Introduction
This article aims to provide a detailed guide on migrating your data from a deceased Netgear ReadyNAS RN104, specifically with a RAID5 array, to a NAS device of a different manufacturer. You will learn about RAID5, the migration process, and how to safely manage your data throughout the procedure.
Understanding RAID5
RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks. It provides a method for combining multiple hard drives into a single logical unit, offering better performance, redundancy, and data protection.
Key Concepts
- Striping: distributing data across all available drives.
- Parity: a calculated value used for data redundancy based on a specific RAID configuration.
- Rebuilding: recalculating parity and reconstructing the RAID array after drive failure or replacement.
# RAID5 layout example (data blocks combined with parity block):
Drive 1: |Data block 1|Data block 2|Data block 3|Parity block 1|
Drive 2: |Data block 4|Data block 5|Data block 6|Parity block 2|
Drive 3: |Data block 7|Data block 8|Data block 9|Parity block 3|
Drive 4: |Data block 10|Data block 11|Data block 12|Parity block 4|
RAID5 Migration to a Different Manufacturer NAS
Transferring your RAID5 configuration from a Netgear ReadyNAS RN104 to a NAS of a different manufacturer involves several steps. Here is the recommended process:
Step 1: Prepare the New NAS Device
Format the drives in your new NAS for RAID5 if the manufacturer allows it
# Example using mdadm (Linux-based platform):
mdadm --create /dev/md0 --level=5 --raid-devices=4 /dev/sda1 /dev/sdb1 /dev/sdc1 /dev/sdd1
Step 2: Copy Data and RAID Configuration
Clone the data and RAID configuration from the Netgear ReadyNAS RN104 to the new NAS device
# Example using dd (Linux-based platform):
dd if=/dev/md0 of=/dev/sdX1 bs=4M status=progress && sync
Replace /dev/sdX1 with the first disk in the new RAID5 array.
Step 3: Rebuild RAID on the New NAS Device
Rebuild the RAID5 on the new NAS device using the manufacturer's tools
Step 4: Resize File System (if needed)
Resize the file system to use all available capacity after migration
# Example using resize2fs (Linux