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KB ID: 5953

Configuring DFS Namespaces with TeraStation Shares

Last Updated: 09/08/2025

Configuring DFS Namespaces with TeraStation Shares allows users to access all TeraStation shares through a single namespace.

Prerequisites:
• A Windows Server (2012 R2 or later) joined to your domain. Ensure administrative access to the server.
• A domain joined TeraStation NAS with SMB shares accessible via UNC paths (e.g., \\ TeraStation1\Share1, \\ TeraStation2\Share2) from server and clients.

Configure TeraStation Share Permissions
• Ensure the NAS shares allow access to the Domain users/groups who need access.

Install the DFS Namespaces Role
1.   Open Server Manager on your Windows Server.
2.   Click "Add roles and features".

3.   Proceed to the "Server Roles" section.
4.   Check "DFS Namespaces" under File and Storage Services > File and iSCSI Services.

5.   Complete the installation.

Create a DFS Namespace
1.   Open DFS Management (dfsmgmt.msc).

2.   Right-click "Namespaces" and select "New Namespace".

3.   Select the Namespace Server:
o   Enter the server's name (e.g., YourServerName).

4.   Configure the Namespace Name:
o   Name: e.g., DataNamespace (clients will access this as \\Domain\DataNamespace).

5.   Choose Namespace Type:
o   Select "Domain-based namespace".

6.   Finish the wizard.

Add Folders Linking to NAS Shares
1.   In DFS Management, right-click your new namespace (\\Domain\DataNamespace) and select "New Folder".

2.   Folder Name: Enter a name (e.g., share1).
(This creates \\Domain\DataNamespace\share1.)

3.   Add Folder Targets:
o   Click "Add" and enter the NAS UNC path (e.g., \\NAS1\Share).

4.   Repeat steps 1–3 for the second NAS share (e.g., share2 → \\NAS2\Share).

5.   Test the DFS Namespace
From a client PC, open File Explorer and navigate to:
\\Domain\DataNamespace\share1 (should map to \\NAS1\Share).
\\Domain\DataNamespace\share2 (should map to \\NAS2\Share).