CIFS: Technical Specifications

About CIFS

CIFS/SMB home directories allow Duke users access to their files from multiple locations.

Prerequisites

To connect to your CIFS/SMB home directory, your computer or device needs to be connected to the Duke network. If you're not connected to the Duke network, connect via the Virtual Private Network (VPN). For instructions, please see VPN instructions for Mac OS or VPN instructions for Windows.

Most operating systems allow connections to CIFS home directories without installing additional software.

Basic Configuration

Connect to a Windows Share

Protocol: CIFS (SMB)
Host or server: homedir.oit.duke.edu or for a Web Space oit-nas-fe11.oit.duke.edu
Folder name: users/n/netid (where n is the first letter of your NetID and netid is your NetID)

Terminology

Some hosts may use the following terminology:
Protocol: CIFS (SMB)
Host or server: homedir.oit.duke.edu or for a Web Space oit-nas-fe11.oit.duke.edu
Share name: users or for Web Space PROJECT-WEB/web
Folder name: n/netid (where n is the first letter of your NetID and netid is your NetID) 

Authentication

Active Directory domain: WIN
Username: your NetID
Password: your NetID password

Specific Instructions

[KB0013655] CIFS Home Directories and Web Spaces: How to Connect from Windows
[KB0013637] CIFS Home Directories and web spaces: How to Connect from Mac OS X

Requests for CIFS space increases will go through Collaborative Services-OIT

Need Further Assistance?

Please contact the OIT Service Desk if you need further assistance.

Article number: KB0013681

Valid to: October 17, 2025