SMB-MULTICHANNEL

What is SMB Multichannel?

SMB Multichannel is a feature introduced on the SMB3 protocol that leverages the concept of multiple channels. It aggregates multiple network ports to increase available bandwidth and overall transfer performance, particularly suitable for large file transfers and multimedia streaming applications. With this feature, it's possible to utilize multiple network channels simultaneously for file transfers, thereby enhancing transfer speeds and fault tolerance. This feature has been implemented in TerraMaster NAS systems, requiring only simple settings on the NAS end to achieve a significant improvement in network access speed.

Key features and Advantages of SMB multichannel Include:

1. Enhanced Transfer Speeds: By simultaneously utilizing multiple network channels for file transfers, significant improvements in transfer speeds can be achieved, particularly beneficial for large file transfers and multimedia streaming applications.
2. Improved Fault Tolerance: In the event of a network channel failure, data can automatically detect and migrate to functioning channels, ensuring data integrity and system availability.
3. Support for High-Intensity Workloads: With the ability to create multiple network connections concurrently, it supports running high-intensity workloads in Client/Server mode.
4. Simplified Network Management: Setting up is simplified as it doesn't require the use of managed switches; instead, a simple configuration on the NAS end can exponentially boost network access speeds.

How is SMB Multichannel Different from Link Aggregation?

SMB Multichannel and Link Aggregation are both networking technologies, but they operate on different principles and serve different purposes.
SMB3 multichannel is a technology that increases transmission speed and fault tolerance by using multiple network interfaces simultaneously. It can distribute data transmission tasks among multiple network interfaces. When one interface fails, it can automatically switch to other interfaces for data transmission, thus improving the reliability and speed of transmission.
Link Aggregation is a technology that increases network bandwidth by aggregating multiple network interfaces. It binds together multiple network interfaces to form a logically broader network interface, thereby boosting network transfer speeds.

The Suitable Users for SMB Multichannel

SMB Multichannel is suitable for users who need to improve storage performance and bandwidth, enhance fault tolerance, support high-intensity workloads, and simplify network management. It is especially suitable for large file and multimedia audio and video transmission applications, and can significantly increase the transmission speed. 

How do I enable SMB Multichannel? 

The Steps to Enable SMB Multichannel:
1. Log in to your NAS account and access the control panel.
2. Click on the ”File Service“ and select “SMB”.
3.  On the SMB page, click on the ”Advanced” option.
4. Check the "Enable Multichannel" option to enable SMB Multichannel.
5.Click the "Apply" button to save the settings and exit the editing interface.

Plug and Play

When SMB multichannel is enabled, all network ports on the NAS are automatically discovered and aggregated automatically. No additional cumbersome configuration is required, making it extremely easy to use.