Azure Files SMB Support

This document provides a comprehensive overview of Server Message Block (SMB) protocol support in Azure Files, detailing its features, capabilities, and best practices for integration with your applications and infrastructure.

What is Azure Files?

Azure Files offers fully managed cloud file shares that are accessible via the industry-standard Server Message Block (SMB) protocol and Network File System (NFS) protocol. You can mount Azure file shares concurrently from the cloud or on-premises, allowing applications to access stored data just as they would access local or on-premises file shares.

SMB Protocol Support

Azure Files supports SMB protocol versions 2.1, 3.0, 3.02, and 3.1.1. This broad compatibility ensures that a wide range of clients, from older Windows versions to modern Linux and macOS systems, can connect to and utilize Azure file shares.

Key Features of SMB in Azure Files

Cross-Platform Access: Connect to Azure file shares from Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Data Synchronization: Use Azure File Sync to synchronize on-premises Windows file shares with Azure Files.
Enterprise Workloads: Host applications that rely on shared file storage, such as Active Directory domain services, legacy applications, and content management systems.
High Availability: Azure Files offers high availability and durability for your data.
Scalability: File shares can scale up to 100 TiB.

Connecting to Azure File Shares via SMB

You can mount Azure file shares using SMB from various client operating systems. The process typically involves using the storage account name and a storage account key or a shared access signature (SAS) token.

Mounting on Windows

Use the net use command or File Explorer.

net use Z: \\<storage-account-name>.file.core.windows.net\<share-name> /u:<storage-account-name> <storage-account-key>

Mounting on Linux

Install the CIFS utilities and use the mount command.

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install cifs-utils
sudo mount -t cifs \\\\<storage-account-name>.file.core.windows.net\\<share-name> /mnt/mymountpoint -o vers=3.0,username=<storage-account-name>,password=<storage-account-key>,dir_mode=0777,file_mode=0777,serverino

Mounting on macOS

Use Finder's "Connect to Server" option or the mount command in Terminal.

open smb://<storage-account-name>.file.core.windows.net/<share-name>

Note on Authentication

For enhanced security, consider using Azure AD Kerberos for authentication with Azure Files. This provides identity-based access control similar to on-premises file servers.

Azure File Sync

Azure File Sync is a service that allows you to centralize your organization's file shares in Azure Files while keeping the flexibility, performance, and compatibility of an on-premises file server. It uses SMB to interact with both the on-premises file servers and Azure Files.

Key Benefits of Azure File Sync

Hybrid Cloud: Seamlessly extend your on-premises file servers to the cloud.
Multi-site Sync: Synchronize multiple locations to a central Azure Files share.
Tiering: Cloud tiering allows frequently accessed files to remain on-premises, while less frequently accessed files are tiered to Azure Files as cool blobs.

Performance Considerations

Azure Files offers different performance tiers (Premium and Standard) to meet various workload needs. SMB performance is optimized for throughput and latency. Ensure your network configuration and client settings are conducive to good performance.

Performance Tip

For optimal SMB performance, use SMB 3.0 or later. Ensure your client operating system and network drivers are up to date.

Security Best Practices

Secure your Azure File shares by leveraging network security features, identity management, and access control lists (ACLs).

Use private endpoints for secure network access.
Configure firewall rules for your storage account.
Utilize Azure AD Kerberos for integrated Windows authentication.
Regularly review and manage share permissions and file/folder ACLs.

Important Security Information

Never embed storage account keys directly in application code. Use Azure Key Vault to manage secrets securely.

Conclusion

Azure Files' robust SMB support provides a familiar and powerful way to leverage cloud file storage for a wide range of applications and scenarios. By understanding its capabilities and following best practices, you can effectively integrate Azure Files into your hybrid and cloud environments.