As mentioned previously, data transfer protocols impact how to connect to remote storage and methods of transfer. SMB or Server Message Block by Microsoft is another one of these methods. There are multiple differences about it from the other methods, but most important it is very easy. It allows systems on the same network to share files between computers as though the files were on the computer’s local hard drive. Closest to file moving interfaces most familiar to many on Mac/PCs (with drag and drop or cmd/ctrl+c, cmd/ctrl+p). Discussed in this section of the workshop are the advantages and disadvantages and how to use SMB on ARCC systems.

Advantages of SMB

As mentioned previously, the ease of use is the key feature of SMB protocol, but there are indeed more that warrant it’s use.

1. Interactive use of remotely stored files - once connected to the remote storage, a user can open, view, and edit files without actually transferring the files themselves. All changes are saved on the remote storage. All this is dependent on the size and type of files, but many are supported including spreadsheets, word processing, code, images, and even video files.

2. Re-connecting - once the storage is mapped/mounted, the option to save the username and password for the connection exists. Meaning all one has to do to re-connect to the remote server is to click on the connection to get to the storage.

3. In-network sharing - on ARCC systems, anyone who has a UWyo username and password that can connect to the campus VPN, can be given permission to any storage that can be connected with SMB.

4. Protected connections - once connected using SMB, the connection itself is encrypted. Meaning it is very difficult for a malicious actor to exploit any open connections a user has.

Disadvantages of SMB

Despite all of the good things SMB connections provide, there are a few problems that can arise.

1. No out-of-network access - on ARCC systems, users are required to have a UWyo account and have the ability to log into the network such as the UWyo wifi or VPN. Meaning if researchers want to collaborate with others from different institutions AND wishing to use SMB to share data, additional steps must be taken to enable this and has an associated cost.

2. Performance - SMB is not a multi-threaded protocol, like other protocols previously discussed in this tutorial and transfers can be painfully slow.

3. Potential corruptions - SMB does not do any file verification when transferring data such as checksums. This disadvantage can become problematic should a network error, power outage, or other interruption occur.

4. No automation - a major disadvantage to using SMB is that the protocol cannot be used within an HPC job to transfer data between systems.

How to Use SMB on Windows

Using the SMB protocol on Windows is pretty simple as long as the initial requirements of having a UWyo account and access to a UWyo network are met along with the permission of a UWyo based project PI.

The first step in connecting is to open the Windows File Explorer application by clicking on the folder icon in the start menu. Once the application is open it should look like the file browser that you are familiar with.

Open

Map a Network Drive on Windows

Connect to the Remote Storage (Windows)

How to Use SMB on Mac

The process is similar on Mac, but just a little different

Connect to Remote Storage (Mac)

Next Steps

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