FreeNAS 11.3-U2 is now out. For those few STH readers unfamiliar, FreeNAS is an immensely popular NAS storage platform built on FreeBSD. It is also one of the easiest DIY ZFS storage server solutions available. That makes it perhaps the most popular open-source storage platform out there. With that, it is a big deal whenever we get a new release.
FreeNAS 11.3-U2 Released
The update adds some small tweaks and features. One example is an update to Samba 4.10.13 which you can find the release notes on here. There are also a number of fixes for memory leaks and freezes caused by firmware such as LSI 9×00 series controllers found in the newest release. LSI (now Broadcom) SAS controller issues seem to have had more than one entry in the latest release.
Overall, there were a few updates to functionality, but most of them were relatively minor around help fields, autocomplete, and similar enhancements. We see the FreeNAS 11.3-U2 release more as a bug fix release rather than an introduction of major new functionality for FreeNAS users. If you happen to have a FreeNAS system with a LSI controller, there is enough here that would make us think about updating quickly.
You can see the complete list of bug fixes and updates on the Jira ticket list.
Final Words
As the new updates to FreeNAS 11.3-U2 are rolling out, all eyes are on what is next. We are only a few months to the TrueNAS CORE rebranding for the popular ZFS NAS software. These new releases will help converge the solutions. Overall, there are fewer big release points in this version. If you are having stability issues, it is likely a good idea to upgrade. If your current version is running stable for you, you may want to hold off for a few days/ weeks and let others upgrade first.
Still, I prefer XigmaNAS. Much more lightweight, with newer FreeBSD as a base and with the same capabilities with services, jails and extensions.
Just FYI, XigmaNAS is continuation of the original FreeNAS, before the brand was sold to iX systems.
for now i use unraid maybe i try freenas on r710
Important update for users of the LSI 3008 based controllers. After updating to freeNAS 11.3 the temperature checking caused the controllers to hang and systems to crash daily. This update fixes that.
Looking at the pictures of the fancy UI for the dashboard makes me think…
OH SO COMMERCIAL NOW.
The question not asked. What does feature parity look like? What are the paid tiers? Is there a limit on drive count?