Set up a network file share

In this article:

The Unidesk ELM must be connected to a network file share.

Network file share requirements and recommendations

Requirements

When setting up the ELM's file share:

• The file share must be configured using SMB or NFS technology. However, if you plan to use Elastic Layer assignments, you must use SMB protocol, as NFS technology is not supported when using Elastic Layers.

• The user credentials for the file share must have full permissions for that share.

• The share must be set up by the admin to be readonly for all users except for the one configured in the ELM. This secures the Layers and other files stored on the share.

• Ensure that you have the minimum storage space requirement of 40-100GB for your file share.

  Note: Storage space is expandable, as you can add space to a disk, or other disks to the ELM.

Recommendations

• For convenience, set up a Network File Share hosted in your hypervisor.

• For Azure: Currently, the Unidesk ELM does not support the Azure File Share feature. For best performance, it is best to create a file share server in Azure using a fast system with a Premium Disk, for example, a DS class machine.

Create the network file share

Depending on your environment, configure a file share that uses either Network File System (NFS) or Server Message Block (SMB) protocol.

• Follow the vendor's instructions for setting up a file share using the protocol supported in your environment.

• If you are planning to deploy Elastic Layers, the share must be configured using SMB technology. When using Elastic Layer assignments, NFS technology is not supported for the file share.

Configure Unidesk to access the file share

Once you have created a file share, configure the Unidesk Enterprise Layer Manager (ELM) to attach to it. You can configure the ELM via the Unidesk Management Console (UMC).

1. In the Unidesk Management Console, select System > Settings and Configuration, then scroll down to the network file shares setting and click Edit.

2. Specify a Type, Path, User name, and Password for the file share.

3. Click Test Network File Share to see if you can connect to the file share. The test returns a message stating either Success or Failed to mount network file share path.

4. Once the test returns a Success message, click Save.

Next step

Open ports in your firewall for Unidesk