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Configuring RAID failure notifications with mdadm

A RAID array (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is commonly used to improve the reliability and availability of information, as the data is distributed across multiple disks (depending on the type of array). It is crucial to be notified immediately if one of the disks fails so that it can be replaced promptly, maintaining the integrity of the array.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to configure the mdadm tool to send email notifications in case of failures in the RAID array.

Editing the Configuration File

The mdadm tool allows you to send email notifications about the status of the RAID array. To configure it, you need to edit the configuration file /etc/mdadm/mdadm.conf.

Open the configuration file with your preferred text editor. For example, using nano:

sudo nano /etc/mdadm/mdadm.conf

Locate the lines that start with MAILADDR and MAILFROM. If they do not exist, add them anywhere in the file. These lines specify the email addresses for notifications.

  • MAILADDR: The email address to which notifications will be sent.
  • MAILFROM: The email address from which notifications will be sent (it can be `root` or any other valid address).

Make sure to configure these lines as follows:
MAILADDR your-email@domain.com
MAILFROM root@domain.com

Update the mdadm Configuration

To apply the changes, update the mdadm configuration:
sudo update-initramfs -u

Verify the Configuration

To ensure that the configuration has been applied correctly, you can use the following command to check the status of the RAID:
sudo mdadm --detail --scan

With these adjustments, if a disk in your RAID array fails, you will receive an email notification at the specified address. This will allow you to act quickly to replace the failed disk and maintain the integrity of your RAID system.

Last updated: 22 de mayo de 2024

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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