Infortrend RAID Controller Manual

Chapter
10
Advanced Configurations
This chapter aims to discuss the advanced options for configuring
and maintaining a RAID system. Each function will be given a brief
explanation as well as a configuration sample. In this chapter,
configuration screens will only be demonstrated in terminal mode.
Some of the functions require basic knowledge of RAID technology
and the practice of them is only recommended for an experienced
user.
10.1 RAID Expansion
What is it and how does it work?
Before the invention of RAID Expansion, increasing the capacity of a
RAID system meant backing up all data in the disk array, recreating
disk array configuration with new drives, and then restoring data
back into system. RAID Expansion allows users to expand a logical
drive by adding new drives, or by copying the data from the original
member drives to the new ones, and then replacing them without
powering down the system.
10.1.1 Logical Drive Expansion
Introduction:
When there is an unused capacity in a logical drive, the user can
make use of this unused capacity by expanding the logical drive. An
unused capacity is usually created by replacing the original members
with drives of larger capacity; or, by adding new drive(s) to a logical
drive. After expanding a logical drive, the additional capacity will
appear as another partition (a new partition). The diagram below
illustrates this idea.
Advanced Configurations 10-1