Install TrueNAS® CORE/FreeNAS® on Shunya N-BOX Mini Servers

1. TrueNAS® Overview #

TrueNAS® CORE formerly FreeNAS® is free and open-source network-attached storage operating system based on FreeBSD and Linux, using the OpenZFS file system.. More information can be found on the TrueNAS® website

2. Install TrueNAS® CORE #

2.1 What you will need for installation #

1. Shunya N-BOX mini server
2. USB drive (at least 8GB)
3. HDMI Monitor
4. USB Keyboard
5. Internet connection
6. Laptop/PC

2.2 Steps #

2.2.1 Make a Bootable USB for TrueNAS® CORE #

1. Download the TrueNAS® CORE installation image from link . You may have to register yourself for the download Link. This screenshot shows an example installation with version 13.0-U5.3 of TrueNAS® CORE. We recommend downloading the latest available version.
2. Install “balenaEtcher” from balenaEtcher website.
3. Insert your USB Drive into the separate laptop or PC and open balenaEtcher.
4. Click on “Flash from file” and select the TrueNAS® CORE installer image file.
5. Click on “Select target” and choose your USB drive.
6. Click on “Flash!” to create a bootable USB drive for TrueNAS® CORE.
   
7. Once balenaEtcher finishes flashing, Remove the USB drive.
8. Now bootable USB is ready.

2.2.2 Install TrueNAS® CORE #

1. Access BIOS:
   • Power off the device.
   • Connect the monitor.
   • Insert the USB device into a USB port.
   • Plug in a USB keyboard.
   • Power on the device, press the “DELETE” key, and verify that it boots to the BIOS.
   • Select the “Boot” tab, then “FIXED BOOT ORDER Priorities,” and confirm that “Boot Option #1” is set to “USB Device.” The screenshot may show an example of a SanDisk USB device, the manufacturer’s name may change or may not be displayed.
   • Press F4 to save and exit the BIOS.
   • Reboot the device i.e (power off and power on)
2. The device should boot into the TrueNAS® installer. Install TrueNAS® CORE:
3. Select Install/Upgrade option and press ENTER to proceed.
4. Choose the HDD/SSD where you want to install. Press SPACE to select the HDD/SSD and then Press ENTER.
5. Change the root password when prompted (recommended). Press ENTER when passwords are entered.
6. Choose to boot via UEFI
7. When prompted, choose to create swap for better performance.
8. Remove the installation USB and press ENTER to reboot the device.
9. After reboot, the device will boot to TrueNAS® CORE.

Installation of TrueNAS® CORE is complete!

If you face any difficulties in installation, you can follow the steps outlined in the official TrueNAS® CORE installation walkthrough.

2.2.3 Setup TrueNAS® CORE #

1. To setup TrueNAS® we have to first configure the Network Interface.
2. On first boot, Press 1 and ENTER to setup the Network interface.
3. Connect the Ethernet cable from Router to any one the Ethernet ports on the Mini Server.
4. Type the name of the Ethernet port to configure it as Network Interface. The names will start from igc0 to igc3/igc5
5. Once the Network interface is setup, TrueNAS® console will show the URL for accessing WebUI.

Configuration of TrueNAS® CORE is complete!

2.2.4 Access TrueNAS® CORE WebUI #

TrueNAS® CORE provides a WebUI which can be used to further configure the Mini Server.

1. Connect your laptop/computer to the Router where the Mini Server is connected.
2. Access the TrueNAS® WebUI at the given URL (URL is displayed in TrueNAS® console).
3. Login with root user credentials setup during the installation.
4. Once logged in, you can use the WebUI to setup TrueNAS® .

That’s it TrueNAS® is configured. You can use TrueNAS® for building NAS.

For detailed documentation on TrueNAS® CORE please visit the official TrueNAS® Documentation and if you have any questions regarding TrueNAS® CORE please visit the official TrueNAS® Forum.

_{** TrueNAS®, FreeNAS® and TrueNAS® CORE are registered trademarks of iXsystems in the United States. Shunya Mini Servers is not affiliated with or endorsed by iXsystems, Inc. . The use of the TrueNAS® trademark on this website is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply any association with or endorsement by the trademark owner(s).}