GlusterFS OpenSource Distributed File System
GlusterFS is a distributed file system that can manage disk storage resources from multiple servers into a single global namespace. It is a type of distributed replicated network file-system, fully POSIX compliant and supports storage paradigms such as Block Storage and Object Storage.
GlusterFS stores the data on stable Linux file-systems like ext4, xfs etc. So it doesn’t need an additional metadata server for keeping metadata.
It is possible to build 3 types of volumes: distributed, replicated and striped. I strongly recommend to read GlusterFS architecture documentation from that link. GlusterFS has a well-documented architecture.
Some Advantages from GlusterFS architecture documentation:
- Can use any ondisk filesystem that supports extended attributes
- Accessible using industry standard protocols like NFS and SMB
- Provides replication, quotas, geo-replication, snapshots and bitRot detection
- Open Source
I added some basic terms that we will use throughout this post. Also recommended to check this link for much more detail.
Distributed File System — A file system that allows multiple client to access data which is spread across cluster peer. The servers allow the client to share and store data just like they are working on locally.
Cluster — a group of peer computer that works together.
Trusted Storage Pool — A storage pool is a trusted network of storage servers.
Fuse — File system in User space (FUSE) is a loadable kernel module that lets non-privileged users create files without editing kernel codes. FUSE module only provides a bridge to access to actual kernel interface.
Glusterd — The GlusterFS daemon/service process that need to be run all members of trusted storage pool to manage volumes and cluster membership.
Brick — basic unit of storage in GlusterFS . Represented by an export directory on a server in trusted storage pool.
Volume — logical collection of bricks.
If you are excited to setup GlusterFS file system and check its’ features, please have a look for more detail about “how to install and configure GlusterFS”.
Requirement to install and test GlusterFS:
If you have any question or need help, feel free to open support ticket on web page. Let’s share together.
