On ReadyNAS 6.0, the DFS option is available under the Share options. This article explains this feature, and an example is shown.
What is DFS?
DFS means 'Distributed File System'. Its purpose is to bring other filesystems together. On ReadyNAS OS6, this feature allows you to link Remote Samba Shares from Remote ReadyNAS, and make them accessible through a single Samba (SMB ) share.
Explanation and implementation on OS6
For example, you have 3 Readynases (NAS1, NAS2, and local NAS3 ). On each, you have a share called Pictures1, Pictures2, Pictures3 respectively . Do you really have to log in to all 3 NAS's to access the different shares? No, there is a way of linking them.
- On local NAS 3, make a share called 'All-Pics' which will be our local-share.
'Address' is the IP or Hostname, of one of the other NAS's.
'Remote Folder' is the name of the remote Share.
- Inside 'All-Pics' go to SMB, then DFS menu, and enable it.
- Create an entry for each other NAS, by filling out the Name, Address, and Remote Folder.
- The 'Name' field assigns the remote share name, on the local share.
- This will not copy the data from one NAS to another, like a Backup job. Instead it is a way in Windows, to browse one NAS, when the data is on another. It is similar to a Hyperlink pointer.
- The Remote NAS's with the Pictures folder, can be mapped in Windows Explorer in the general format shown.
- On Windows Explorer, the Local NAS where you have DFS enabled, will contain the following
\\NAS3\All-Pics\Pics1\ <--- when you go here, you will see the contents of \\NAS1\Pictures1\
\\NAS3\All-Pics\Pics2\ <--- when you go here, you will see the contents of \\NAS2\Pictures2\
Note that Pics1 for example, is the local name of the folder, and Pictures1 is the Actual name of the remote folder.
- Permissions:
The user needs to have permission to access both NAS's, and the required folders on each. At initial setup, out of the box, by default, Everyone is checked to access every share. However if you have problems accessing folders, check both the Remote and Local NAS for permissions.
- File System:
DFS is only available in SMB (Samba), and is not available under the other Protocols, like AFP, or FTP.
Case Study :
Here is a detailed example, using two OS6 NAS's, showing the benefit of the DFS feature.
- File System:
- NAS A (172.22.0.28) has a Picture folder with 3 photos, called 'Italy-Photos'.
We want to set local NAS B (172.22.0.26), to have a link to the Photos folder .
Once mapped, the Share is as shown, with photo filenames.
- Steps:
On NAS A Click 'New Folder'.
Create 'Italy-Photos' share as shown
In this example, I use the 'upload' button to add 3 photos.
- Now, to map a drive on a Windows PC. We know the IP address. I enter \\172.22.0.28 in Windows Explorer.
- On Local NAS B
Now, we want to observe these 3 files, using the DFS protocol on NAS B. I create a sample folder called 'Tourist'.
Go into Settings >> Network access.
- DFS is only available in the SMB (Samba) menu. Click DFS. Tick or Check 'Enable DFS Root'.
- * Hit the + button.
* It will open up a menu. ,You add as shown
* Name: "Venice" <--- This the name you want to see on the Local NAS.
* Address: "172.22.0.28 " <--- This is the IP address of the remote NAS.
* Remote Folder: 'Italy-Photos' is used in this example <--- This is the name of the remote folder
- I now map \\ ( IP or Hostname of NAS B ) \\172.xx.0.26 in Windows Explorer.
Note that the 'Venice' link is visible. Clicking further will display the 3 files.
The files do not move from NAS 'A' to NAS 'B'. Instead a link has been set up as shown.
- Steps: