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Cloud Block Storage: FAQs

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When I am using a volume, how can I know how much space I have left?

You can verify a volume’s capacity and available space using basic system commands available via their Cloud Server operating system:

  • In Linux CLI: From a terminal window, run the “df -h” command and note the Size, Used, Avail, and Capacity of the storage volume
  • Windows Explorer: Right-click on drive icon and select "Properties," and note Capacity, Free space, and Used space
What is Rackspace Cloud Block Storage?

Rackspace Cloud Block Storage provides persistent block-level storage volumes for use with Rackspace Next Generation Cloud Servers. Volumes can be created, modified, updated or deleted independently of the Cloud Servers they are attached to. Rackspace Cloud Block Storage customers can create volumes ranging from 100 GB to 1 TB in size and choose from either SATA or SDD volume types.
Is there a limit to the number, frequency or size of snapshots that can be taken on a volume?

There is no limit. You may create an unlimited amount of Snapshots.
How does Cloud Block Storage differ from the local storage available through Cloud Servers today?

Cloud Block Storage provides persistent data storage for Next Generation Cloud Servers. Persistent storage can exist independent of your cloud server, even after the server has been deleted. The local storage bundled with Cloud Servers is ephemeral and exists only as long as the Cloud Server does. When the cloud server is deleted, so is its local storage.
Can I utilize a software RAID to improve the I/O performance of my SATA Cloud Block Storage volumes?

Yes. However at some point the cost benefit of utilizing multiple less expensive SATA volumes in a RAID configuration will be outweighed by the benefit of utilizing a single higher I/O SSD volume. In the event that you are looking to increase the I/O performance of your storage volumes, we encouraged you to utilize higher performing SSD volumes for increased disk I/O.
What are the minimum / maximum limits for single Cloud Block Storage volumes?

The minimum size for a Cloud Block Storage volume is 100 GB. The maximum volume size is 1TB.
How much does Cloud Block Storage cost?

Cloud Block Storage is charged by gigabytes of storage used per month, not the IOPs, which can be difficult to predict.

US Pricing

Volume Types

  •  SATA - $0.15 / GB / Month
  •  SSSD  - $0.70 / GB / Month

No charge for IOPs

Snapshots

  •  $0.10 / GB / Month

 
UK Pricing

Volume Types

  • SATA - £0.12 / GB / Month
  • SSD  - £0.56 / GB / Month

 No charge for IOPs

Snapshots

  • £0.07 / GB / Month
What's the maximum number of Cloud Block Storage volumes I can attach to a single server instance?

You may have up to 14 Cloud Block Storage volumes attached to a single Server.
What is the default maximum capacity of Cloud Block Storage that can be consumed by a single customer account?

The limit for Volumes and storage is 10 TB total stored or 50 volumes per region (whichever is reached first).
What if I need more storage than the default maximum capacity?

No problem. We'll be happy to accomodate any size storage requests for Cloud Block Storage. Please contact your account team for further details.
Does Cloud Block Storage have a Service Level Agreement (or SLA)?

Yes. Details regarding the Cloud Block Storage SLA can be found here: http://www.rackspace.com/cloud/legal/sla.
Is Cloud Block Storage right for me?

Cloud Block Storage is an excellent option for you if you:   

  • Want more control over your storage or application infrastructure
  • Are looking for a higher performance storage option (SSD)
  • Are currently using Rackspace Next Generation Cloud Servers
  • Would like to add additional storage to your servers without paying for additional compute resources

You might not be a good fit for the Cloud Block Storage service if you:

  • Are a Legacy Cloud Customer
  • Are not comfortable with low-level system administration tasks, such as installing file systems, mounting and partitioning storage volumes, or installing your own applications on top of a raw storage device
  • Are looking for a fully managed storage or database solution
Is Cloud Block Storage a replacement for existing Rackspace storage products?

Cloud Block Storage (CBS) is not meant as a direct replacement of any existing Rackspace products (shared or dedicated). CBS allows Rackspace Cloud customers to add “a la carte” storage to their existing Next Gen Cloud Servers and should be considered a complementary cloud-based storage offering that rounds out our entire storage portfolio.
How does Cloud Block Storage keep my data from potentially becoming visible when the hard drive space I used is returned to the general pool?

The Cloud Block Storage system overwrites the used portions of the disk with zeros prior to that resource getting returned to the pool that is available for use by other Cloud Block Storage customers.
What parts of the storage system are highly available (HA)?

Cloud Block Storage back-end storage volumes employ a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) level 10 configuration. RAID 10 provides high availability by combining features of RAID level 0 and RAID level 1 in which data is stripped and mirrored to provide a very high level of reliability and performance.
If the system employs RAID level 10 on the back end storage nodes, can I assume my volumes are fully protected from a failure scenario?

The hardware RAID level 10 employed by Cloud Block Storage nodes provides protection against disk failures on the storage nodes themselves.  However customers are strongly encouraged to implement a RAID level 1 (mirror) configuration across multiple volumes to protect against data loss in the event of a storage node failure.
Can a I attach a single Volume to multiple Servers?

No. Cloud Block Storage is not a shared storage offering. You may attach multiple volumes to a single Cloud Server instance, but you may not attach multiple Cloud Servers to a single Cloud Block Storage volume.
Once I have created a Cloud Block Storage volume, can it be resized (increased or decreased)?

Not at the current time. Once a volume is created, it cannot be resized. In order to move to a larger/smaller volume size, you need to create a new volume of the desired size and then copy your data from the old volume to the new larger/smaller volume.

When you copy your data within the same Data Center, there is no charge for bandwidth.
Can a Cloud Block Storage volume be mounted to a Legacy Cloud Server or Dedicated Server?

No. Cloud Block Storage volumes are available to Next Generation Cloud Servers only.
Can Cloud Block Storage volumes be administered through Legacy Control Panel?

No. Cloud Block Storage volumes can only be administered through the Next Generation Control Panel.
Can I use Cloud Backup to backup my Cloud Block Storage Volumes?

Yes, you can. After you have attached and mounted your Cloud Block Storage Volume, you can add it to your current Cloud Backup Schedule. Edit the Backup Schedule and browse to the drive letter of your Volume or to individual files on the drive. Save your Schedule as normal.

Or, if you do not already have Cloud Backup, contact us to add it to your account.You can find all our contact information on our Contact page.