Date: Thu, 05 May 2011 00:41:48 +0200 From: Aragon Gouveia <aragon@phat.za.net> To: freebsd-geom@freebsd.org Subject: partitioning dilemma Message-ID: <4DC1D62C.5070705@phat.za.net>
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Hi,
Between MBR and GPT, I'm struggling to find the right partitioning
scheme to meet my requirements. Suggestions on below would be highly
appreciated.
I have 2 disks. I want 2 independent gmirror volumes, ie. 2 partitions
on each disk, with one partition from each disk in a gmirror volume.
Each gmirror volume would contain a bootable FreeBSD system (BSD label),
and I'd selectively boot between them when testing new releases or other
big changes.
Then I'd like a 3rd partition on each disk, both of which for swap space.
Then a 4th partition on each disk which I plan to use as a ZFS mirrored ZIL.
Finally, a 5th partition on each disk which would both serve as ZFS L2ARC.
My dilemma:
All documentation and mailing list discussion about GPT seems to
indicate that creating BSD labels inside GPT partitions is a Bad Idea,
which would mean putting two GPT partitions into a gmirror volume is a
bad idea. Is this still the case?
My attempts at using MBR and EBR instead of GPT are discouraging once I
get to the point of creating an EBR. From what I can gather, default
kernel build options specify "options GEOM_PART_EBR_COMPAT" which
prevents GEOM from editing EBR partition schemes:
# gpart show ada3s4
=> 0 267068592 ada3s4 EBR (127G)
0 267068592 - free - (127G)
# gpart add -s 67221504 -t freebsd ada3s4
gpart: pre-check failed: Operation canceled
Ok, so I guess I can recompile without that kernel option, but I'm sure
there's a good reason it's a default option... Is EBR also considered a
Bad Idea?
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Aragon
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