topic Re: NET APP( FAS) as a CIFS server and Active directory in ONTAP Discussions

NET APP( FAS) as a CIFS server and Active directory

zeehope — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:26:06 GMT

Hi guys,

I am new to net app ( FAS), so have very basics question.

1) Does NET APP have to be part of Active domain or work group to serve as CIFS server?

2) Can NET APP ( FAS ) be used as CIFS server without work group or part of active directory domain?

Much appreciated!!

Re: NET APP( FAS) as a CIFS server and Active directory

TMACMD — Sun, 02 May 2021 02:30:57 GMT

You must use the CLI to configure workgroup mode.
you must have a cifs server to serve cifs data

either join the domain or use workgroup mode.

Re: NET APP( FAS) as a CIFS server and Active directory

parisi — Mon, 03 May 2021 13:42:47 GMT

Official support is only for AD and workgroup mode:

https://docs.netapp.com/ontap-9/topic/com.netapp.doc.pow-cifs-cg/GUID-362AE62E-EE3A-419B-8195-B96079EEEC5D.html

I have heard of instances where non-AD SMB servers could be used for CIFS, but I have never personally tried it and I don't think support would be of much help if you ran into issues.