Stack HCI Raid

Question

For building Azure Stack HCI, we no need to configure RAID on hardware controller right?

Stack HCI will use S2D and this similar with RAID technologies?

Answer 1

Hello @Handian Sudianto

You're correct! When building Azure Stack HCI, you do not need to configure RAID on the hardware controller. Azure Stack HCI uses Storage Spaces Direct (S2D), which is a software-defined storage solution that provides similar functionalities to traditional RAID but with more flexibility and efficiency.

Key Points about Storage Spaces Direct (S2D):

• Software-Defined Storage: S2D pools together the local storage of each server in the cluster to create a highly available and scalable storage solution.
• Resiliency Options: S2D offers various resiliency options such as mirroring and parity, similar to RAID levels, to protect against drive and server failures.
• Performance: By leveraging technologies like NVMe and RDMA, S2D can deliver high performance and low latency storage.
• Simplified Management: S2D integrates with Windows Admin Center and Azure for simplified management and monitoring.

In summary, S2D in Azure Stack HCI provides the benefits of RAID without the need for hardware RAID configuration, making it easier to manage and scale your storage infrastructure.

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Answer 2

Hey,

S2D don't need hardware RAID Controller. It needs direct access to the drives, because it takes the control over the drives. There are RAID controller, which support direct SAS passthrough though. You will need to check that with hardware vendor. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/storage-spaces/storage-spaces-direct-hardware-requirements

If RAID controller doesn't support that, StarWind VSAN can be used as a shared storage option for Failover Cluster. https://www.starwindsoftware.com/starwind-virtual-san

Cheers,

Alex Bykovskyi

StarWind Software

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