Boot device replacement

[mururoa]

Hi there,

I'm affraid my boot device (USB key) is slowly dying.
2nd key failing in one year :(
I already bought a new USB key using SLC cells to replace it.
The plan is :
- install new FreeNAS on the new key using another computer and another IP address since the real NAS is hard to move.
- dont setup anything on the new install outside new IP address
- save the config from the actual NAS.
- shutdown the NAS, remove the key, insert the new key, boot.
- upload configuration form saved one and possibly change the IP if it dont comes with the config.
Is that ok ?
No problem from installing with another computer ?

Another question.
New key is SLC and 32 GB. Can I use a some GB for ZFS metadata ?
If yes, how ?

 

[Bidule0hm]

"save the config from the actual NAS" it should be already backed up actually.

The procedure should be :

- save the config from the actual NAS.
- install new FreeNAS on the new key using another computer and another IP address since the real NAS is hard to move.
- shutdown the NAS, remove the key, insert the new key, boot.
- upload configuration form saved one and possibly change the IP if it dont comes with the config.

I recommend you a SSD if you're tired to replace your USB sticks ;)

Can I use a some GB for ZFS metadata ?

I don't understand the question.

 

[mururoa]

ZFS metadata : ZIL (SLOG), L2ARC.
I mean partition some way the 32 GB to get some, say 16 GB for FreeNAS, some for L2ARC and some for SLOG.

 

[Bidule0hm]

No, you can't do that (and even if you could you'll have a lot of problems).

 

[Ericloewe]

ZFS metadata : ZIL (SLOG), L2ARC.

That is not what metadata means.

Besides, as @Bidule0hm implies, even if it were possible and even if SLOG or L2ARC made sense, sharing devices among these functionalities won't be a pretty sight performance-wise.