zfs discuss - Sep 2011 - Beginner Question: Limited conf: file-based storage pools vs. FSs directly on rpool

Hi, everyone!

I have a beginner''s question:

I must configure a small file server. It only has two disk drives, and they
are (forcibly) destined to be used in a mirrored, hot-spare configuration.

The OS is installed and working, and rpool is mirrored on the two disks.

The question is: I want to create some ZFS file systems for sharing them via
CIFS. But given my limited configuration:

* Am I forced to create the new filesystems directly on rpool?
* Or should I create file-based pools and then create the new filesystems on
them?

Which configuration do you think can be better for my (forced) conditions?

Many thanks for your attention, have a nice day.

Ra?l.
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On 09/22/11 04:10 PM, Ra?l Valencia wrote:
> Hi, everyone!
>
> I have a beginner''s question:
>
> I must configure a small file server. It only has two disk drives, and 
> they are (forcibly) destined to be used in a mirrored, hot-spare 
> configuration.
>
> The OS is installed and working, and rpool is mirrored on the two disks.
>
> The question is: I want to create some ZFS file systems for sharing 
> them via CIFS. But given my limited configuration:
>
> * Am I forced to create the new filesystems directly on rpool?
You''re not forced, but in your situation is is the only practical
option.
> * Or should I create file-based pools and then create the new 
> filesystems on them?
>
Bad idea!

-- 
Ian.

2011/9/22 Ian Collins <ian at ianshome.com>
>
>> The OS is installed and working, and rpool is mirrored on the two
disks.
>>
>> The question is: I want to create some ZFS file systems for sharing
them via CIFS. But given my limited configuration:
>>
>> * Am I forced to create the new filesystems directly on rpool?
>
> You''re not forced, but in your situation is is the only practical
option.
It might be easier if you put it under a sub-filesystem. e.g:
rpool/share
rpool/share/share1
rpool/share/share2

That way if someday you have more disk, you can just use recursive zfs
snapshot and send to copy the data to new pool. Easier than copying
the data one by one.

-- 
Fajar

Raul,

 > I must configure a small file server. It only has two disk drives, 
and they are (forcibly) destined to be used in a mirrored, hot-spare 
configuration.

2 disks and mirrored *and* a hotspare ...?? Imho you need 3 disks to do 
this setup.
I just wanted to make sure you have your idea''s correct before you
start.

My 2 cents.

..Remco

On 9/22/11 6:10 AM, Ra?l Valencia wrote:
> Hi, everyone!
>
> I have a beginner''s question:
>
> I must configure a small file server. It only has two disk drives, and 
> they are (forcibly) destined to be used in a mirrored, hot-spare 
> configuration.
>
> The OS is installed and working, and rpool is mirrored on the two disks.
>
> The question is: I want to create some ZFS file systems for sharing 
> them via CIFS. But given my limited configuration:
>
> * Am I forced to create the new filesystems directly on rpool?
> * Or should I create file-based pools and then create the new 
> filesystems on them?
>
> Which configuration do you think can be better for my (forced) conditions?
>
> Many thanks for your attention, have a nice day.
>
> Ra?l.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> zfs-discuss mailing list
> zfs-discuss at opensolaris.org
> http://mail.opensolaris.org/mailman/listinfo/zfs-discuss
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> From: zfs-discuss-bounces at opensolaris.org [mailto:zfs-discuss-
> bounces at opensolaris.org] On Behalf Of Ra?l Valencia
> 
> I must configure a small file server. It only has two disk drives, and
they are
> (forcibly) destined to be used in a mirrored, hot-spare configuration.
 

I think you just mean a mirror.  If you had a hotspare, that would require 3
disks.

 

 
> The OS is installed and working, and rpool is mirrored on the two disks.
 

I take it you used the entire disks for rpool.  You can easily create
additional zfs filesystems in there...  Simply "zfs create /foo/bar"
and
then you will have granular snapshot abilities on that sub filesystem, etc.
But it will be part of rpool and therefore if users fill up that space,
rpool has also filled up.

 

You might benefit by setting either a quota or refquota on the
sub-filesystem.  You might benefit by setting a reservation or
refreservation on the rpool filesystem.  Check man zfs for more info.  zfs
set quota=200m /foo/bar

 

Another option you could pursue if you want:  You could partition the disks.
Let rpool exist in the first partition, and tank exist in the second
partition.  This would create a separation of the two pools, which might be
beneficial to you.  But it''s kind of a pain to partition your disk. 
The
level of difficulty varies based on which distribution and which version
you''re installing.

 

And the last option I can think of:  Depending on your HBA, you might be
able, in hardware, to split your disks into subvolumes, which appear
logically as different disks to the OS.

 

 
> * Or should I create file-based pools and then create the new filesystems
on
> them?
 

Don''t do that.  You''ll definitely be better off, by using one
of the options
I mentioned above.

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