Adding SSDs

You can add data SSDs after you have determined that the node currently manages less data SSDs than the maximum set value (maxDeviceCount).

1. Enter the lbcli list nvme-devices --data command to list all data SSDs that the Linux OS currently sees before inserting the new SSD. Unlike in the previous instance, use the --server-uuid flag to identify physical SSDs inserted into the server chassis that are not managed by the Lightbits node.

Sample Command

Sample Output

In this case, the output shows that all SSDs are currently managed by this node.

1. Insert the new SSD drive into any available physical slot.

2. Re-enter the lbcli list nvme-devices command.

Sample Command

Sample Output

The output shows that nvme4n1 was added to the server, but is not managed by the Lightbits node because it does not include a node UUID (the usage of the device is marked as "UnManaged")

It is also possible to list only unmanaged SSDs by entering the lbcli list nvme-devices command with the following flags.

Sample Command

Sample Output

3. Enter the lbcli add nvme-device command to add the new device to the Lightbits pool of SSDs. This command creates a background task for adding the block device.

Sample Command

This task can take several minutes for the Lightbits pool of SSDs to add the new device.

4. Enter the lbcli list nvme-devices command. The device is available in the Lightbits pool when this command's output shows the new device in the list with a valid node UUID.

Sample Command

Sample Output

The output shows that the new nvme4n1 device has been successfully added to the node, and its usage is marked as Data.