Learn how to – TrueNAS and How to Upgrade from FreeNAS to TrueNAS Core

Learn how to – TrueNAS and How to Upgrade from FreeNAS to TrueNAS Core.

What Is TrueNAS

Previously known as FreeNAS, TrueNAS is an open-source network-attached storage (NAS) software that allows users to manage and store their data on a dedicated server or storage device. It was originally developed by iXsystems and is based on the FreeBSD operating system. TrueNAS provides a variety of features such as support for multiple file sharing protocols including NFS, SMB, and AFP, data replication and backup, encryption, and advanced data management capabilities. TrueNAS is used by individuals and organizations to create cost-effective, scalable, and reliable storage solutions for their data-intensive applications. TrueNAS has a community edition that is available for free, as well as a commercial edition with additional features and support.

Features of TrueNAS

TrueNAS is a powerful open-source network-attached storage (NAS) software that offers a wide range of features for managing and storing data. Some of its key features include:

1. Support for multiple file sharing protocols: TrueNAS supports multiple file sharing protocols, including SMB/CIFS, NFS, AFP, FTP, and iSCSI, making it easy to share files across a variety of devices and operating systems.
2. Advanced data management capabilities: TrueNAS offers advanced data management capabilities, including data compression, deduplication, and replication. These features help to reduce storage requirements and improve data redundancy and availability.
3. ZFS filesystem: TrueNAS is built on the ZFS filesystem, which offers advanced data protection features such as end-to-end checksums, RAID-Z, and snapshots.
4. High availability and clustering: TrueNAS support high availability and clustering, which allows for continuous access to data and eliminates single points of failure.
5. Encryption and security: TrueNAS offer robust security features, including data encryption, access control, and integration with Active Directory and LDAP.
6. Monitoring and reporting: TrueNAS include built-in monitoring and reporting tools, allowing administrators to monitor performance and storage usage, and receive alerts when issues arise.
7. Plugin architecture: TrueNAS has a plugin architecture that allows users to install and manage a variety of third-party applications and services, such as media servers, backup utilities, and virtualization software.
8. Hardware compatibility: TrueNAS has extensive hardware compatibility, with certified configurations available from iXsystems.

Overall, TrueNAS offers a powerful and feature-rich storage solution for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Its advanced features, scalability, and robust security make it a popular choice for those looking to manage and store their data effectively.

Upgrading from FreeNAS to TrueNAS

With FreeNAS receiving the final release of 11.3-U5, the development of all new features takes place on TrueNAS. In addition to this, TrueNAS has added several technical enhancements to improve the user experience now and in the future. Thus, it’s recommended to upgrade FreeNAS to TrueNAS.

In our case we had to perform a phased approach by upgrading the FreeNAS from Version 11.2 U6 to version 11.3 via the UI automatic update.

Then from version 11.3 to version 12 using the manual Update File.

Upgrading to Version 11.3 via TRUENAS UI

Login into FreeNAS andNavigate to System > Update   

Select the stable Train – FreeNAS 11.3-STABLE on the drop down.

You will be prompted to confirm the Switch Train. Click on the checkbox and click Continue.

Once the operations loads click on Fetch and Install Updates

Checkmark the “Include Password Secret Seed’ box (this will make a configuration backup) and hit save the configuration.

Checkmark the “Apply updates and reboot system after downloading” and hit Continue for the update to remediate.

Monitor the progress until it is complete.

Upgrading From FreeNAS version 11.3 to TrueNAS Core Version 12.

Download the latest update file to the computer, not a virtual machine. The filename should end with manual-update.tar.

Login again into FreeNAS andNavigate to System > Update then click on Install Manual update file

Checkmark the “Include Password Secret Seed’ box (this will make a configuration backup) and hit save the configuration.

On the next window that pops-up select Choose File and select the downloaded update file.

Check the box “Reboot After Update” then click Apply update to begin the process

Check on the progress until it reaches 100%.  After the computer restarts, FreeNAS will update to TrueNAS.

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Integrate TrueNAS with LDAP / Active Directory for user Authentication