How to expand the RAID Volume with Plug-n-Use Expand

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Overview

This article will guide the administrator into expanding the existing RAID Volume onto the DX5/RX4 Expansion System using Plug-n-Use Expand. This method of expansion is also known as scaling out storage - where upwards to 10 HDDs can be used in concert to provide data storage. While this method requires the initial investment of a scalable system (DS509+, RS409+, RS409RP+), the long term ability of adding additional storage via a single connection, with no system migration and no down time is of great benefit for those administrators who wish to remain online as storage capacities are increased in the background.


This guide was created with firmware DSM2.1-0844

Please refer to the How to Manage the Synology RAID Volume for further background information about this article.


Precaution

Before executing any type of RAID manipulation, or even using the Synology system, it is recommended to have a backup of data present. For further information about what is a backup, please look here.


Background Info

Can disks be migrated from an older system (ie, DS508) to the DS509+, and still support Volume Expansion?

Unfortunately, this is not possible due to the differences in the file system which is employed on the DS509+ which is required for Plug-and-Use Expand

How does Plug-n-Use Expansion work?

A separate RAID Volume will be created on the DX5/RX4, from here, the existing RAID Volume from the DS509+/RS409+/RS409RP+ will be Expanded or "concatted" together onto the DX5/RX4. All of the individual RAID manipulation, and tolerance of disk failures still apply - except that there will be two volumes which will be managed. From a data storage perspective, both RAID Volumes will be seen as one large volume for data storage.

Should there be a Volume on the DX5/RX4 before using the Plug-and-Use Expansion?

There should not be any Volume on the DX5/RX4 - it should be completely blank.

Will data still be available during Plug-n-Use Expansion?

Yes, all existing data will remain available during Plug-n-Use expansion; there is no need to interrupt or shutdown communications to the Disk Station during the expansion process.

Will the DX5/RX4 work with other Synology Systems?

Depending on which host Synology Disk Station is used, the DX5/RX4 may or may not be supported. Please look at this FAQ for further information.


How to expand the Volume via Plug-n-Use Expand

Step 1:

  • Ensure that the DX5/RX4 has been plugged into the DS509+/RS409+/RS409RP+ eSATA port, and that it is powered up
  • Ensure that at least one disk has been installed in the DX5/RX4

Step 2:

  • Begin with having a Normal RAID Volume.
  • Proceed by clicking on the Expand Button

Step 3:

  • Proceed by clicking on the Next Button

Step 4:

  • Select Expand with DX5/RX4 and proceed with Next

Step 5:

  • The procedures from here on out will be similar to creating a volume on the Disk Station
  • Select the disks to be used on the "Expanded" Volume.

Step 5:

  • Acknowledge the default warning message that all data on the select disk will be erased.

Step 6:

  • Select a Volume Type and click Next

Step 7:

  • Acknowledge the final confirmation settings

Step 8:

  • Click Finish to close the Volume Change Wizard.

Step 9:

  • The finished Expanded Volume
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