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If you are wondering what a Drobo is, in very simplistic terms, it is an external hardware storage device. Drobo is easier to use than traditional RAID, and storage can be extended at any time. It is unique in the sense that it can allow multiple storage devices to be connected to it and offers better data recovery options. It is manufactured by Data Robotics.
However, compared to other RAID storage, Drobo can sometimes be much slower in comparison. Usually this can be overlooked, but if you need to get the best out of your Drobo, there are multiple ways this can be done. While it is true that Drobo is still much faster than your traditional external hard drives, the ease and simplicity with which it can help you work may result in speeds that hamper your productivity. You can use the following methods to try and increase the speed of your Drobo for a more optimum experience.
- More drives over one big drive.
This is common knowledge for anyone acquainted with how RAID works- more drives are better than one big drive. This will significantly help in increasing speed and also offer a greater degree of security in case of any situation that may lead to data loss. The very advantage of using Drobo is that it can allow multiple storage devices to work on it, and this should be used to its full benefit. Rather than keeping slots empty, all of the, should be used. The sizes of the drives are not very important. Their number is. This is why higher models are technically faster, since they have more slots.
- Ensure there is no backup volume.
The backup volume largely determines the speed levels for your Drobo. Drobo has a limited bandwidth and if the Time Machine runs at the same time, there will be a definite slowing down in speeds. Doing this can in fact reduce the speed of the whole unit quite considerably. If you see that your Drobo is slowing down, it is a good idea to delete your backup volume if you have any.
- Do not use your Drobo to its maximum capacity.
One of the most common facts every external hard disk user knows is that a drive will inevitably slow down if it is nearing its maximum capacity. You may receive warnings in your Drobo dashboard in case you are filling up on space too quickly, and this will also be accompanied by a decrease in speed. It is mostly advised to maintain at least 30% capacity in your Drobo at any time.
- 7200 RPM drives should ideally be used.
While you can technically plug in a hard disk with any speed, it is always advised to use the 7200 RPM over the 5400 RPM. This has more to do with the drive itself than your Drobo, since the former drives are equipped with better speed. You should also try sticking to using one kind of drive for your Drobo since it can experience a slowing down if you combine drives of different speeds.
These are the four easiest ways you can speed up your Drobo. You can also use data aware tiering for 12-bay and 8-bay Drobos, this can significantly increase speeds. Another way is to use a Msata Accelerator Bay, this can allow the Drobo to store files that your regularly utilise separately to increase the speed on those. Thus, you can easily increase the speed of your Drobo and enjoy the added benefit that your data is almost guaranteed to be safe and there would be no need for Drobo data recovery services.
