JBOD Storage Expansion Enclosure

Storage grows in steps, and replacing a working array to gain capacity throws away what is already paid for. A JBOD enclosure adds drive bays to an existing server or NAS without adding another controller, and hands the disks to the host it is attached to. One file system and one set of snapshots then cover the whole pool. The enclosure is chosen for its backplane, its cooling and its cabling, not for intelligence of its own.

How it is specified

• Number of bays, and the drive form factor supported
• Interface to the host: SAS or mini-SAS HD, and the number of lanes
• Whether the backplane is single or dual ported for redundant paths
• Power supplies: single or redundant, and the rating
• Cooling, and the noise level where the cabinet is in an occupied room
• Depth and rail kit against the cabinet it will live in
• Whether the host controller supports the enclosure and the disk count

Where it is used

• Scale-out storage behind a NAS or server
• Media archives and surveillance retention
• Backup and disaster recovery targets
• Lab and test environments that need capacity at low cost