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Is it obligatory that NetApp cluster is joined to an Active Directory Domain?

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ontap-9
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nas
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Applies to

  • ONTAP 9
  • CIFS/SMB
  • Virtual Machines (vms)

Answer

  • No, it is not obligatory that the NetApp cluster is joined to a domain

Example: If a customer has several Windows vms that are joined in domain X. Domain X is under the administration of the end customer and you do not have direct access to it, but have administrative access to the Windows vms and manage them

  • It is best practice to join the SVM to the domain

    • This would allow the Windows VMs to authenticate against the domain when accessing the shares

    • The NetApp cluster would then rely on the customer's domain controllers for authentication and authorization

  • Workgroup mode can be used as well
    • This requires you to manage the local accounts and permissions and you cannot use domain accounts for permissions on the files
    • The Windows VMs would need to provide the appropriate credentials when accessing the shares

Additional Information

NetApp provides no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or reliability or serviceability of any information or recommendations provided in this publication or with respect to any results that may be obtained by the use of the information or observance of any recommendations provided herein. The information in this document is distributed AS IS and the use of this information or the implementation of any recommendations or techniques herein is a customer's responsibility and depends on the customer's ability to evaluate and integrate them into the customer's operational environment. This document and the information contained herein may be used solely in connection with the NetApp products discussed in this document.