A RAID array (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is commonly used to improve data reliability and availability, as data is distributed across multiple disks (depending on the type of array). It is crucial to be notified immediately if one of the disks fails so it can be replaced without delay, maintaining the integrity of the array.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to configure the mdadm tool to send email notifications in case of RAID array failures.

Editing the Configuration File

The mdadm tool allows sending email notifications about the RAID array status. To configure it, you need to edit the configuration file /etc/mdadm/mdadm.conf.

Open the configuration file with your preferred text editor. For example, using nano:

Locate the lines that begin with MAILADDR and MAILFROM. If they don't exist, add them anywhere in the file. These lines specify the email addresses for notifications.

• MAILADDR: The email address where notifications will be sent.
• MAILFROM: The email address from which notifications will be sent (can be `root` or any other valid address).

Make sure to configure these lines as follows:

Update the mdadm configuration

Verify the Configuration

With these settings, if a disk in your RAID array fails, you will receive an email notification at the specified address. This will allow you to act quickly to replace the failed disk and maintain the integrity of your RAID system.