You can create subscription disks and attach them to subscription ECS instances in the ECS console to increase the storage space of these instances. This topic describes how to create an empty subscription disk to be used as a data disk.

Background information

You can use one of the following methods to create a subscription disk. This topic describes the first method.
  • Create a subscription disk and attach it to a subscription ECS instance in the ECS console.
  • When you create an ECS instance, set its billing method to subscription and create disks for the instance. All disks created together with this instance use the subscription billing method. For more information, see Create an instance by using the provided wizard.
Note When you create a subscription disk, you must attach it to a subscription instance. You cannot create standalone subscription disks.
Note the following limits when you create a subscription disk:
  • You cannot merge multiple disks by formatting them because they are independent of each other. Therefore, we recommend that you determine the number and capacity of disks that you need before you create them.
  • We recommend that you do not use Logical Volume Manager (LVM) to create logical volumes on multiple disks. This is because a snapshot can only back up data of a single disk. If you create a logical volume on multiple disks by using LVM, data discrepancies will occur when you roll back these disks.
  • Subscription disks cannot be detached. They expire and are released along with the instances to which they are attached. If you want to release a subscription disk, you can convert it to a pay-as-you-go disk, and then detach and release it.

For information about the subscription billing method, see Subscription.

Procedure

  1. Log on to the ECS console.
  2. In the left-side navigation pane, choose Instances & Images > Instances.
  3. In the top navigation bar, select a region.
  4. On the Instances page, find the subscription instance for which you want to create a subscription disk. In the Actions column, choose More > Configuration Change > Add Subscription Disk. The Disk page appears.
    Note Alternatively, you can choose Storage & Snapshots > Disks in the left-side navigation pane. On the Disks page, click Create Disk in the upper-right corner. Before you create a disk, you must select the subscription instance to which to attach the disk.
  5. On the Disk page, configure the parameters such as Billing Method, Storage, Quantity, and Disk Name.
    Create a diskThe following table describes some of the parameters.
    Parameter Description Reference
    Performance Level You can set performance levels only for enhanced SSDs (ESSDs). You can select a performance level based on the capacity of the ESSD. Enhanced SSDs
    Create from Snapshot You can use a snapshot to create a disk. The snapshot can be created from a system disk or a data disk. Create a disk from a snapshot
    Data Encryption Disk encryption is applicable to scenarios that require data security and regulatory compliance. If you select this option, data stored in the disk is automatically encrypted. Encryption overview
  6. Read and select ECS Terms of Service and confirm the configuration fees.
  7. Click Preview. In the Preview dialog box that appears, confirm the order information and click Create Order.
  8. Select a payment method and complete the payment.

Result

After the disk is created, go to the Instances page and find the instance to which the disk is attached. Click the instance ID to go to the Instance Details page. In the left-side navigation pane, click Disks. The subscription disk is displayed in the disk list and in the In Use state.

What to do next