I have been running TrueNAS for a few years now and I want to reconfigure/expand my storage array. It is a case of if I knew then what I know now. I have two goals, one is to have a true backup array of all of my data and two to reconfigure my main storage array and add an Optane-based ZFS special device in the process. Before I do this, I want to make sure I am doing this the best and most efficient way possible since it is going to take a long time to copy all of that data and I want to get it right the first time.
I have a 24-bay Super Micro server and a 45-bay Super Micro JBOD. When I am done, with all of this the plan is connect the 45-bay JBOD to a second server to act as a backup-only server. For now, I plan to connect the JBOD to my 24-bay server with its own HBA.
To copy all of the data, my plan was to setup the backup drive array and send all of the data to it with ZFS send. Once I verify all of the data has been copied, I plan to blow up my current array, reconfigure it, add the ZFS special device, and use ZFS send to put all the data back on that array. Then I will move the HBA and connect the 45-bay JBOD to my back up server. (Yes, I will export the array before transfering it.)
Does this sound like the best way to do this? Am I missing something? I am looking for advice from more experienced people as I don’t want to have to do this more than once and I don’t want to make a big mistake.
Thanks ahead of time for your feedback.
-S