Conversion to BTRFS file system

[soro209]

Hi all,

I currently have my Volume (4 x 6tb) on a 918+ formatted to EXT4 file system and really don't have any issues that I'm aware of. I wanted to know what the efficacy of converting it to BTRFS file system. I'm very limited in knowledge in this realm.

I mainly use the NAS to run PLEX and save my wives' copious number of pictures. I really haven't fully used the system like I thought.

Secondly, if useful, how difficult is the process to covert the volume. My thought is to transfer the files to an external 14TB HD on hand reformat the volume than transfer them back. Is there a better or more efficient way?
V/r,
Jim

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[Telos]

Here's the official process...

How do I change an ext4 volume to a Btrfs volume? - Synology Knowledge Center

Synology Knowledge Center offers comprehensive support, providing answers to frequently asked questions, troubleshooting steps, software tutorials, and all the technical documentation you may need.

kb.synology.com

 

[White Bear]

...and here is Synology's statement about benefits from their implementation of Btrfs...

How Btrfs protects your company's data | Synology Inc.

The next-generation file system Btrfs ensures a high level of data integrity while taking advantage of flexible, efficient data protection and recovery tools. Btrfs is available on selected Synology NAS models.

www.synology.com

 

[soro209]

Telos/White Bear,

I appreciate your pointing me to both the process and benefits of a conversion. I'm still learning and trying to understand what other uses I may have for my device.

V/r,
Jim

 

[White Bear]

To take full advantage of Btrfs data integrity and recovery capabilities, there are a few extra things to consider (vs. ext4), such as snapshots and retention policies, enabling checksums when creating shared folders, and scheduling data scrubbing to detect and repair silent corruption (bit rot) before it causes data loss. These features are very easy to implement in DSM; but do require a bit more planning (vs. ext4). However, in most cases, the benefits of improved long-term data integrity are well worth a bit of extra effort - particularly when archival storage is part of your goal.

Off topic: also consider implementing a robust backup strategy such as 3-2-1 to ensure you have more than one viable copy of data at any given time - especially during a single NAS conversion. "Two is one, and one is none" may be a familiar concept, given your avatar. It applies here, as well.