Description

This Knowledge Base article explains how to configure a CIFS / SMB network share as a Block Storage Repository on a Linux-based (Ubuntu) BDRShield Backup Server or Offsite DR Server. The configuration ensures the repository is mounted persistently and is available for backup and replication operations.

Applicable Products

• BDRShield Backup Server
  

• BDRShield Offsite DR Server
  

Prerequisites

• Root or sudo access on the Linux server
  

• Network connectivity to the CIFS / SMB server
  

• Valid SMB credentials with read and write permissions
  

Configuration Steps

Step 1: Create a Mount Directory

Create a directory to be used as the mount point for the CIFS / SMB share.

sudo mkdir -p /mnt/smb_share

Step 2: Temporarily Mount the CIFS / SMB Share

Perform a temporary mount to verify connectivity and credentials.

sudo mount -t cifs //server/sharename /mnt/smb_share -o username=your_username, password=your_password
Verify the mount:
df -h

The mount path should be listed with available disk space.

Step 3: Create a CIFS Credentials File

To securely store SMB credentials, create a credentials file.

sudo nano /root/.smbcred

Add the following details:

username=xxxx
password=xxxx

Save the file ( Ctrl+o -> Enter -> Ctrl+x)

Restrict access to the file:

sudo chmod 600 /root/.smbcred

Step 4: Configure Persistent Mount Using /etc/fstab

Add the CIFS / SMB share entry to /etc/fstab to ensure it is mounted automatically after reboot.

echo "//server/sharename /mnt/smb_share cifs credentials=/root/.smbcred,vers=3.0,_netdev 0 0" | sudo tee -a /etc/fstab

Step 5: Mount the Share and Verify

Mount all configured filesystems:

sudo mount -a

Verify that the share is mounted:

df -h | grep smb_share

Step 6: Configure Block Storage Repository in BDRShield

Log in to BDRShield Web Console → Navigate to Inventory → Backup Repository → Block Storage → Click Create New Block Storage Repository → Add "Repository Name" → Select the mounted path (/mnt/smb_share) → Save.

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Verification

The configuration is successful when:

• The CIFS / SMB share is mounted without errors
  

• The mount persists after server reboot
  

• The repository path is selectable in BDRShield

Conclusion

By following the above steps, a CIFS / SMB network share can be successfully configured as a Block Storage Repository on a Linux-based BDRShield Backup Server or Offsite DR Server.