I'm new to using Docker and Linux, so I hope this is the right place to ask. I currently have my media files stored on an SMB NAS, and I'm planning to set up my Docker configurations using pure YAML instead of Portainer. I'm looking for the best way to connect my Docker containers to the SMB storage for efficient access. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
You can either mount the directory on your host and then map that volume in your Docker container, or you could use a Docker network plugin that manages the connection for you.
I've been using SMB shares successfully with Docker without issues. Just create the SMB share on the host and then utilize bind mounts like this:
/volume1/video:/video:rw
Within your container, you would access it via /video.
If your NAS also supports NFS alongside SMB, that might be a better option for you. NFS mounts tend to be more robust when you're using bind mounts on a Linux host. It could improve performance significantly.
One effective method is to set up the SMB connection directly on your host server first. Then you can pass that connection through to your Docker container. In your compose file, you would specify it like this:
volumes:
- /mnt/host_directory:/mnt/container_directory
This way, the SMB mount on your host will be accessible within the Docker container.
I hear you on the NFS benefits, but I'm concerned about compatibility with my Windows workstations. They can’t read NFS without Pro editions. I’d prefer to keep access for all my machines.