I am administrating a Rhel5 server with 2TB of storage, that is quickly running out of diskspace. We have bought a new disk shelf with 20TB ekstra storage, and if has been set up and connected to the server.
So now I am wondering how to add the extra 20TB.

The way I see it, I have two choices:
1. Add the 20Tb to the existing Volumegroup, using pvcreate, vgextend, lvextend and resize2fs. This is relatively easy, apart from the loooong time I expect the rezise2fs-command will take.

2. Add the diskshelf as a new partition, and moving the folders that is accumuliating data to it. This involves a great amount of manual work, as I will need to create lots of symbolic links, and also moving /home.

The only reason I am "scared" of useing the first option, is that I fear I am putting all my eggs in one basket. If someone moves the cabling between the disk shelf and the server, I am afraid that the whole system will collapse completely. My thinking is that option 2 isolates the system form the data, while Option 2 has everything within one system, making it more vulnerable to physical disruptions.

What do you guys think is the best solution in a situation like this?

-HH

I have only one question I need you to answer first.

Who would be interfering in your work enough that they would move cables, are you not in control of this situation?

@hhasund: I would think this is your choice here. You know the options and you know the effects of choosing between your options, and so you need to pick your solution as well.

Not sure what you are expecting from the forum.