N7700 and XFS??

[Rombout1]

I also really want to try out the xfs filesystem.
So I downloaded the latest firmware V2.01.07.4
I deleted mine current raid volume and created a new one.
But there is no option for xfs, only ZFS and EXT3.
Which beta are you using to get the xfs option?

[glotgering]

Strange...that is the correct firmware version. Perhaps they took it out. I still have the firmware I downloaded perhaps I can email it to you. Are you sure it is not there as an option? I am afraid to download it again because I am never going back.

Let me know

[Rombout1]

Can you please send me your firmware to "(is not necessary see next post)" so I can try again.

I allready did a factory default and removed any configuration I had.
Started to create a new raid volume but still there was only 2 options in the drop down list, ZFS and EXT3.

I was just thinking, after I flashed the beta firmware I also flashed the fan fix (1.0.0) as indicated in the readme with the beta firmware.
Did you do that too?

[Rombout1]

Yeah I have the XFS option.
I did a reflash of the latest beta firmware but this time without the fan fix and yes the option for XFS file system appears!
I 'm happy now.

I also have 7 x 1,5 seagate's, so I 'm going to test now
I really need a 8 terrabyte volume for my data and ZFS didn't really work for me!
And two raid volume isn't an option for me.
I will report back when there are any issues with the XFS file system.
If this works I will buy another one, because I really need the space.

[philhu]

I see XFS allows ACL's, does it allow Snapshots?

Can someone check?

[glotgering]

XFS does not allow for snapshots but that does not concern me. I wouldn't use them anyway

Fanfix? I never saw that options. I just upgraded the firmware and rebooted then created my RAID.

Where did you see the fanfix?

[philhu]

Fanfix is included in the 2.1.7.4 beta firmware upgrade.

It says to install the new firmware, reboot, and then run the fanfix update.

It is supposed to stop some CPU fan failure false messages.....

Don't know why that would cause the XFS not to work.

One final question.

Can XFS disks be used with NFS mounts? ZFS can't

Why wouldn't you use snapshots? They are great for backing up VMX and DB files.

[glotgering]

I just want to say thank you for those of you that are trying the XFS file system. I just happen to stumble onto it with I upgraded my firmware to fix my download manager problem. It was not even mentioned in the release notes. If enough of us try it and we like hopefully Thecus will hear our cry for a better file system and keep the support for XFS.

Remember it is still beta firmware and no one knows for sure if the XFS file system was even ready for testing. All I can say is that it appears to be working fine for me.

A few more updates on the XFS file system

I have taken a couple drives out (one at a time) and teste the autorebuild funtionality and it worked fine.

I have also tested the Expand RAID option and it worked fine

FTP also works but not with my AD accounts. I have to create a local user for them to be able to access the FTP site. So it appears that ACL's do not work with FTP. I never tested this with EXT3 so I can tell if there is a difference or not. Perhaps that is just how FTP permissions are assigned. Does anyone have any information on this?

Again thanks everyone for your support and let's make some NOISE about this file system. I know that Thecus reads these forums so make your opinions known.

[glotgering]

I now see the separate file for the fan fix but am I safe to apply it over my 2.0.07.4 firmware? or will I lose access to my data?

Any suggestions?

[glotgering]

Fanfix is included in the 2.1.7.4 beta firmware upgrade.
One final question.

Can XFS disks be used with NFS mounts? ZFS can't

Why wouldn't you use snapshots? They are great for backing up VMX and DB files.

Yes I believe XFS supports NFS mounts at least the option is there and it is supposed to work. I will be testing the functionality soon as well.

I see your point about the snapshots...since I only plan on using my thecus to store Media that will not change I probably would not use it. However you can still use the snapshot capability within vmware to take snaps of your images. But yes if used my thecus for a database I would like the snapshot option. However you can still schedule a task to backup your DB on a daily basis and would work much like the snapshots would. I guess what I am trying to say is that while the snapshot functionality would be cool to have it is not a show stopper for me. The positives far outweigh the negatives. EXT3 does not support them either and while ZFS does I understand ZFS has other issues.

[philhu]

Yes, ZFS has quite a few

No NFS, Slow access, buggy a bit, No AFP

XFS is great and I will use it, since my soon to be retired Buffalo Terrastation Pro II has XFS and is about twice as fast as EXT3 also with it, even though it still is 1/4 the speed of a Thecus!

[glotgering]

Yeah I liked the fact the Buffalo supported XFS but it is just too small. I am pleased with the performance of the Thecus but now it too is almost full 10.5 Terrabytes (9TB usable) just isn't what it used to be. There is a key on my keyboard that I have seen and I have even considered using it. Maybe you have heard of it. It is called the delete key. Normally the only way I delete files is when a hard disk crashes but since moving to RAID 5 a couple years ago that delete method is rather rare.

[glotgering]

If I install the Fanfix beta firmware will that remove my XFS support?

Has anyone experienced any problems with XFS file system?

[RainerStratmann]

If I install the Fanfix beta firmware will that remove my XFS support?

Has anyone experienced any problems with XFS file system?

Here the mail from Thecus for XFS-Implementation:

Dear Sir,

Thanks for your mail.
We had confirmation from RD engineers, the XFS is very similar to EXT3 and no any limitation or known problems found, till current moment.
In addition, XFS has maximum capacity of 16 Exabytes, around 16,000,000 TB. Should be enough for a couple of years.

About XFS, you may also refer to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XFS

Best Regards,
Thecus Support Team

Ticket History Rainer Stratmann (Client) Posted On: Jan 31 2009 07:12 PM
Hello,
will you implement the XFS-Filefomat in the next firmware of the N7700 for using all 7 Harddisks with one Raid 5 ??

or have you canceld this project?

Will the some limitation of XFS (NFS, FTP, SAMBA, WOL or anything else)?

Please answer, a lot of user are waiting for an acceptable solution using 1,5 TB or greater Harddisks!!!!!


Ticket Details
Ticket ID: SFD-961760
Department: N7700
Priority: Normal
Status: Closed

[msx8280]

Yes I agree
All this time there is a tremendous talk about XFS (that actually came from a firmware beta) but still no official announcement.

Yvon ?

[glotgering]

I got an update from Tech support today on XFS file support. I asked tech support 6 questions. The answers to the questions are in bold.

1) Are you aware of any problems with XFS file system?
1. We had confirmation from RD engineers, the XFS is very similar to EXT3 and no any limitation or known problems found, till current moment. In addition, XFS has maximum capacity of 16 Exabytes, around 16,000,000 TB. Should be enough for a couple of years.

2) Will you be releasing a new production firmware upgrade to support XFS?
3) What will happen to my data if I upgrade/downgrade to the next firmware upgrade if it doesn't support XFS?
4) Do you have any date when the next firmware upgrade will be available?
2, 3 & 4. We had confirmation from relate department, the XFS filesystem will be implement next official firmware. The late official firmware will be release in early March.

5) Can I perform any tests for you that would help this process of getting XFS file system support.
6) Can I just stay on the current firware indefinately?
5 & 6. If you have any problem with XFS, please kindly let us know.

So it looks like they are keeping support for XFS