Author Archives: Gerard

Btrfs vs. EXT4 vs. XFS vs. F2FS benchmark performance

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Phoronix has put together a comparison test of four of the currently leading Linux file-systems: Btrfs, EXT4, XFS, and F2FS (Flash Friendly File System) and concludes the post with:

“Overall, while Btrfs is much of the focus for Linux file-system discussions these days being viewed as the next-generation solution, when it comes to the performance on a single SSD disk, EXT4 is still generally fairing the best. Of course, this is just looking at the stock performance and not at the feature-sets or reliability of each file-system.”

There are a lot of performance measures, and you’ll notice there are quite a few differences between file systems as well as between Linux kernel versions.

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Btrfs vs. EXT4 vs. XFS vs. F2FS (phoronix.com)

FreeNAS, Openfiler, Microsoft iSCSI performance shootout

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freenas-ixsystems-new-logo

agrikk has taken a look at the performance capabilities of three free iSCSI Target software platforms: FreeNAS, Openfiler, and Microsoft iSCSI Target.

“The purpose of his test was to find the best performing iSCSI target with all other things being equal. Under this criteria alone, it would be a split decision between Openfiler and Microsoft.

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However, the Microsoft solution requires the purchase of a licensed copy of Windows 2008 R2 server to run its filer software so it isn’t exactly free. In addition, Openfiler can be run from a USB key, leaving all disks available for storage, where Microsoft cannot easily be run from anything other than a hard drive, taking up storage space for the OS.

With this added criteria, Openfiler emerges as the iSCSI champ.”

Have a look at the results here (warning: loads of graphs and screenshot): FreeNAS / Openfiler / Microsoft iSCSI performance shootout.

FreeNAS 8.3.1-RELEASE available

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freenas-ixsystems-new-logoThe FreeNAS development team has announced the availability of FreeNAS 8.3.1-RELEASE.

FreeNAS 8.3.1 is based on FreeBSD 8.3 with version 28 of the ZFS filesystem, and features volume based encryption for ZFS.

Release information, images and plugins can be downloaded from the Release Page. The Press Release with more details can be read here: iXsystems debuts exclusive ZFS Encryption Feature in FreeNAS 8.3.1

 

ZFS on Linux is “ready for wide scale deployment”

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Developer Brian Behlendorf has announced the release of version 0.6.1 of the native ZFS on Linux port. After over two years in experimental status, the developers now say the file system “is ready for wide scale deployment on everything from desktops to super computers.” The native ZFS on Linux is based on the Solaris Porting Layer (SPL) which emulates underlying features of Solaris in the Linux kernel.

In contrast to the FUSE (Filesystem in USErspace) implementation of ZFS, the native port delivers better performance by implementing the filesystem as a kernel module.

ZFS on Linux is “ready for wide scale deployment”

 

QNAP TS-269 Pro review (pcworld)

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A fast and powerful NAS box with a steep learning curve

PC world has done a review of the QNAP TS-269 Pro

“Few would dispute that QNAP makes very fast NAS hardware—the company’s boxes are consistently at the top of PCWorld’s performance charts. The TS-269 Pro is no exception”

“The TS-269 Pro features a 2.13GHz, dual-core Intel Atom D2700 CPU and 1GB of memory (which you can expand up to 3GB, using the single free SODIMM slot). One of my few complaints about the TS-269 Pro is that removing the case cover to access said memory slot was a bit of a chore the enclosure is baby smooth with nothing to grip.”

“QNAP outshines everyone but Synology in the breadth of software features in its Linux-based operating system. These go way beyond simple file-sharing, administration, and backup to include iSCSI, iTunes and DLNA servers, direct photo/music/video viewing in your browser, and video surveillance support. You also get a VPN, FTP, and TFTP servers; full domain and LDAP support; and more.”

QNAP TS-269 Pro

The review concludes with:

“While it’s pricey, excellent performance, copious software features, and state-of-the-art connectivity render this two-bay NAS box a good deal for small offices and work groups. All in all, the TS-269 Pro is a very good NAS box—arguably the best in its class. It’s not remotely budget-priced, and you’ll need decent IT chops to get the most out of it, but more advanced users and IT personnel will love it.”

Check the current price for Qnap TS-269 Pro or read the full review (incl pros and cons).