2 and
Flex-RAID Modes on page 41.
For more about RAID, X-RAID2 and Flex-RAID, see Understanding RAID on page 102.
38 | Chapter 2: Managing Your ReadyNAS System