FreeNAS

[re3dyb0y]

FreeNAS is a free NAS (Network-Attached Storage) server, supporting: CIFS (samba), FTP, NFS, RSYNC protocols, local user authentication, Software RAID (0,1,5) with a Full WEB configuration interface. FreeNAS takes less than 16MB once installed on Compact Flash, hard drive or USB key.
The minimal FreeBSD distribution, Web interface, PHP scripts and documentation are based on M0n0wall.

http://www.freenas.org/


Free NAS Software, may be of interest to some of you

Supports Raid and such

[blue68f100]

I'm going to have to give it a try. Reading the Documentaion it also supports HW RAID if the external card is supported by FreeBSD v6. So NO Builtin RAID Controllers unless they (MB mfg) supply the unix drivers. I have noticed that the RAID controller cards have been getting cheaper on ebay. No longer a demand with all of the builtins.

[re3dyb0y]

Yeah

Think im gonna have to try it on my 233!

[blue68f100]

I discovered my old USB flash drive is not bootable. So I am going to install a second HD, and try agian.

[blue68f100]

Installed it on a old P2, 333, 256meg ATA33, 100 full duplex. System drive is a Maxtor 7200 rpm 1.2 gig, Data drive is a 80 gig. Seagate 7200.2 PATA.
Installation was seamless. Installed from CD, FreeBSD 6.1 kernel. After restart you go through a simple setup, drives, network card, etc. Use the ping to test network connection. Was able to powerdown and move computer. Started up as Headless, retained network settings. Boot time approx 30 seconds.

Test Setup:
Desktop computer 3.2gig P4, 1gig ram, 250 gig. SATA HD. 100 Full Duplex Network, SMC 7008ABR Router.

Write test:

FreeNAS (JBOD, 1 drive) 508.5 meg in 1:22 = 6.2 meg/sec

Snap2200 (raid1) 508.5 meg in 1:57 = 4.3 meg/sec

This is 44% Faster than a 2200 in RAID1

This has Promise

Now I need to find 2 drives to test the Software RAID. But I don't think this old computer supports LBA48. I do have 2 - 160 gigs that came out of my 2200. I have a 1.8 ghz P4, 512meg RDRAM, computer I was planning on using it as my next NAS box. May have to look for a 4 disk RAID controller that is supported by FreeBSD. But I also have a SCSI Controller in stock, but no drives.

More to come !!!!!

[re3dyb0y]

Yup, definately seems promising


What were using to time this? Was this just with a watch/similar



And its FREEE!

[blue68f100]

I used a stop watch. Started it when windows posted it progress window. I figured the large file would minimize the error. I went to the FreeNAS first. So if there was any caching It should have helped the Snap 2200. When I get the raid going, I will transfer 1 gig+ files. May work up to 4.2 gig, closer to dvd capacity.

[blue68f100]

Update:

My old compter died after 25 hr of use. Tracked the problem down to bad ram. Replaced back up.......

Found another 80gig HD, was marked generating sector errors. Did an intensive surface test, over 5 hr /disk.

Having problems setting up Software RAID1. Getting error message; fdisk: geom not found.

[blue68f100]

Posted the error message on FreeNAS forum. The answer was raid will not work if you get "geom not found" error when you format for software raid. The bug has been confirmed and are working on a solution. It is a FreeBSD 6.1 bug. Will work in JBOD with the error.

[blue68f100]

Just received notification of new beta (0.642b) release for testing. Don't have time to test it. The firmware update feature through the browser is a nice feature for updating.

Did some testing this weekend on my network. It apears my max throughput through my old SMC 8 port router is around 8 Mbps. Pretty Slow, but its 4yr old technology. I will use a directlink between PC and NAS for further bechmarks.

[jontz]

Is your router supposed to be 10/100? If so, 8 Mbps is pretty slow even for something 4 years old...

[bobo5195]

There is always clarkconnect as well

[blue68f100]

Joltz, yes its a 10/100. SMC 7008ABR. For web surfing its fine. It exceds the 6 Mbps from my isp. I will run a test between my 2 P4 computers. Then I will know what its capable of handling. I run off a 125 Mbps wireless most of the time. I carry a crossover cable with me all the time. With 5 computers, Laser printer, Snap2200, and 1 spare which I connect guest computers too. Then I have a 12 port hub setup.

[blue68f100]

New Release v0.65 Added a lot more code for the raid functions.

MS Active Directory Setup
APF Setup (3.0 support)

Raid setup now works, with some minor tweeks. Raid drives do not auto mount on reboot, have to issue a cmd from the tools section. Then Retry on mounting point.

Did a file transfer of 2.5 gig in 390sec = 6.4Mbps. This was through my ailing router, with 2 P4 computers. My FreeNAS box is a 1.8 mhz P4, using 2 120 gig Hitachi drives from my 2200 snap.

Bugs found.

1. Raid drives not auto mounting.
2. Can not use Numbers in user names.
3. Can not assign more than 1 group to a user.
4. Did not fnd a way to assign users acces rights to folders.

[re3dyb0y]

Me thinks by the time it hits v1, or gets it closer it willbe rather good!

[blue68f100]

Yes to that.

But working with beta you learn all of the tricks for work arounds and config settings. You also get to request features you would like to see and they actually listen. The interface is already polished. Setup is easy. Allows you to reuse/recycle all of your old equipment. As if I need more >>>>>

[jontz]

Originally Posted by blue68f100

My FreeNAS box is a 1.8 mhz P4, using 2 120 gig Hitachi drives from my 2200 snap.

I know that you meant 1.8 GHz, but I was lol at the thought of going back to a 1.8 MHz computer in this day and age

[re3dyb0y]

LMAO

Even Pix 501's have 133mhz!

LOL

[blue68f100]

Recyling computer hardware is a good thing. My p4 is in a Antec 180 case, so I have plenty of drive space and cooling fans. The MB is a Intel MV850SE, with 512meg of RDRAM. So it not totaly outdated.

[jontz]

I totally agree with you. I have several "older" machines that do what I need them to do, and do it quite well. I take in computers like some people take in stray animals. When you accidentally said your computer was 1.8 MHz instead of 1.8 GHz, it just took me back to the days of my old 8086 and 8088 machines. Ahhh....the good old days of text based OS.

[blue68f100]

A type O on my part.
I have another computer set up for my elderly neighbor that I havn't delivered. Dial-up for email and web surfacing. Something for them to play with. Replacing their Compaq 286 with 24meg of ram.

My other test maching is in mhz 333 P2-3, I don't recall.

I don't have my Apple IIe any more.

[re3dyb0y]

Originally Posted by blue68f100

Recyling computer hardware is a good thing. My p4 is in a Antec 180 case, so I have plenty of drive space and cooling fans. The MB is a Intel MV850SE, with 512meg of RDRAM. So it not totaly outdated.

That's suppose to be a nice case

Saying that, i've a Lian-Li V-1100 Plus :P

[blue68f100]

When I purchased it I was thinking about using it for a server/nas box. It can hold 4 - 5 1/4, and 6 3.5" drives, current have 2 drive bays mounted. Has places for 5 fans, so it can get noisey, Have purchaed some stealth fans to replace some of the orginal Antec fans. Has a 430w antec true power. The only negative is Full Height and it is heavy if you need to move it. But it is a joy to work in with all the room. The HD are mounted in 2 3drive cages with a fan mount in front for cooling.

Actually I like the Antec Sonata case. The HD are turned 90 deg. On a vibration mount. Which makes real easy access. My desktop pc is using this case. The newer ones (II) have a duct for piping the heat from the out of the case. Comes complete with a 430W True Power 2.0 spec PS all for under $100.00

[jontz]

I have the Sonata case as well. Pretty well designed overall! I use this case for all my customers and they seem to like them as well. Been a while since I have had a full tower case in the house...I think the last full tower I built was a Pentum 133. I've been thinking about getting another one though since this whole FreeNAS thread has come up.

[blue68f100]

NEW Netgear Router FVS328 all connections 100 full duplex

Write test:

FreeNAS (RAID1) 739 meg in 1:32 = 8.03 meg/sec

Snap2200 (raid1) 739 meg in 3:22 = 3.6 meg/sec

My FreeNAS Box is a 1.8ghz P4, 512meg, 1 8gig boot drive, 2 x 120gig Drives for Software Raid 1, Netgear Nic 10/100/1000 sis chip. My original nic was a Realtec chip set.

File was copied from my 3.2ghz P4 Computer to Snap2200 and my FreeNAS. FreeNAS Box is Software RAID, where both drives are on the same ide controller. Where the Snap 2200 use hardware for RAID.