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Introduction

This guide provides detailed instructions on installing CentOS with a Software RAID configuration. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a storage technology that combines multiple disk drive components into a single logical unit for data redundancy, performance improvement, or both. Software RAID, implemented through the operating system, offers a cost-effective way of securing data against hardware failure. CentOS, a popular Linux distribution for servers, supports Software RAID configurations during installation, ensuring your data remains safe and accessible even in the event of a disk failure.

Prerequisites

• Two or more hard drives installed in your server.
• A bootable USB drive or DVD containing the CentOS installation media.
• Basic knowledge of the CentOS operating system and its installation process.
• Backup any existing data on the drives to be used for RAID, as the installation process will erase all data on them.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Boot into CentOS installation disc.

Step 2: Select “Install system with basic video driver”.

Step 3: Skip media test if prompted.

Step 4: Click “Next” to continue.

Step 5: Select your preferred system language, then click “Next” to continue.

Step 6: Select your preferred keyboard layout, then click “Next” to continue.

Step 7: Select “Basic Storage Device”, then click “Next” to continue.

Step 8: Set your server’s hostname (default: localhost.localdomain), then click “Next” to continue.

Step 9: Select a time zone for your server, then click “Next” to continue.

Step 10: Set a password for your server’s root account, then click “Next” to continue.

Step 11: Select “Create Custom Layout”, then click “Next” to continue.

Step 12: Delete existing data and partitions in HDD (if HDD is not blank).

Step 13: Create RAID Partition for sda

1. Highlight sda and click “Create”, a window will pop up.
2. In the “Create Storage” window, select “Create Software RAID” and choose “RAID Partition”, then click “Create”.
3. In “Add Partition” window, configure the following as such:

• File System Type: Software RAID
• Allowable Drives: sda (Tick the checkbox)
• Size: Any preferred size (eg. 50000MB)
• Additional Size Options: Fixed Size
• Click “OK”

Step 14: Create RAID Partition for sdb

1. Highlight sdb and click “Create”, a window will pop up.
2. In the “Create Storage” window, select “Create Software RAID” and choose “RAID Partition”, then click “Create”.
3. In “Add Partition” window, configure the following as such:

• File System Type: Software RAID
• Allowable Drives: sdb (Tick the checkbox)
• Size: Same size set for sda
• Additional Size Options: Fixed Size
• Click “OK”

Step 15: Highlight “Hard Drives”, then click “Create”. Then under “Create Software RAID”, select “RAID Device” and click “Create”.

Step 16: Configure the following settings as such:

• Mount Point: /
• ile System Type: ext4
• AID Device: md0
• AID Level: RAID1
• AID Members: Tick both sda & sdb

Step 17: Click “Next”, then click “Yes” when prompted to continue with requested partitioning scheme. (Ignore swap partition warning)

Step 18: Click “Write changes to disk” when prompted.

Step 19: Click “Next” to start the installation. Wait for the installation to finish.

Step 20: Click “Reboot” when the installation finishes.

Conclusion

Installing CentOS with Software RAID enhances your server’s data reliability and availability. By following this guide, you’ve secured your data against single-disk failures and taken an important step towards maintaining a robust server environment. For future maintenance or in case of a disk failure, familiarize yourself with managing Software RAID arrays using the

utility.

Remember, RAID is not a substitute for regular backups. Always maintain up-to-date backups of your critical data to prevent loss.

For additional assistance or if you encounter any issues, please contact our support team at support@ipserverone.com.

Article posted on 14 April 2020 by Louis