Hello!
Distributed RAID Expansion is a non-disruptive process that will actively add storage in chunks into the main storage pool (so trickle in capacity) as it re-stripes the data across the added capacity.
Here are the rules for Distributed RAID Expansion:
1. You can expand an existing array (live, no downtime) in increments of 1-12 (any number inclusive).
2. For drive types that allow more than one rebuild area you can add additional spare regions on expansion
3. You cannot change the drive geometry (so a 10+P+Q remains a 10+P+Q on expansion)
4. only 1 expansion can be active for any Array at any given time.
5. You must have spare capacity in order to expand, the more spare capacity you have in the array, the faster the expansion, as with easy tier, the array requires some swing space to perform the data movement.
6. Capacity will trickle in to the pool, you won't get 100% when you run, and the task will run in the background as a lower priority than active IO or rebuild to avoid disrupting the system.
For a really good write up, I recommend Barry and Andy's blog, the specific article is: https://barrywhytestorage.blog/2020/03/25/draid-expansion-the-important-details
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Evelyn Perez
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Original Message:
Sent: Mon August 23, 2021 07:31 AM
From: Khurram Saood
Subject: Adding a single Flash Core Module in existing 7200 storage array
Hi All Need a quick advise from installation POV on my below query:
Just suppose we have a scenario with IBM Flash SYSTEM Storage (5100/7200/9100) . We have a storage with 12x19.2TB (9+P+Q) FCMs installed in it . Now we want to add a single 19.2TB FCM to be added at later stage as MES Upgrade. Will we able to add it in the existing array as data drive (as being the part of it like the new array after MES Upgarde, it becomes 13x19.2TB width, 10+P+Q + a hot spare) without removing & re creating the existing pool again.
If yes can you guide how its possible. A swift reply will be appreciated.
Khurram Saood
Sr. Platform Solution Specialist
GBM Pakistan
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