Highly Available DRBD Solutions from 45Drives
- Distributed Block Storage for Real-Time Data Replication
- Open-Source Software for High Availability on Linux
- Mirrors Data Across Servers for Fault-Tolerant Systems
- Available with 45Drives Hardware
DRBD: The Happy Medium in High Availability Storage
Single-server systems running ZFS offer fast single-client performance and strong resilience against data loss from drive failures, corruption, and deletion. While these servers can include redundant components to mitigate certain hardware risks, mission-critical workloads may require full server-level redundancy.
Ceph clusters provide high availability and server-level redundancy, reducing downtime and ensuring consistent performance that scales with user demand. However, for users who don’t require large-scale infrastructure, ZFS servers might be more suitable, especially since Ceph’s maximum single-client performance can be limited and might not meet the needs of highly intensive workloads.
45Drives DRBD clusters combine the best of both our ZFS servers and Ceph Clusters solutions. They deliver single-client transfer speeds comparable to ZFS servers, while providing high availability and server-level redundancy through real-time data replication between two servers.
Open-Source
Built on proven, transparent, community-driven development.
High Availability
Failover between two nodes keeps your services online during hardware failure.
Real-Time Replication
45Drives hardware with DRBD mirrors data across two nodes, ensuring continuous data sync with minimal complexity.
Simplified Management
Preconfigured deployment with intended hardware.
Works Seamlessly with ZFS
Pairs well with ZFS to enable checksumming, snapshots, and compression.
Continuous Support
24/7 Access to 45Drives and LINBIT Support Teams.
Single-Client Performance
Leverages direct disk access and kernel-based replication for ZFS-like speed.
Open-Source Freedom: No Vendor Lock-in
DRBD is an open-source distributed block storage software widely used in enterprise and government environments. Its open-source nature eliminates the contractual risks often tied to proprietary software, putting control back in your hands.
High Availability: Server Level Redundancy through Replication
DRBD mirrors data across two servers (nodes) ensuring continuous data sync with minimal complexity. If one server goes down due to a hardware failure, or for scheduled maintenance, the other server can take over with no data loss or downtime.
DRBD & ZFS: Replication Paired with Resiliency
Our setup leverages ZFS on top of DRBD, combining the strengths of both technologies. DRBD handles real-time block-level replication between nodes, ensuring high availability and fault tolerance. On top of that, ZFS provides powerful data integrity features, snapshots, and advanced storage management.
Tightly Integrated with Proxmox VE: through a Native Plugin
Built directly into the Proxmox VE user interface, the open-source native plugin makes it simple to create and manage replicated storage between two servers, reducing complexity and setup time compared to other replication methods.
Popular Use Cases for DRBD
File Storage & Sharing
Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux clients. Works with SMB or NFS protocols
Database Storage
Such as ERP, CRM, financial, and manufacturing systems
Virtual Machine Storage
Completely open-source infrastructure. Replicates Disks, ISO images, and container storage in Real time
Nearline Disaster Recover
Data can be replicated to server located in different, on-campus building
Post Production Video Editing
Edit directly over the network. Keep projects on track with high availability access to footage
45Drives Solutions Equipped with DRBD
45Drives systems can be set up with DRBD to add high availability and real-time data replication. DRBD mirrors data between two or more servers at the block level, so if one server goes down, the other can take over with no data loss.
This setup helps ensure reliability and uptime, making it a solid choice for environments where keeping services running smoothly is critical. It's a simple way to add fault tolerance using open-source tools that fit into your existing 45Drives infrastructure.
About the 45Drives and LINBIT Partnership
45Drives, a leader in open-design, high-performance storage infrastructure, partners with LINBIT—renowned for over 25 years of innovation in software-defined storage and high-availability solutions. As the original developers of DRBD and key contributors to the open-source ecosystem, LINBIT helped lay the technical foundation for Linux-based high availability and block-level replication.
This strategic partnership brings together the best of both worlds: 45Drives' robust, enterprise-grade storage hardware—trusted by leading organizations worldwide—and LINBIT's cutting-edge software stack, including the powerful LINSTOR platform. LINSTOR enables flexible, scalable, and open storage orchestration for modern workloads, while 45Drives ensures that the underlying hardware is optimized for performance, durability, and ease of integration.
By combining their strengths, 45Drives, and LINBIT empower organizations to build reliable, high-performance storage solutions that are completely open source, without vendor lock-in, hidden fees, or unnecessary complexity. Together, they offer a compelling alternative to closed, proprietary systems, giving IT teams complete control over their storage infrastructure, backed by expert support and a shared commitment to transparency and innovation.
The Industry's Best Support
45Drives is your single point of accountability for open-source solutions, proudly supported from both the United States and Canada. Our North American-based team provides end-to-end expertise in hardware, software, networking, and application interfaces. We offer a wide range of support packages—from basic hardware troubleshooting to fully managed, white-glove service with 24/7 emergency response. Whether you're in the planning phase, deep into deployment, or maintaining operations long term, our dual-country support presence ensures your success every step of the way.
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