# CBS storage info

CBS servers offer two filesystem:

- **OneFS 2025 storage (/nfs)**: Since September 2025, we have a new file server which offers improved performance, and compatibility to be used with the new SLURM cluster (i.e., being capable of mounting as NFS as well as CIFS).
- **Legacy 2018 storage (/cifs)**: This file server was the default before September 2025, which will continue to be available for users and backed up. However, due to the hardware age and limited compatibility with the SLURM cluster, this type of storage will be charged at a lower rate (see [Storage fees](https://hackmd.io/@CompCore/cbs_servers#Storage-fees)).

> [!TIP] Do I need to migrate all my data to the new filesystem?
>No, unless you are going to be making heavy and repeated use of the data on the SLURM cluster.

See [**CBS servers info**](https://hackmd.io/@CompCore/cbs_servers) for the corresponding fees. To request a datashare please contact: [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])

> [!IMPORTANT]
> - **VDI servers** are capable of mounting both **/cifs and /nfs**.
> - **SLURM server** cluster can **only** mount **/nfs** (See below).

### SLURM cluster filesystems:
The SLURM cluster is only capable of mounting **NFS shares**, i.e., OneFS 2025 filesystem. We have made a scratch share (/nfs/scratch) for any users that do not have dedicated shares on the 2025 fileserver. Users can copy data from old shares to scratch, prior to making use of the data on the cluster. See the CBS SLURM wiki guide for more information.

## Managing datashare access permissions
Access to shared PI data (whether your own PI's data or collaborating with other PIs on projects) is managed by the IT Help Desk, not CBS support staff. CBS support staff do not have access to modify datashare permissions.

**To request access to datashares:**

- Submit a ticket in the Jira system: http://servicedesk.schulich.uwo.ca/
- Alternatively, contact [e-mail] and ask them to submit a ticket on your behalf
- What to include in your request:
- Your UWO username
- The datashare you need access to `/cifs/<pi_last_name>` or `/nfs/<pi_last_name>`
- Brief explanation of the collaboration or project need

## Access data shares in the CBS servers
Project datashares are automatically mounted and accessible at `/cifs/<pi_last_name>` or `/nfs/<pi_last_name>` (Depending on your lab [datashare](https://hackmd.io/@CompCore/cbs_storage)). The folders are automounted, so they will not appear in directory listings until you access them directly.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> - CBS SLURM server only supports /nfs file system.

To access your PI's datashare:

1. Navigate directly to the folder, e.g. `cd /cifs/<pi_last_name>` or `cd /nfs/<pi_last_name>`
2. The folder will be automatically mounted when accessed
3. Files remain accessible as long as your authentication ticket is valid

## Local mounting (accessing storage from your computer)
You can mount your PI's datashare on your local machine when connected to Western networks (wired, uwosecure-v2 wifi, or eduroam).

### Mac OS:

1. Use 'Connect to Server...' under the 'Go' menu
2. Enter: `cifs://bmisrv.robarts.ca/<pi_last_name>_data$` or `smb://bmisrv.robarts.ca/<PI_Last_Name>_data$`
3. Log in with username: `<westernid>@uwo.ca`

### Windows:

1. Navigate to: `\\bmisrv.robarts.ca\<pi_last_name>_data$\`
2. Log in with username: `<westernid>@uwo.ca`

### Linux:

1. Install cifs-utils: `sudo apt install cifs-utils`
2. Create mount point: `sudo mkdir -p /cifs/<pi_last_name>`
3. Mount: `sudo mount -t cifs -o <username@uwo> //bmisrv.robarts.ca/<pi_last_name>_data$ /cifs/<pi_last_name>`

> [!Note]
> You'll need to repeat step 3 after rebooting, or add a line to your `/etc/fstab` file.

## Off-campus access

- Through the CBS VDI servers.
- Local mounting requires Western VPN (Pulse Secure).

## Contact
Need help? Contact: [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])