Using FreeNAS as a SAN / VM-Storage Server

[Scampicfx]

Hey there,

I just had the idea about using FreeNAS as a SAN to store some of the virtual machines (/virtual disks) of a hypervisor-server. Both the FreeNAS-server as well as the hypervisor-server are connected to the same network. The FreeNAS server offers redudnant zpools.

At first, I like the idea of protecting virtual machines running filesystems like NTFS from data corruption / bitrot by moving them to a redundant zpool on another server.
My first logical guess is, that the virtual machines *get* protected by moving them to a zfs-host. However, to be honest, I'm not really sure about that (are there any hypothetical issues that could still lead to data corruptions when the VMs themselves are using "unreliable" filesystems like NTFS?).
So, in case there are some recommendations, guides or howtos, I would be happy to read them!

I appreciate any feedback, thanks for reading! Have a good night!

 

[tvsjr]

I'd suggest a search. There are PLENTY of discussions, guides, etc. on using FreeNAS as a VM datastore.

 

[HoneyBadger]

My first logical guess is, that the virtual machines *get* protected by moving them to a zfs-host. However, to be honest, I'm not really sure about that (are there any hypothetical issues that could still lead to data corruptions when the VMs themselves are using "unreliable" filesystems like NTFS?).

ZFS has no ability to correct NTFS-level corruption inside a VMDK. It will protect you against bitrot causing corruption but it won't prevent anything coming "downstream" from the running OS.

If you put the files directly on ZFS and access them via CIFS, ZFS can protect them at that level. But again, if you have a rogue app that drops bad data in a file, nothing will stop that.

 

[Scampicfx]

Thanks, that was all I wanted to know! :) Cheers!