Pages Menu

Elastic Network Data Storage

150_faq_head

General (3)

What is LucidNAS?

LucidNAS is a software that converts any Intel or AMD-based server into a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device. It has been designed to be super-easy to use while delivering enterprise storage features.

 

What is LucidFiler?

LucidFiler is a storage server that ships with LucidNAS software pre-installed. LucidFiler comes in many different models and varying storage capacities – from 4 to 60 drives in the main enclosure. Infinitely customizable, LucidFiler can be configured for just about any storage application.

How does LucidNAS differ from other storage products?

There are both differences and similarities that LucidNAS has when compared with other storage products. What sets LucidNAS apart from its competition, however, is:

  • Elegant simplicity
  • Data storage reliability that’s second to none
  • Secure design from the ground up
  • All available advanced features are included upfront
  • No vendor “lock in”. As a customer, you always have access to your data
  • Licensing that’s fair to the customer

We believe that Simplicity + Great Design = Usability

LucidNAS Specific Questions (5)

How is LucidNAS administered?

Most administration tasks are performed via the web GUI. LucidNAS has full command line functionality as well for those who require it.

What protocols are supported?

Right “out of the box” LucidNAS supports the following storage protocols:

  • NFS
  • CIFS/SMB
  • iSCSI
  • Infiniband

Does LucidNAS support 10 Gigabit Ethernet?

Yes, full 10Gbit Ethernet support is provided. Intel and Myricom 10Gbit ethernet adapters have been tested and are preferred. Both copper 10GBASE-T and optical SFP+ connections supported.

 

What RAID Levels are supported?

LucidNAS truly moves beyond traditional RAID. The data integrity features it provides far surpass those of legacy hardware RAID arrays. LucidNAS supports:

  • RAID 0 – striping
  • RAID 1 – mirroring
  • Two-way mirror (recommended if you use 3TB drives)
  • Three-way mirror  (recommended for 3TB+ drives)
  • RAIDz – similar to RAID 5, single rotating parity (but without “the write hole”). Any one drive can fail without data loss.
  • RAIDz2 – similar to RAID 6, double parity. Any two drives can fail without data loss.
  • RAIDz3 – triple rotating parity (no traditional RAID equivalent). Any three drives can fail without data loss.

 

Does LucidNAS support Advanced Format hard drives?

Absolutely. LucidNAS supports and takes full advantage of the new Advanced Format hard drives using 4K sector size.

 

LucidFiler Specific Questions (2)

Can LucidFiler be custom configured?

Absolutely! Custom configuration is our specialty. We can completely customize your storage server based on either your requirements or our assessment of your environment. Please call or email the sales department at sales@lucidti.com to discuss the specifics.

Does LucidFiler storage server use hardware RAID?

No, it does not. LucidFiler uses ZFS filesystem which provides RAID functionality that is superior to any hardware RAID. Here are just a few reasons why:

  • LucidFiler has a much more powerful processor with plenty of excess capacity for RAID calculations. It easily outperforms even ASIC-assisted hardware RAID controllers.
  • LucidFiler has more RAM for caching than a hardware RAID controller.
  • End-to-end checksumming prevents data corruption.
  • Only the data that has changed is rebuilt if a disk fails, no sector-by-sector rebuilds taking days like a traditional hardware RAID.
  • No proprietary data structure means no vendor tie-in. Take the drives out of the enclosure and move it to any server capable of understanding ZFS, import the pool and all your data is there. This is not possible with a proprietary RAID controller.

In short – better performance, superior reliability and data integrity, quick rebuilds, and you are in control of your data.