What Is Block Storage? Volumes Explained

A block storage volume is extra disk space that you attach to a server, separate from the server's own disk. It shows up on the server as another disk, and it keeps its data when you detach it or delete the server. You can then attach it to a different server.

How it works

The provider keeps the volume on its storage system and connects it to the server you choose. The server reads and writes it like any local disk, so databases and ordinary programs work on it without changes. Because the volume is separate, you can size it independently of the server and move data between servers by moving the volume.

A volume is normally billed on its size, whether or not the space is used, so you pay for what you set aside rather than what you write.

When to use it

• A database or app whose data should outlive the server it runs on.
• More disk than a server size includes, without moving to a bigger size.
• Data you want to move to a replacement server by detaching and attaching it.

When not to use it

• Files that apps on different servers, or outside VeloxaHost, need to reach over the internet. Object storage serves them over HTTPS.
• Off-site backups. A volume sits in the same region as the server; use scheduled backups or a copy elsewhere.
• Data that fits on the server's own disk. That disk is already included in the server's price.

How it works on VeloxaHost

• Create a volume under Storage in the console, with sizes from 1 to 100 GB, or through the API.
• Attach it from the server's page (Devices, add disk) with a path such as /mnt/data. It appears at that path already formatted and mounted: there is nothing to format and nothing to add to /etc/fstab.
• Grow it at any time. Volume sizes can be increased, never decreased, so start with what you need.
• Move it by removing the disk device from one server and adding it to another. A volume survives the deletion of the server it was attached to.
• Billing. A volume is billed on its size, by the hour, stopping at the monthly price each month. Volume snapshots are not charged separately, and a server's own disk is included in its VPS size's price. The console shows the current price on each volume's page and under Settings, Billing.

FAQ

What happens to a volume when I delete the server?

The volume stays, with its data. Attach it to another server or delete it when you no longer need it.

Can I make a volume smaller?

No. Volume sizes can only be increased. Copy the data to a new, smaller volume if you need to shrink.

Do I need to format the volume?

No. On VeloxaHost a volume appears at the path you choose, already formatted and mounted.

How is a volume billed?

On its size, whether or not the space is used, by the hour while it exists and never more than its monthly price in a month. The current price is shown in the console.