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Asked: 2024-09-26T02:53:45+05:30 In:

How can I configure a software RAID 1 array in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and set it up for data storage?

I’m diving into some home server projects lately, and I’ve decided I really want to set up a software RAID 1 array in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS for data storage. I’m not totally new to Linux, but I wouldn’t call myself an expert either. I’ve been doing some digging, but I feel like there are multiple ways to approach this, and I want to make sure I’m doing it right.

Here’s what I have in mind: I’ve got two identical hard drives, both 1TB, and I want to mirror my data across them. The goal is to make sure I have redundancy in case one of the drives fails, so I really don’t want to mess this up. My main concern is about the setup process. Is there a straightforward way to do this from the command line, or should I be looking into some GUI tools for the RAID setup?

Also, I’ve read that I need to partition the drives first, but I’m not sure if I should make the partitions the same size or if it even matters. Once the array is configured, what’s the best way to format it for storage? I’m thinking of using ext4, but I’m open to other suggestions if you have better options.

And how do I make sure the RAID array mounts automatically at boot? I don’t want to have to set things up manually every time I restart the server. Hands-on advice or any good tutorials would be super helpful too.

Finally, if any of you experienced users have run into issues with rebuilding the array after a drive failure, I’d love to hear about that. What should I be on the lookout for? I really want this to be reliable so I can store important stuff without worrying about data loss. Thanks in advance for any tips or guidance you can share!

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    2 Answers

    1. Setting up a software RAID 1 array in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is a great way to ensure redundancy for your data. Since you’re using two identical 1TB hard drives, the process begins with partitioning the drives. It’s generally recommended to make the partitions of the same size for consistency, especially since RAID 1 mirrors data. You can use the command line tools like ‘fdisk’ or ‘parted’ to partition the drives, ensuring each partition is equal in size. After partitioning, you can create the RAID array using the ‘mdadm’ command, which is the standard tool for managing software RAID in Linux. To set up the array, you would run a command such as `sudo mdadm –create –verbose /dev/md0 –level=1 –raid-devices=2 /dev/sda1 /dev/sdb1`, which creates the RAID 1 array at ‘/dev/md0’ using the two partitions.

      After your RAID array is set up, format it with ext4 using the command `sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/md0`. This format is widely used and highly reliable for various storage needs. To ensure your RAID array mounts automatically at boot, you will need to edit the ‘/etc/fstab’ file. You can add an entry like `/dev/md0 /mnt/raid1 ext4 defaults 0 0` to this file, adjusting the mount point as necessary. Regarding potential issues after a drive failure, monitor the /proc/mdstat file for the status of your RAID array. If a drive fails, replace it and use the `mdadm –manage /dev/md0 –add /dev/sda1` command to rebuild the array. Always ensure you have backups of critical data, even when using RAID, as data loss can still occur under certain conditions. Resources like the official Ubuntu documentation or community forums can provide further tutorials and insights.



    2. Setting up RAID 1 on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

      Setting Up Software RAID 1 on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

      Sounds like an exciting project! Setting up a software RAID 1 array is a super way to ensure your data stays safe. Here’s a straightforward approach you can follow using the command line:

      1. Install mdadm

      First thing, you’ll want to make sure you have mdadm installed. This is the tool that helps manage RAID arrays. Open your terminal and run:

      sudo apt update
sudo apt install mdadm

      2. Partition the Drives

      Yes, it’s a good idea to partition both drives. You can use gparted or fdisk if you’re comfortable in the terminal. Make sure to create partitions of the same size on both disks. Here’s a quick command to see your drives:

      sudo fdisk -l

      Then you can use fdisk /dev/sdX (replace X with your drive letter) to create partitions.

      3. Create the RAID Array

      Once your partitions are set, run the following command to create the RAID 1 array:

      sudo mdadm --create --verbose /dev/md0 --level=1 --raid-devices=2 /dev/sdX1 /dev/sdY1

      Make sure to replace sdX1 and sdY1 with your actual partition names.

      4. Format the RAID Array

      Next, you’ll want to format the new RAID array. Ext4 is a solid choice for most setups. Here’s how to format it:

      sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/md0

      5. Mount the Array Automatically

      To make sure your RAID array mounts at boot, you’ll need to add it to the /etc/fstab file. First, get the UUID by running:

      sudo blkid

      Then, edit /etc/fstab by adding a line like this:

      UUID=your-uuid-here /mnt/raid1 ext4 defaults 0 0

      Replace your-uuid-here with the actual UUID you got from the previous command and adjust the mount point as needed.

      6. Be Prepared for Drive Failures

      If a drive fails, you can easily replace it. Just remove the failed drive from the array using:

      sudo mdadm /dev/md0 --remove /dev/sdX1

      Then add a new drive:

      sudo mdadm /dev/md0 --add /dev/sdZ1

      Monitor the rebuilding process with:

      cat /proc/mdstat

      Keep an eye out for any errors during rebuilding, and always have a backup of your important data just in case!

      Helpful Resources

      For more detailed guidance, check out tutorials on sites like DigitalOcean, HowToForge, or Ubuntu’s official documentation. They’ve got great step-by-step guides!

      Good luck! You’re going to do great with this setup!


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