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Block Storage

Last updated on Aug 30, 2024

Create Block Storage

Block Storage Volumes are persistent storage devices that can be attached to a Compute Instance and used to store any type of data. They are especially useful for storing website files, databases, media, backups, and much more. To get started with Block Storage, create a Volume using the guide below.

  1. Log in to the Web portal with the username and password created when signing up.

  2. On the left navigation column choose 'Block Storage'

  3. In the Block Storage header window choose 'Create Block Storage'

  4. Fill out the provided creation form which allows for full customization of the new Block Storage. The following fields are available:

    Select Project

    Choose the project for the block storage volume

    Select Instance

    Select the instance to create the block storage volume for

    Name Volume

    Create a custome name for the block storage volume that is easily identifiable.

    Select Volume Size

    Choose between seven pre-built volume sizes.

    Configuration

    American Cloud will attach the volume but allow manual format and mounting of the volume

    Billing Method

    Select the desired billing method. If a coupon is redeemable select the coupon. Review all billing information.

  5. Select 'Create Block Storage'

Attach/Detach Block Storage

Once a Block Storage Volume has been created, it can be attached to any Compute Instance in the same region. Since Volumes are external device, they are portable and can be attached and detached to Compute Instances as needed. Once attached, the device is assigned to an available block device (such as /dev/sdc) on a Compute Instance’s Configuration Profile and has its own path in your instance’s file system. When attaching and detaching a Volume, additional internal configuration is needed to create a file system (if one hasn’t already been created), mount or unmount the Volume, and automatically mount the Volume at system boot.

  • Attach and Detach Existing Volumes

  • Configure a Volume on a Compute Instance

When a Volume is attached to a Compute Instance, you can log in to that instance and access the Volume’s data through its mount point. For instance, if the Volume was mounted in /mnt/volume/, you can navigate to that directly to view any files stored on that Volume. You can also use that directory when integrating your Volume with any software or tooling you might employ.

Manage Block Storage

  1. Log in to the Web portal with the username and password created when signing up.

  2. On the left navigation column choose 'Block Storage'

  3. On the Block Storage header tab choose 'Manage'

  4. Select the Volume to Manage

Overview

Three options are available.

Attach/detach instance, snapshot, and deletion.

Attach/detach Instance

This allows for an instance to attached as well as detached from an volume

Snapshot

When executed, a snapshot will be taken of the block storage volume.

Destroy

Allows for the destruction/erase of the volume