Release 3.2.1
New in This Release
| Theme | Feature |
|---|---|
| Data Compression | With release v3.2.1, we made some architectural improvements and moved compression and other data services processing to the network-facing components of the Lightbits software stack (the frontend), while maintaining the same compression algorithms and data formats. Compressing data at the frontend - just as it is received from the network - means that the data only needs to be compressed once, regardless of the number of data copies later replicated and distributed in the cluster. Front-end compression thereby gives us more efficient clusters and lower data transfer costs, especially for clusters stretched across multiple AZs. |
| Snapshots Comparison | The Lightbits API adds the ability to compare two distinct snapshots of the same volume and receive the list of changed Logical Block Addresses (LBAs). |
| Lightbits K8s CSI Plugin | Support for client-side encryption. The Lightbits CSI plugin can encrypt client data before it is sent over the wire to the Lightbits storage cluster. Support for multi-attach or MULTI_NODE_MULTI_WRITER in block mode, enabling attaching multiple K8s nodes to a single block device. |
| Incremental Backup/Restore (AWS only) | When backing up a volume that has already been backed up previously, only data that was changed (i.e., only the incremental changes) is sent to the backup repository (S3), making for a more efficient and cost-effective backup and restore experience. |
| Cross-Availability Zone (AZ) Support on AWS (Feature Preview) | Release v3.2.1 adds the ability to stretch a Lightbits cluster across multiple AWS availability zones. This is an experimental feature that is available for preview; if you would like to experiment with it, contact your Lightbits technical team and they will assist you. |
| Lightbits vCenter Plugin | Support for multi-tenancy via the vCenter plugin. |
| Platform | Support for installing Lightbits nodes on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.6 and Alma Linux 8.6, with kernel versions:
Notes:
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Compatibility with the Lightfield Accelerator Card
As of this release, the Lightfield™ Accelerator card is no longer supported. Existing deployments that use the Lightfield card must not be upgraded to this release.
It is possible to perform a fresh installation of this release on a server that has the Lightfield Accelerator card installed, as long as the Lightbits software is configured not to use the Accelerator card and work in software-only mode. If in doubt, contact the Lightbits technical team and they will assist you.
Installation and Upgradeability
This release is upgradeable from the prior releases listed below. An (x) indicates upgradeability from the listed release. An empty bracket “( )” indicates this release is not directly upgradeable from that particular release and upgrading requires an upgrade to an intermediary release (e.g., 3.0.5 to 3.1.2 to 3.2.1) or a new installation.
( ) Lightbits 2.2.x ( ) Lightbits 2.3.x ( ) Lightbits 3.0.x (x) Lightbits 3.1.1 (x) Lightbits 3.1.2