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Dell PowerFlex 4.5.x Administration Guide

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Create a global namespace

You can create a global namespace (GNS) to allow the NAS user to access a single namespace supported by the NAS cluster with a single export.

About this task

A global namespace provides a virtual view of shared folders by grouping shares or exports that are located on different servers into one or more logical namespaces. This virtual view gives you a single entry point to access multiple file systems.

With the global namespace feature enabled, client hosts with correct access permission can access existing and newly added file systems without needing to explicitly map/mount them on each client.

When you create a global namespace, you have the option to set up a single mount point or single export that consists of several file systems that may be SMB or NFS.

PowerFlex file services support a multi-protocol global namespace for both SMB and NFSv4 clients. The GNS infrastructure does not support NFSv3 clients, however they can access the shares directly. Also, NAS server supports creating multiple namespaces.

Prerequisites

Configure at least one NAS server before you attempt to create a global namespace.

Steps

  1. Select the File > Global Name Space tab.
  2. Click Create Global Name Space and enter the following information in the wizard:
    OptionDescription
    NameSpace for NFS For NFS only. The namespace provides access over the NFS(nfsv4) protocol only.
    NameSpace for SMB For SMB only. The namespace provides access over the SMB protocol only.
    NameSpace for both NFS and SMB For SMB and NFS. The namespace provides access over both NFS and SMB protocols.
  3. Click Next.
  4. Choose a NAS server on which to create the GNS and click Next.

    A NAS server can host multiple namespaces.

  5. Select a file system to create the GNS.
    OptionDescription
    Create new Filesystem (Recommended) Create a dedicated file system to host the GNS.
    Select from available General Type Filesystems Select an existing file system. Do not select the existing NFS file system if the file system root has already been exported.
  6. Specify GNS details for the namespace:
    OptionDescription
    Name of the server The name allows remote hosts to connect to the Global Namespace over the network.
    Description Optional description for the namespace.
    Local Path Local path relative to the NAS server. This path is the local path to the storage resource or any existing subfolder of the storage resource that is shared over the network. The path is relative to the NAS Server and must start with the file system's mountpoint path, which is the file system name. For example, to share the top level of a file system named powerflexfs1, which is mounted on the /powerflexfs1 mountpoint on the NAS Server, use / powerflexfs1 in the path parameter.
    NOTE:The Namespace Path is generated based on the interface of the selected NAS server and namespace server name.
  7. Review the Summary page and choose one of the following options to create the GNS.
    • Run in the background
    • Add to the Job List to schedule later

Results

The root shares and exports are automatically created on the file system.

NOTE:These shares and exports cannot be deleted without deleting the namespace.

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