Configuring an extensible storage location

By default DS-System includes one extensible storage location, which is the backup root that was configured during the installation of the DS-System. This is also known as the primary storage location. However, you can configure as many extensible storage locations as required for storing backed up data.

• If the DS-System license is less than 2 TB, then one extensible storage location for the DS-System should be sufficient.

• If the DS-System license is over 2 TB, then all DS-System storage locations should be approximately the same size, and they should not be less than 2 TB.

Extensible storage works at the file-level, so each file must be saved entirely in the free space existing on that same storage location. This requirement applies for each generation backed up and applies during the reconstruction process as well. DS-System must always have sufficient free space available on a storage location to reconstruct the largest stored file on that location.

NOTE: By default, Windows DS-System does not allow adding multiple storage locations on the same file system. However, you can configure this option in the DS-System Advanced Configuration dialog box with the MultiStorage parameter. For more information, see “Configuring the advanced settings”.

3. Beside the Path box, click [...] and select a valid path visible to the DS-System computer.

4. In the Total Size box, select the total size (in MB, GB, or TB) available at the corresponding path.

5. In the Guard Size box, select a reserve amount (in MB, GB, or TB) to keep as a free space buffer for the corresponding path (for allocation tables). The guard size for a new extensible storage location should be about 10% of the total size.

NOTE: The amount in the Maximum Size box is calculated automatically based on the total size minus the guard size. Once DS-System reaches 100% of the maximum size for any of the DS-System's storage locations, DS-System will enter a read-only state and will reject all backup activities until some additional storage space is added to that storage location or some space is freed up on that storage location.

6. In the Maximum Files box, select the maximum number of individual files that should normally be stored on that location. This number should be based on the recommendations for the storage location's file system. This number is used to balance the data between different extensible storage locations (of the same storage group).

NOTE: Even if this number is reached, the DS-System will continue to save data on that specific storage location.

7. In the Storage Group box, you must associate the storage location with a storage group. For new storage locations, the <DEFAULT> storage group is selected by default.

NOTE: You can associate one storage group with multiple extensible storage locations. DS-System only balances the data across storage locations belonging to the same storage group.

8. To configure the list of storage groups, beside the Storage Group box, click [...]. The Storage Groups dialog box appears.

b) In the New / Edit Storage Group dialog box, type the required information in the Name and Description boxes, and click OK.

NOTE: Each storage group has its own internal ID number. If you change the name of a storage group that is already assigned to a storage location, it will update automatically (the internal ID does not change).

9. To integrate the extensible storage location with a specific NAS storage volume (separate purchase and configuration required), beside the Storage Volume box, click the [...] button. The Storage Volumes dialog box appears.

NOTE: This is where you map each NAS storage volume to a path (mount point or UNC path) so the DS-System can read, write, and delete data on that storage volume.

b) In the Storage box, select a NAS storage from the list or click [...] to define one. The Storages dialog box appears.

c) Click Add or Edit to define or change a NAS storage. You must supply the proper credentials and settings to access that NAS Storage and click OK.

d) In the Volume Name box, map the specific NAS storage volume name (defined on the NAS) that you want to use with the selected DS-System extensible storage location or click [...] to define one. The Select Volume dialog box appears. Select the volume name you want and click Select.

e) In the Volume Path box, select the path that the DS-System will use to the selected volume. This must be a valid mount point or UNC path visible to the DS-System.

f) In the Snapshot Path box, select the path of the snapshot for this volume. This must be a valid mount point or UNC path visible to the DS-System. DS-System will use the snapshot from this path.

NOTE: The Snapshot Path box does not appear for EMC VNX storage volumes because it is handled internally through the vendor API.

h) Once you have finished defining all the NAS storage volumes you require, click Close.

10. To set the fill levels for all storage locations, click the [...] button beside the Fill Levels box located at the bottom of the dialog box. The Update Storage Fill Levels dialog box appears.

NOTE: These are the levels at which DS-System automatically starts sending data to other storage locations within the same storage group until all locations have an equal fill level. DS-System sends backup data to the storage location that has the lowest fill level in its storage group.