Windows Storage Server 2016 - RAID10 array, flexibility on volumes

Question

Hello,
we bought a single server with Windows storage 2016 and 12 12TB HDDs grouped in a big RAID10 array. Now we need to use that big space to serve various share, for users and backups.
How can i configure that big array in windows in order to have flexible volumes? I formatted the big array as a basic disk but now i can only configure volumes as partitions: this can be a problem because i am able to extend volumes (partitions) only with contiguous space.
I read about dynamic disks but seems to be deprecated in Windows server 2016 and storage pools are recommended to be used without RAID HBA in place.
Which solution can i adopt?

Thanks

Answer 1

Hi,

Thanks for your posting!

Firstly, RAID 10 itself provides disk mirroring's data protection advantages, so I think backup should not be a problem. Here is an article for you to better understand RAID 10:

https://searchstorage.techtarget.com/definition/RAID-10-redundant-array-of-independent-disks

(Please note: Information posted in the given link is hosted by a third party. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy and effectiveness of information.)

Secondly, I wonder where you found the information that dynamic disks seemed to be deprecated in Windows server 2016. It would be much helpful if you could give me the link where you found this information. In this way, I could better understand the environment you expect to have.

Thirdly, since you mentioned storage pools, I think it could be an appropriate solution for your disk configuration, considering that you may have multiple users. Here is the information:

https://docs.qnap.com/nas-outdated/QTS4.3.4/en/GUID-30B68423-7B8F-42DB-A19B-B5A18EA867BE.html

Besides, considering you have a standalone server, I guess you need a way to better manager your users' access to your server, then I may recommend you work folder:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/work-folders/work-folders-overview

Thanks for your support to our service and products! Have a nice day! : )

BR,
Joan

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Answer 2

Hello,
in this document (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/fileio/basic-and-dynamic-disks) i red that dynamic disks were deprecated: it was suggesting using storage pools. I think they would be the right solution but Microsoft recommend to use it on controller without RAID functionality, that i am using and i don't want to lose. This is mentioned in the prerequisites in the following doc:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/storage-spaces/deploy-standalone-storage-spaces
Thanks
Paolo

Answer 3

Hi,

Thanks for your reply!

After my research, storage space does not support RAID functionality, so this method is not recommended.

For dynamic disk, it functions like software RAID, so you don't have to use it. Actually, you do not necessarily need any applications or service to configure your storage, your hardware with RAID 10 has already covered the functions of dynamic disks and of storage space. Basic disks are fine.

In addition, if you need more specific suggestions about your storage configuration, you can give us more details about what you exactly expext from your storage configuration.

Thanks for your support!

BR,
Joan

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Answer 4

Hello,
thanks. In my situation i configured my 12 HDD to part of a RAID10 array. So i have this big disk on my server in which i would like to create volumes that i can grow as much as i need. If i create simple volumes i can grow them only if they have contiguous space because they are partitions, this is a big limitation.

Answer 5

Hi,

Thanks for your patience!

After researching on this issue with my senior colleagues, we think the best practice for you is to seek direct help from your storage vendor who may have certain skills similar to our dynamic disk. And I think they can meet your demands properly.

Also, you can post your needs on our feedback website, to let our product group notice your expectations for our products in the future. Here is the link:

https://windowsserver.uservoice.com/forums/295047-general-feedback

Besides, I find your issue can be really useful for the public, especially those who have a similar issue with yours, I suggest you to Accept Answer to the replies on this blog, so those people can get access to this blog more quickly (Accepted Answer blog will rank top in Q&A forum).

Thanks for your understanding and support! Wish you have a wonderful day! : )

BR,
Joan

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