SMB (aka CIFS) Destination

This page describes the CIFS storage destination

The Server Message Block (SMB) / Common Internet File System (CIFS) backend provides native support for accessing shared network resources using the SMB/CIFS protocol. This backend enables direct interaction with Windows shares and other SMB-compatible network storage systems.

User interface

To use the SMB connection you must supply the server, shared name, path on server, username, password, and transport. See below for a description of the transport method.

URL format for Commandline

To use the CIFS destination, you can use a url such as:

smb://<hostname>/<share>/<path>
  ?auth-username=<username>
  &auth-password=<password>
  &transport=directtcp

Transport

SMB supports two distinct transport protocols, each with its own characteristics:

DirectTCP (directtcp)

• Port: 445

• Characteristics:

  • Faster performance

  • Modern implementation

  • Preferred for newer systems

  • Direct TCP/IP connection

  • Lower overhead

NetBIOS over TCP (netbios)

• Port: 139

• Characteristics:

  • Legacy support

  • Compatible with older systems

  • Additional protocol overhead

  • Slower performance

  • Uses NetBIOS naming service

Advanced Options

--read-buffer-size

Defines the read buffer size, in bytes, for SMB operations (Will be capped automatically by SMB negotiated values, values bellow 10000 bytes will be ignored)

--write-buffer-size

Defines the write buffer size, in bytes, for SMB operations (Will be capped automatically by SMB negotiated values, values bellow 10000 bytes will be ignored)

The SMB backend is available on stable release from version 2.2.