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LINBIT DRBD
Vienna, Austria
What it is
LINBIT DRBD is open-source distributed replicated block storage software for Linux, typically used for high-performance high availability. Its kernel driver mirrors writes to one or more peer nodes. In synchronous mode, completion is confirmed after local and peer storage completion events. Reads can be served locally without network traffic, and the data path does not pass through user-space components. DRBD comprises a kernel driver, user-space management applications, and shell scripts. It supports TCP/IP and RDMA/Verbs transports, including InfiniBand, iWARP, and RoCE use cases. Its command-line interface can manage large clusters independently of cloud, virtualization, or container platforms. LINBIT also offers WinDRBD, a Windows driver with precompiled and signed packages. Documentation describes TLS encryption for TCP transport, with authentication and encryption configured through tlshd and keys in /etc/tlshd.conf. The community version is free and includes DRBD 9 source code, documentation, technical guides, and community support. LINBIT Starter is $1,000 a year, starting from $1,000 /2 nodes/year. Other subscription plans are priced per node per year, with support and device-size terms varying by plan.
For and against
For
- Synchronous replication waits on local and peer storage.
- Reads can run locally without network traffic.
- Supports TCP/IP and RDMA/Verbs transports.
- Command-line management can operate independently of platforms.
- Free community version includes source and documentation.
Against
- Starter begins at $1,000 /2 nodes/year.
- Basic support is limited to five tickets annually.
- Basic device size is capped at 8TB.
- Plus device size is capped at 32TB.
The verdict
DRBD provides replicated block storage with local reads and multiple transport options. Review the subscription-specific support and device-size terms when planning a deployment.
Who it suits
DRBD may suit administrators building replicated block storage for Linux clusters, including setups managed independently of cloud or container platforms. Teams needing Windows support can also review LINBIT's WinDRBD offering.
Plans and prices
DRBD open-source community version
DRBD 9 source code · documentation and tech guides · community support
Read 30 Sep 2026 · linbit.com
LINBIT Starter
Official repositories · latest software updates · community non-SLA support · DRBD 9
Read 30 Sep 2026 · linbit.com
LINBIT HA Basic
5 support tickets per year · device size up to 8TB · business-hour SLA support
Read 30 Sep 2026 · linbit.com
LINBIT HA Enterprise
Unlimited device size · 24x7 email/phone support · 1-hour maximum emergency initial response
Read 30 Sep 2026 · linbit.com
LINBIT HA Plus
Unlimited support tickets · device size up to 32TB · remote installation and troubleshooting
Read 30 Sep 2026 · linbit.com
On the record
- Architecture
- DRBD is implemented as a kernel driver, user-space management applications, and shell scripts.linbit.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Company
- LINBIT says its headquarters are in Vienna, Austria, and that the company was incorporated in 2001.linbit.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Downloads
- LINBIT's downloads page offers DRBD 9 Linux kernel driver source archives, including versions 9.3.4 and 9.2.20 listed as modified September 15, 2026.linbit.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- LINBIT says its subscriptions integrate with Kubernetes and other major platforms and environments.linbit.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Local I/O
- Read requests can be carried out locally without network traffic, and the data path does not involve user-space components.linbit.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Networking
- DRBD supports TCP/IP and RDMA/Verbs transports, including InfiniBand, iWARP, and RoCE use cases.linbit.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- DRBD is open-source distributed replicated block storage software for Linux, typically used for high-performance high availability.linbit.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Replication
- The DRBD kernel driver mirrors writes to one or more peer nodes and in synchronous mode confirms completion after local and peer storage completion events.linbit.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security
- The DRBD 9 guide documents TLS traffic encryption for TCP transport, with connection authentication and encryption configured through tlshd and keys in /etc/tlshd.conf.linbit.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Standalone use
- DRBD has a command-line interface and can manage large clusters independently of cloud, virtualization, or container platforms.linbit.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- LINBIT HA Enterprise includes unlimited support tickets, 24x7 email and phone support, and a maximum 4-hour initial support response time.linbit.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support limit
- LINBIT HA Basic limits support to five tickets per year and device size up to 8TB; Plus raises device size to 32TB.linbit.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Windows
- LINBIT provides WinDRBD, a DRBD driver for Windows, with precompiled and signed packages available from its download page.linbit.com · read 30 Sep 2026
