Set Up Block Storage

Storage space can be added to your Virtual Machine (VM) by using storage elements in your Virtual Data Center (VDC). Storage name, availability zone, size, OS image, and boot options are configurable for each element.

Add Storage to a Server or a Cube

1. Drag a storage element (HDD or SSD) from the Palette onto a Server or a Cube in the Workspace to connect them together. The highlighted VM will expand with a storage section.

2. Click the Unnamed HDD Storage to highlight the storage section. You can now see new options in the Inspector on the right.

Adding a storage element onto a Server or a Cube

Note: You cannot change the storage type after provisioning.

Configure Storage

1. Name: Enter a name that is unique within your VDC.

2. Zone: Select a zone in which you want the storage device to be maintained. When you select A (Auto), the system assigns the optimal Zone. The Availability Zone cannot be changed after provisioning.

3. Size: Specify the required storage capacity. The size can be increased after provisioning, even while the server is running, as long as this is supported by its operating system. It is not possible to reduce the storage size after provisioning.

4. (Optional) Image: Choose from available IONOS offered images, IONOS offered Linux Images, Microsoft Images, or upload your own. If you do not select an image, you can create an empty storage volume.

Authentication

1. Password: Set the root or administrator password for your server according to the guidelines. This is recommended for both operating system types

2. SSH Keys: Select an SSH key stored in the SSH Key Manager.

3. Ad-hoc SSH Keys: Copy and paste the public part of your SSH key into this field.

4. Storage Volume: Select the storage volume from which the server is to boot by clicking on BOOT or Make Boot Device.

Alternative Mode

1. Storage: When adding a storage element using the Inspector, select the appropriate check box in the Add Storage dialog box. If you wish to boot from the network, set this on the server: Server in the Workspace > Inspector > Storage.

2. VirtIO Driver: It is recommended to always use VirtIO to benefit from the full performance of InfiniBand. IDE is intended for troubleshooting if, for instance, the operating system has no VirtIO drivers installed. In this case, Windows usually displays a "blue screen" when booting.

3. Live Vertical Scaling: After provisioning, the Live Vertical Scaling properties of the selected image are displayed. You can make changes to these properties later, which will require a reboot. You can set the properties of your uploaded images before you apply them to storage volumes in the Image Manager.

4. (Optional) Add and configure further storage elements.

5. (Optional) Make further changes to your data center.

6. Provision your changes.

Add a storage element using the Inspector

Live Vertical Scaling

Result: The storage device is now provisioned and configured according to your settings.

Add a CD-ROM drive

To assign an image and specify a boot device, you need to add and configure a storage element.

1. CD-ROM: Click on CD-ROM to add a CD-ROM drive so that you can use ISO images to install and configure an operating system from scratch.

2. Network: Set up a network by connecting the server to other elements, such as an internet access element or other servers through their NICs.

3. Provision your changes.

Result: The server is available according to your settings.