Understanding TrueNAS JBOD Servers: A Comprehensive Guide

[Dan]

Understanding TrueNAS JBOD Servers: A Comprehensive Guide

In the world of data storage, businesses and tech enthusiasts often face the challenge of managing large volumes of data efficiently. As the demand for scalable and flexible storage solutions continues to grow, systems like TrueNAS and JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks) have emerged as popular choices. This article aims to explain what TrueNAS JBOD servers are, their benefits, how they work, and why they are a reliable solution for enterprise storage needs.

What is TrueNAS?​

TrueNAS is an open-source storage platform developed by iXsystems. It is designed to provide high-performance, scalable storage with robust data protection features. TrueNAS is built on the ZFS (Zettabyte File System) file system, which is known for its advanced data management capabilities, including data integrity checks, compression, snapshots, and deduplication. TrueNAS offers both a free community version (TrueNAS CORE) and an enterprise version (TrueNAS SCALE), which extends support for clustering and virtualization features.

TrueNAS can be used for a wide variety of storage needs, from home users to large enterprise-level deployments, supporting configurations ranging from basic single-disk setups to complex multi-petabyte arrays.

What is a JBOD Server?​

JBOD stands for "Just a Bunch of Disks," which refers to a storage configuration that uses multiple hard drives without any RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configuration. Unlike RAID systems that combine multiple drives into one logical volume for redundancy or performance benefits, JBOD simply groups multiple drives together, allowing each drive to operate independently.

In a JBOD configuration, the drives appear as separate volumes in the system, and data is stored on individual disks. There is no mirroring, striping, or parity. This setup is cost-effective, offering large storage capacity without the need for complex RAID management.

TrueNAS JBOD Servers: Combining TrueNAS and JBOD​

A TrueNAS JBOD server combines the flexibility of a JBOD configuration with the power of TrueNAS software. The main appeal of such a system is the ability to scale storage easily by adding more drives as needed. This is especially useful for businesses that deal with large datasets and require both flexibility and performance without incurring the cost of higher-end RAID configurations.

In a TrueNAS JBOD setup, each individual disk can be added to the TrueNAS pool, providing the benefits of TrueNAS's powerful file system features while keeping the storage configuration simple. TrueNAS supports JBODs through its ability to use ZFS, which means you can configure storage pools with individual disks and still enjoy advanced features like:

1. Data Integrity Checks: ZFS ensures that data is accurate and free from corruption. Even when using JBOD, TrueNAS provides checksums to protect the data on each disk.
2. Snapshots and Clones: Even with JBOD, TrueNAS users can create snapshots of the entire storage pool, enabling quick backups and restores of data.
3. Compression and Deduplication: TrueNAS can automatically compress and deduplicate data across your storage pool, maximizing efficiency and minimizing space usage.
4. Scalability: TrueNAS JBOD servers are highly scalable. You can add more drives to the system without worrying about the complexity of traditional RAID arrays.

Benefits of TrueNAS JBOD Servers​

1.​

One of the primary benefits of a TrueNAS JBOD server is its cost-effectiveness. Since JBOD doesn’t require complex RAID configurations, it saves money on expensive RAID hardware. Additionally, because each drive is independent, users have the flexibility to mix and match different sizes and types of drives, enabling gradual expansion.

2.​

TrueNAS’s web interface makes managing a JBOD server straightforward, even for users without extensive technical experience. The system’s powerful ZFS file system provides data protection, while the TrueNAS GUI simplifies drive management, making it easy to add, remove, or replace disks.

3.​

Although JBOD doesn't offer the same level of redundancy as RAID, using TrueNAS gives the system high availability through its built-in data protection mechanisms. For example, data can be replicated across multiple storage devices in a way that minimizes the risk of data loss. Even if a disk fails, the system can recover using TrueNAS's advanced features.

4.​

A JBOD configuration allows for seamless storage expansion. As your storage needs grow, you can add more drives to your TrueNAS server without significant downtime or disruption to the system. This makes JBOD an excellent option for businesses looking for an expandable solution that can evolve with their needs.

5.​

When configured with fast storage devices, such as SSDs, a TrueNAS JBOD server can provide excellent performance without the overhead of RAID systems. Users can enjoy high-speed data access while keeping costs low by utilizing individual drives.

Use Cases for TrueNAS JBOD Servers​

TrueNAS JBOD servers are ideal for various use cases, including:

• Data Archiving: For companies needing to store vast amounts of data without requiring advanced redundancy features, TrueNAS JBOD offers a flexible and cost-effective solution.
• Media Storage: For video editing, 3D modeling, or large media libraries, JBOD servers can store large files without the need for complex RAID setups.
• Backup Storage: TrueNAS JBOD servers provide a simple solution for offsite or backup storage, especially when large capacity is needed without the requirement for immediate data protection or redundancy.
• Virtualization: TrueNAS SCALE can also use JBOD for storing virtual machine images, containers, and other large datasets, especially in environments where high availability is handled at the application layer.

Potential Downsides of TrueNAS JBOD Servers​

While TrueNAS JBOD servers offer a lot of benefits, they also come with a few drawbacks to consider:

• Lack of Redundancy: Since JBOD configurations don’t use RAID, data redundancy and fault tolerance are not inherent. If one drive fails, the data on that drive may be lost, unless additional backup strategies are employed.
• Performance Variability: In a JBOD setup, performance can vary depending on the individual disks used. For example, if the disks are not of the same type or speed, the overall performance may be inconsistent.

TLR​

TrueNAS JBOD servers provide an effective and affordable storage solution for users who need to manage large volumes of data without the complexity and expense of traditional RAID systems. They offer scalability, data protection, and the flexibility of adding more disks over time. However, users must be mindful of the potential lack of redundancy and carefully manage their backups and data integrity.

For businesses or home users looking for cost-effective storage that scales with their needs, TrueNAS JBOD servers are a powerful option to consider. With TrueNAS’s user-friendly interface and advanced file system features, JBOD configurations can be highly efficient for a variety of use cases, from archiving and media storage to virtual environments.

 

[Dan]

I can't find this in the documentation.
I'm converting several storage servers to a single, big, TrueNas. they all have duplicate servers, acting as backups. If there's a loss of data, disk crash, and I lose it all, I can copy from Backup over. It can be down for some time.
One of the servers is a JBOD array of 2TB, 3TB and 4TB disks. I want to move the disks, I know I'll have to copy the data over, into my truenas server, reducing the number of servers. I will then gradually buy the right disks and replace the jbod with a raid solution.
How do I create a JBOD in Truenas?

 

[Dan]

It is helpful if you use the correct terminology. We can guess for JBOD you mean "Striped Pool", with no redundancy. And for "raid solution", you mean ZFS RAID-Zx or Mirroring. Here is a guide on ZFS terminology;

Terminology and Abbreviations Primer

We realize that new users have a lot to learn when they come to FreeNAS. There's a certain amount of confusion added to discussions when users pick random/approximate terms to describe things. I've spent a lot of time quietly trying to...

www.truenas.com

Unfortunately that terminology primer does not mention Striped Pools.

If you can clarify what you mean by JBOD, that would be helpful. In some instances, JBOD implies the use of an external disk tray without any RAID controller, (so the disks appear as "Just a Bunch Of Disks").

Generally TrueNAS attempts to push the user into well supported choices, (aka pools with redundancy). I think you can use the Advanced option to make a Striped Pool.

 

[Dan]

Thanks for getting back to me. Sorry I wasn't clear. Currently I have a windows server with a volume that has been extended to include three 4TB drives, a 3TB drive, a 2TB drive and two 8 TB drives.
I'm going to replace them with a raid solution at a later date, as I gradulaly buy new 12 TB drives. I just want to move them into TrueNAS, with my first 12 TB drive to replace the older drives and remove a server to save power.

TrueNAS, (Core or SCALE), generally wants the pool's configuration decided at the start. Adding disks is problematic in the sense you can't convert a Striped Pool into a RAID-Zx pool, (without full backup and re-creation).

You can add a Mirror disk to a Striped disk, converting that single disk vDev into a Mirror vDev. If you have say 2 disks in a Striped Pool, you can add a Mirror disk to each, and convert the pool from no redundancy to 2-way Mirror redundancy. Some people think mirror pools are better because you can add 2 disks at a time to "grow your pool". Or replace 2 existing disks with larger ones to "grow your pool". But, you sacrifice 50% of your storage to Mirroring.

However, a RAID-Zx pool would require a new RAID-Zx vDev to "grow your pool". Or replace every disk in an existing RAID-Zx vDev to "grow your pool".

That's just a bit of background on initial design choices.

If you need to start with a single 12TB disk, you can certainly do so. In TrueNAS SCALE, (I don't have access to the Core GUI at the moment), I can;
Storage -> Create Pool -> Add Available Disks -> Striped, (default if one disk)
Check the "Force" option and accept the warning.
Create

That should create what you asked for, a striped disk pool.

 

[Dan]

Thank you all for your really helpful advice, It's much apprechiated
But I have some good news, My wife just bought me 3 x 14 TB drives, so I can stripe them.

Now I have a question about controllers, but that's another post, as I think others will benefit from the ansewr. Once again, thank you.

 

[Dan]

Please ignore me a moment people. I'm just testing something out for a friend. See whether our forum has clout in SE's for this type of terminology. Not sure if it does.