Migrating data from Drobo 5Dn-2 to new DIY NAS

[Enquiries]

Hello, I currently have a Drobo 5Dn-2 NAS which still works but because Drobo is no longer in biz I am building a DIY solution to replace the Drobo.
My question: is it possible to install the 5 HDD array from the Drobo into the new DIY NAS and have the data recognized by the new NAS OS? Or will I have to copy the data over to the new NAS? Probably going to use TruNas but could use any other solution if not possible with TruNas.
I also have an OWC DAS Raid -5 array that I would also like to have managed by TruNas (or whatever OS) as a second volume if that is possible as well.
Thnx, Ian

[ed]

Thanks for reaching out! It’s great to hear you’re moving forward with a DIY NAS solution to replace your Drobo 5Dn-2.

Regarding your question about migrating the HDD array from the Drobo, here are some points to consider:

Drobo’s Proprietary Format: Drobo uses a proprietary file system (BeyondRAID), which means the data on the Drobo’s drives will not be natively recognized by most NAS operating systems, including TrueNAS. Unfortunately, this means you won’t be able to simply install the Drobo drives into your new NAS and have the data recognized. You will need to copy the data over to the new system.

Data Migration: The best approach would be to connect your Drobo to your new NAS setup temporarily. You can then copy the data from the Drobo to your new DIY NAS. Make sure you have sufficient storage space on the new NAS to accommodate all the data you plan to transfer.

Using TrueNAS: TrueNAS is a solid choice for a DIY NAS, and it supports a variety of storage configurations and protocols. If you go this route, just ensure that your new drives are properly set up in a compatible RAID configuration that meets your needs.

OWC DAS RAID Array: You can definitely manage your OWC DAS RAID-5 array with TrueNAS, provided it’s connected via a compatible interface (like USB or Thunderbolt, depending on the model). Just make sure to check that TrueNAS supports the specific connection type and file system used by your OWC array.